We all know life is too short to stress ourselves over anything but still, we often experience stress. Why? Maybe because of our evolved emotional brains. Or maybe because of our personality. Or maybe due to some external unavoidable factors. Or we do not know how to handle our emotions. The answer can be many or any. If emotion-inducing stressful situations are an inevitable part of our life, then what do we have in our hands? The answer is its regulation.  

Emotions and Their Significance 

To understand emotion regulation, let us explain the meaning of emotions first. The term ‘emotion’ is difficult to define as it has been taken from an everyday discourse of people (Suri, Sheppes, & Gross, 2013). According to the dictionary of APA (American Psychological Association), emotions can be defined as, “a complex reaction pattern, involving experiential, behavioral, and physiological elements, by which an individual attempts to deal with a personally significant matter or event.” Thus, emotions consist of three key parts: one’s subjective experience of emotion, the physiological response of emotions, and behavioral response of emotions. 

Gross and Thompson (2007); the famous scholars in the field of psychology of emotions, also described three core components of emotions: 

(i) Appraisal of the situation: Emotional experience depends on the appraisal of the situation or stimuli and this appraisal depends on the process of attention and meaning assignment. Moreover, the meaning of a stimulus depends on one’s goal and if the goal changes in due course of time, the associated meaning of the stimulus also changes which leads to a change in the experience of emotions. 

(ii) Multimodal: It is a multi-faceted and whole-body phenomenon that involves changes not just at the level of subjective experience but also at the level of behavior and physiology (central and peripheral). 

(iii) Malleability: Emotions do not just influence other systems but other systems are equally capable of influencing emotions. It is this aspect of emotion which can be modulated or changed and thus most important for regulating emotions. 

Literature review on emotion suggests that it can play important roles at multiple levels. It can be a cause or/and consequence of a disease. In his pioneering book, “The deadly emotions”, Ernest Johnson (1990), proposed that anger, hostility, and aggression are responsible for several psychological problems such as depression and chronic stress. The negative consequences of emotions are not limited to psychological problems only but are also found to be an important cause of heart disease, ulcers, cancer, diabetes and hypertension. In the context of heart disease-a type of chronic disease, emotion regulation has been found to play a significant role not only in its development but also during the disease in determining illness outcome (Mauss & Gross, 2004). 

The presence of an illness specifically a chronic illness can also lead to the development of emotional problems like depression and anxiety in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, which can affect the Quality of Life (QoL) of these patients (Nouwen et al., 2010). The presence of depression has been also found to affect the quality of life negatively in diabetics (Verma et al., 2010) as well as in normal populations (Arslan et. al., 2009). Similar results have been reported for other chronic diseases like cancer (Weinbergeret, Bruce, Roth, Breitbart, & Nelson, 2011; Cataldo, Jahan, & Pongquan, 2012) and arthritis (Covic et al., 2012; Matcham, Rayner, Steer, & Hotopf, 2013).   

Since emotions play a significant role in determining our well-being, an inability to regulate them could impact our mental and physical health both negatively. Existing scientific studies have positively identified emotional dysregulation as the cause of various psychological disorders and health issues (D’ Avanzato et al., 2013; Aldao, Nolen-Hoeksema, & Schweizer, 2010). 

On the other hand, successful regulation is associated with resilience against depression and anxiety in patients (Southwick et al., 2005). Therefore, it could be concluded that emotions improve as well as deteriorate one’s overall health depending upon how we manage them. 

Emotion Regulation

Thompson (1994), has defined emotion regulation as, “all the extrinsic and intrinsic processes responsible for monitoring, evaluating, and modifying emotional reactions, especially their intensive and temporal features, to accomplish one’s goal” (p. 27-28). Whereas Gross (1998) has defined it as “the processes by which individuals influence which emotions they have when they have them, and how they experience and express these emotions” (p. 275). However, it is important that the regulation of emotions should be in accordance with the demands of society as well as the need of the individual (Cole, Michel, and Teti, 1994). 

Although, there is no consensus among scholars on what should be called ‘emotion regulation, however, existing literature does recognise Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies (CERS) as a better way of regulating emotions than any non-cognitive ways (Gross, 1998). Cognitive emotion regulation can be defined as a set of those strategies that use cognitive faculties to regulate one’s emotions. Although there are various cognitive strategies, the literature identifies four maladaptive strategies (self-blame, rumination, catastrophizing and blaming others) and five adaptive strategies (cognitive reappraisal, acceptance, positive refocusing, refocus on planning, positive reappraisal and putting into perspective) (Gross, 2002; Garnefski et al., 2001). 

Out of all these cognitive emotion regulation strategies, cognitive reappraisal is widely studied and found to be the most effective strategy. It has been found to work as a buffer to anxiety, stress and depression for various illnesses (Karademas, Tsalikou and Tallarou (2011). It involves: recognising one’s negative emotional state and then reinterpreting the situation to reduce the severity of the negative response.

For example, if someone fails in any job interview and instead of feeling dishearten, he/she may view this failure as an opportunity to improve his/her skill. This indicates that the individual practices cognitive reappraisal techniques to deal with the resulting negative emotions. Similarly, in the context of health, if someone got diagnosed with diabetes then reappraising this emotion-inducing situation as an opportunity to improve one’s lifestyle, is another example of cognitive reappraisal.

All these re-appraisals of the above-mentioned situations are not based on purely irrational thoughts but also contain a kernel of truth. Being an effective way of regulating emotions, cognitive reappraisal plays wonders by reversing our emotions back to normal. Next time when you find yourself getting involved in an emotion-inducing situation, consider reappraising it using the following strategies:

● Try to see the other side of the situation 

● Try to have other’s perspective 

● Try to acknowledge, accept the situation and then respond instead of reacting

● Try to remember every experience teaches us something even the bad ones

● Try to focus on those aspects of any situation which you can control like your response, thoughts etc.

● Let those things go which are beyond your control like how others react, their attitude etc. 

● Try to remember that the effects of bad events are temporary

● Try to be open to every experience

● Engaging in positive self-talk

● Lastly, compassion and love go long way whether with others or with ourselves. 

The article is written by Prof. (Dr.) Arti Singh, Assistant Professor, Jindal School of Psychology & Counselling (JSPC)

References

Suri, G., Sheppes, G., & Gross, J. J. (2013). Emotion regulation and cognition. In Robinson, M. D., Watkins, E. R. & Harmon-Jones, E. (Eds.). Handbook of cognition and emotion (pp. 281-291). New York, NY: Guilford.

American Psychological Association (2022). Emotions. APA Dictionary of Psychology.

Gross, J. J., & Thompson, R. A. (2007). Emotion regulation: Conceptual foundations. In Gross, J. J. (Ed.). Handbook of Emotion Regulation (3-24). Guilford press.

Johnson, E. H. (1990). The deadly emotions: The role of anger, hostility, and aggression in health and emotional well-being. Praeger Publishers.

Nouwen, A., Winkley, K., Twisk, J., Lloyd, C. E., Peyrot, M., Ismail, K., …& European Depression in Diabetes (EDID) Research Consortium. (2010). Type 2 diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for the onset of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetologia, 53(12), 2480-2486. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-010-1874-x

Verma, S. K., Luo, N., Subramaniam, M., Sum, C. F., Stahl, D., Liow, P. H., & Chong, S. A. (2010). Impact of depression on health related quality of life in patients with diabetes. Annals Academy of Medicine Singapore, 39(12), 913. https://open-access.imh.com.sg/handle/123456789/4499

Arslan, G., Ayranci, U., Unsal, A., & Arslantas, D. (2009). Prevalence of depression, its correlates among students, and its effect on health-related quality of life in a Turkish university. Upsala journal of medical sciences, 114(3), 170-177.

Weinberger, M. I., Bruce, M. L., Roth, A. J., Breitbart, W., & Nelson, C. J. (2011). Depression and barriers to mental health care in older cancer patients. International journal of geriatric psychiatry, 26(1), 21-26.

Cataldo, J. K., Jahan, T. M., & Pongquan, V. L. (2012). Lung cancer stigma, depression, and quality of life among ever and never smokers. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 16(3), 264-269.

Covic, T., Cumming, S. R., Pallant, J. F., Manolios, N., Emery, P., Conaghan, P. G., & Tennant, A. (2012). Depression and anxiety in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: prevalence rates based on a comparison of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) and the hospital, Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). BMC psychiatry, 12(1),1.

Matcham, F., Rayner, L., Steer, S., & Hotopf, M. (2013). The prevalence of depression in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Rheumatology, 52(12), 2136-2148.

D’Avanzato, C., Joormann, J., Siemer, M., & Gotlib, I. H. (2013). Emotion regulation in depression and anxiety: examining diagnostic specificity and stability of strategy use. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 37(5), 968-980.

Aldao, A., Nolen-Hoeksema, S., & Schweizer, S. (2010). Emotion-regulation strategies across psychopathology: A meta-analytic review. Clinical psychology review, 30(2), 217-237.

Southwick, S. M., Vythilingam, M., & Charney, D. S. (2005). The Psychobiology of Depression and Resilience to Stress. Annu. Rev. Clin. Psychol, 1, 255-91.

Mauss, I. B., & Gross, J., J. (2004). Emotion suppression and cardiovascular disease: Is hiding your feelings bad for your heart? In L. R. Temoshok, A. Vingerhoets, & I. Nyklicek (Eds.). The expression of emotion and health (62-81). London: Brunner-Routledge. 

Thompson, R. A. (1994). Emotion regulation: A theme in search of definition. Monographs of the society for research in child development, 59(2‐3), 25-52.

Gross, J. J. (1998). The emerging field of emotion regulation: an integrative review. Review of general psychology, 2(3), 271-299.

Cole, P. M., Michel, M. K., & Teti, L. O. D. (1994). The development of emotion regulation and dysregulation: A clinical perspective. Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development, 59(2‐3), 73-102.

Gross, J. J. (2002). Emotion regulation: Affective, cognitive, and social consequences. Psychophysiology, 39(3), 281-291.

Garnefski, N., Kraaij, V., & Spinhoven, P. (2001). Negative life events, cognitive emotion regulation and emotional problems. 10.1016/j.paid.2006.04.010 Personality and Individual differences, 30(8), 1311-1327.

Karademas, E. C., Tsalikou, C., & Tallarou, M. C. (2011). The impact of emotion regulation and illness-focused coping strategies on the relation of illnessrelated negative emotions to subjective health. Journal of Health Psychology, 16(3), 510-519.

After completing a master’s in psychology, individuals can step into neuropsychology to explore the intricate connections between the brain and behaviour. 

Introduction to Neuropsychology 

Neuropsychology studies the brain’s impact on behavior and cognitive processes. It is a discipline that bridges the gap between understanding the neurological underpinnings of psychological phenomena and applying this knowledge to clinical practice. Neuropsychologists work with patients who have suffered from brain injuries, neurological diseases, or developmental disorders, employing various assessment tools to diagnose and devise treatment plans. 

What is Neuropsychology? 

At its essence, neuropsychology is concerned with the intricate connections between the brain and behavior. It involves the application of principles from both neurology and psychology to understand how changes in brain structure and function can influence a person’s cognitive abilities and behaviors. This field is pivotal in diagnosing and treating conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and learning disabilities. 

Major Career Opportunities in Neuropsychology

A career in neuropsychology can be incredibly rewarding, offering a range of opportunities to work in clinical settings, research, academia, or private practice. If you want to know how to become a neuropsychologist, there are several steps you can take to get started. First, you’ll need to earn a doctoral degree in psychology, such as a PhD in neuropsychology in India. This typically involves completing coursework, practicum experiences, and an internship. After graduation, you must complete a postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology before becoming licensed to practice. 

Discover a range of career in Neuropsychology options – 

• Clinical Neuropsychology: Practitioners in this area focus on assessing and treating individuals with neurological disorders. They conduct comprehensive evaluations to understand the impact of brain injuries or diseases on cognitive function and behavior. Clinical neuropsychologists often work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private clinics. 
• Research and Academia: Neuropsychologists contribute significantly to scientific knowledge by researching brain function, cognition, and disorders. Opportunities exist in universities, research institutions, and laboratories, allowing professionals to explore and advance our understanding of the brain. 
• Therapy and Counseling: Some neuropsychologists specialize in providing therapeutic interventions for individuals with cognitive and neurological challenges. They may collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement treatment plans. 
• Forensic Neuropsychology: This specialized field involves applying neuropsychological expertise to legal cases. Professionals may evaluate individuals involved in legal matters to assess their cognitive functioning and provide insights into how neurological factors may impact behavior. 

Scope of Neuropsychologist Profession in India

Neuropsychology scope in India is expanding, with increasing demand and recognition for professionals in this field.

• Increasing Demand: There is a rising demand for qualified neuropsychologists in Indian hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and academic institutions. As awareness about mental health and cognitive rehabilitation grows, so does the need for professionals who can address these concerns. 
• Recognition and Awareness: The career in neuropsychology in India is gaining recognition. As society becomes more aware of the intricate connection between brain health and overall well-being, the importance of neuropsychological services is acknowledged. 
• Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals: Neuropsychologists in India have opportunities to collaborate with other healthcare professionals including neurologists, psychiatrists, and rehabilitation specialists. This interdisciplinary approach enhances the effectiveness of interventions and promotes a holistic approach to patient care. 
• Research and Education Initiatives: As academic institutions in India focus more on neuroscience and mental health, neuropsychologists have increased opportunities to engage in research and contribute to educational initiatives. 
• Competitive Neuropsychologist Salary: The profession offers a competitive salary, reflecting the specialized skills and expertise required in neuropsychology. As the demand for neuropsychological services rises, professionals can expect rewarding remuneration that recognizes their crucial role in the healthcare ecosystem. 

Skills That a Neuropsychologist Needs 

To excel as a neuropsychologist, one must possess certain skills like- 

• Solid Foundation: Build a strong understanding of psychological theories and neuroscientific research, laying the groundwork for success in neuropsychology. 
• Critical Thinking: Develop keen critical thinking skills to analyze complex cases and draw meaningful conclusions, contributing to the advancement of the field. 
• Empathy: Foster a high level of empathy to connect with individuals facing neurological challenges, establishing trust and rapport in your professional relationships. 
• Patience: Exercise patience, recognizing that progress in neuropsychological interventions may take time, particularly in cognitive rehabilitation scenarios. 
• Clear Communication: Hone clear and effective communication skills to convey complex neurological concepts in an understandable manner, whether dealing with clients and colleagues or presenting research findings.
• Testing Proficiency: Master administering and interpreting neuropsychological tests, a fundamental skill for accurately assessing cognitive function and tailoring interventions. 
• Continuous Learning: Stay informed about the latest research in neuropsychology, ensuring that your practice reflects current insights and methodologies. Cultivating these skills enhances your effectiveness as a neuropsychologist and contributes significantly to the well-being and understanding of individuals facing neurological issues. 

Understanding Neuropsychiatry: Bridging Mind and Brain

Neuropsychiatry is a medical field that merges the expertise of neurology and psychiatry to address and treat mental disorders that have a definitive neurological origin. The neuropsychiatry meaning encompasses this holistic approach to understanding and managing conditions that affect both the mind and the brain. It differs from neurology and psychology in that it specifically targets the psychiatric aspects of neurological disorders. The difference between neurologist and psychologist is significant; neurologists focus on the physical aspects of the nervous system, while psychologists deal with mental health and behavioral issues. As for professionals in this field, a neurophysiologist salary can vary widely based on factors such as location, experience, and the complexity of the cases they handle. Those interested in the broader field of neuroscience might consider how to become a neuroscientist, which typically involves extensive education and research, leading to a deep understanding of the nervous system and its impact on human behavior. 

How to Make a Career in Neuropsychology 

Starting a career in neuropsychology requires a dedicated educational path. After completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, aspiring neuropsychologists in India should pursue a master’s degree in neuropsychology or clinical psychology. A PhD in neuropsychology in India can further enhance one’s expertise and open up opportunities for advanced research and teaching positions. Practical experience through internships and residencies is also crucial.

In conclusion, neuropsychology is a dynamic and evolving field with a promising future, especially in India. To excel in this profession, aspiring neuropsychologists must be prepared for rigorous academic training and continuous learning. With dedication and the right skill set, a career in neuropsychology can be both intellectually stimulating and immensely rewarding. The journey to becoming a neuropsychologist is one of dedication, passion, and a commitment to improving the lives of individuals with neurological conditions. It is a path that promises both personal fulfillment and professional growth.

91̽��- Jindal School of Psychology & Counselling 

Aspiring psychologists seeking a transformative educational experience need look no further than 91̽�� (JGU) and its renowned Jindal School of Psychology & Counselling (JSPC). Explore a comprehensive curriculum, learn from esteemed faculty, gain real-world experience through internships, and develop critical thinking skills—all in a vibrant academic environment that fosters personal growth. Start your fulfilling journey in psychology at JGU!

It is certainly understandable, even today, that some people experience stress and anxiety, characterized by feelings of nervousness, worry, or unease. People remain concerned about becoming infected, the health and safety of loved ones, economic disruptions, instability in family routines, and other disruptions to daily life. People may feel overwhelmed and unable to deal with day-to-day activities when stress and anxiety are extremely intense or persistent. Mental distress can also weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to the coronavirus and all manner of physical illness. 

Fortunately, a return to normalcy seems to be finally upon us. By way of illustration, 91̽�� (JGU) welcomed back students this past March, reopening the main campus. While a departure from mandated quarantine is welcomed by most—allowing people to return to work or study, engage in outside activities, and socialize—it can also be a source of concern or dread. Post-quarantine anxiety may occur, for example, when one finds themselves surrounded by large crowds of people after such a prolonged period of limited social exposure. While returning to normalcy can be challenging, it is an important step toward the restoration of one’s mental health. Not to say such changes are easy. A 2021 survey by the American Psychological Association found nearly half of all survey respondents (49%) felt anxious about a return to person-to-person interactions.

Stress, especially chronic or prolonged stress, can have profound effects on the body. Stress is known to activate the so-called HPA axis, involving the Hypothalamus, Pituitary gland, and Adrenal glands. The end result is the release of adrenaline and a stress hormone called cortisol. Prolonged elevations in cortisol, due to chronic stress, exerts deleterious effects on the gastrointestinal system and many other parts of the body. Cortisol, for example, drives an elevation in both heart rate and blood pressure—preparing individuals for fight-or-flight—which is tied to a variety of cardiovascular issues. As such, long-term stress can increase an individual’s risk for hypertension, heart attack, or stroke. A less severe, but no less disruptive consequence of chronic stress involves muscle tension—imagine someone gritting their teeth. Musculoskeletal pain is also associated with both tension- and migraine headaches which can be highly disruptive in a person’s day-to-day living.

Of course, there is no single approach for dealing with stress and anxiety. However, a proactive approach to self-care and mindfulness will go a long way toward healing and repairing the physical and psychological toll of covid-19. It is important, when possible, to not do it alone—mental health is a collective responsibility and requires sustained efforts by individuals, families, and communities. To that end, it is well established that the use of appropriate precautionary behaviour, including face masks and social distancing, can ease one’s anxiety, allowing individuals to feel more confident in their ability to effectively manage social interactions. Such behaviour should be encouraged, not disparaged. Maintaining, or reestablishing, social connections with family, friends, and colleagues—whether online or in person—can help ease social anxiety. Relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises have also been shown to effectively reduce muscle tension and increase one’s psychological well-being. Alterations in sleep, including insomnia, are common symptoms of anxiety. It is imperative, therefore, to maintain a normal sleep-wake cycle and attain proper rest each night. It is also vital to stay physically active and exercise—maintaining a healthy body is one of the best ways to sustain a healthy mind. Finally, excessive consumption of licit or illicit substances, such as alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, or narcotics, should be avoided. Such substances may provide short-term stress relief, but they typically prolong and exacerbate anxiety in the long run.

Providing guidance and counsel on mental health issues is one goal of the Jindal School of Psychology & Counselling (JSPC) at the 91̽�� in Sonipat, India. Offering a three-year B.A. (Hons.) programme in Psychology, JSPC has quickly established itself as a premier programme in undergraduate education. This August, JSPC and our academic partner, the Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences (JIBS), will initiate a Master’s degree in Applied Psychology. The two-year programme offers three specializations: Community Psychology, Forensic and Investigative Psychology, and Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

The undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are designed to provide the means and opportunities for students to stretch themselves intellectually and reach their full potential in psychology and beyond. The mission of JSPC is to nurture and educate the next generation of psychologists to assist those in need and to better prepare the country for future mental health crises.

The article is written by Prof. (Dr.) Derick H. Lindquist, Professor and Dean, Jindal School of Psychology & Counselling (JSPC).

Psychology is the scientific study of human mind and behaviour. It is a fascinating and diverse field that explores various aspects of human experience, such as cognition, emotion, personality, development, social interaction, and mental health. Psychology can help us understand ourselves and others better, and improve our well-being and quality of life. 

What is BA Psychology? 

If you are interested in psychology and want to pursue a career in this field, you may consider enrolling in a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology programme. A BA in Psychology is a three-year undergraduate degree that provides you with a solid foundation in the core concepts, theories, and methods of psychology. It also allows you to explore different subfields and applications of psychology, such as clinical, counselling, educational, organizational, forensic, and more. A BA in Psychology can open up a wide range of opportunities for you, both academically and professionally. 

Scope After BA Psychology

Psychology is a rapidly growing and evolving field that has many applications in various domains of life. As a BA in Psychology graduate, you will have the scope for BA psychology to pursue further studies in psychology or related disciplines, such as neuroscience, sociology, education, law, and more. 

Moreover, you will have the opportunity to explore the BA psychology scope in abroad, as many countries offer attractive options for higher education and employment in psychology. Whether you choose to pursue a BA hons psychology scope or a regular BA psychology scope, you will find that psychology is a rewarding and exciting field that can help you make a positive difference in the world. If you are interested in pursuing a BA in psychology in India, you can check out some of the best institutes for BA psychology scope in India, such as 91̽�� (JGU).

Various career paths that help you answer ‘What Can I do with a BA in Psychology?’ are: 

1. Mental health Professional: You can work as a counsellor, therapist, or psychologist, providing psychological assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to individuals, groups, or organizations. 
2. Educator: You can work as a teacher, trainer, or instructor, imparting psychological knowledge and skills to students, employees, or clients. 
3. Researcher: You can work as a researcher, conducting scientific studies and experiments to investigate various psychological phenomena and questions. 

Reasons Why you Should Study Psychology

Psychology is not only a rewarding and exciting career choice, but also a valuable and enriching personal experience. Studying psychology can help you: 

1. Develop critical thinking and analytical skills: Psychology teaches you how to think scientifically and logically, how to evaluate evidence and arguments, and how to solve problems and make decisions. 
2. Enhance communication and interpersonal skills: Psychology teaches you how to communicate effectively and empathetically, how to listen and understand others, and how to work collaboratively and constructively. 
3. Increase self-awareness and personal growth: Psychology teaches you how to reflect on your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, how to identify and cope with your strengths and weaknesses, and how to set and achieve your goals. 

Career Paths in BA Psychology 

As mentioned earlier, a BA in Psychology can lead to various career paths in different fields and sectors. However, if you want to pursue a career that is directly related to psychology, you will need to obtain higher qualifications and credentials, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, a license, or a certification. Some of the common career paths in psychology are: 

1. Clinical Psychology: Clinical psychologists work with individuals, groups, or organizations, using various methods, such as psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, or psychopharmacology, to help them overcome their difficulties and improve their functioning. 
2. Counselling Psychology:  Counselling psychologists work with individuals, groups, or organizations, using various techniques, such as counselling, coaching, or mediation, to help them achieve their goals and enhance their well-being.
3.  Educational Psychology: Educational psychologists work with students, teachers, parents, or administrators, using various tools, such as assessment, intervention, curriculum development, or policy making, to help them optimize their learning and teaching potential and performance. 

These are just some of the examples of the career paths in psychology. 

FAQs

Q: Which psychology course is best?

A: There is no one best psychology course, as it depends on your interests, goals, and preferences. You can consider factors such as level, duration, mode, accreditation, curriculum, specialization, eligibility, fees, and career prospects of the course. 

Q: Which stream is best for psychology, is psychology a science or art?

A: Psychology can be studied from various streams, such as science, arts, or commerce, depending on your perspective and approach. Psychology is both a science and an art, as it involves empirical and experimental investigation, as well as creative and expressive interpretation, of human behavior and mental processes. 

Q: What to do after BA psychology?

A: After BA psychology, you can pursue higher studies in psychology or related fields, or you can look for jobs in various sectors and domains, such as mental health, education, social welfare, corporate, media, etc. You can also start your own venture or consultancy, where you can offer your psychological services or products. 

Q: What jobs can you get with a BA in psychology? 

A: With a BA in psychology, you can get jobs such as clinical psychologist, counselor, teacher, social worker, recruiter, content writer, etc. However, you may need to obtain higher qualifications and credentials, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, a license, or a certification, for some of these jobs. 

Q: Can I do MBA after BA psychology, what jobs can I get with a BA in psychology and an MBA? 

A: Yes, you can do MBA after BA psychology, if you meet the eligibility and admission criteria of the MBA program. MBA is a postgraduate degree in business administration, which covers various aspects of management. With a BA in psychology and an MBA, you can get jobs such as marketing manager, human resource manager, business analyst, etc. 

Q: Please tell about BA psychology scope in abroad.

A: BA psychology is a degree that can open up many opportunities and scope in abroad, as psychology is a universal and diverse field. You can benefit from exposure and experience of different psychological theories, practices, and perspectives, as well as different social and cultural norms and values. You can also pursue higher education and research, or career and employment, in psychology in abroad. 

Why choose 91̽�� (JGU) for BA in Psychology? 

While Psychology as an undergraduate programme is offered at several institutes, the 91̽�� (JGU) through its Jindal School of Psychology & Counselling (JSPC) offers a three-year multidisciplinary degree in Psychology committed to studying human mental behaviour and processes. 

Students at JSPC will experience a vibrant intellectual community and receive a comprehensive education in practice, psychological theory, and experimentation. The course aims to instill the necessary skills and knowledge for each student’s academic and personal growth, encouraging the next generation of professional leaders in psychology, counselling, and related fields. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (BA Psychology) offers a wide range of career opportunities and scope for those who wish to pursue a career in psychology, counseling, or related fields. 91̽�� (JGU), with its Jindal School of Psychology & Counselling (JSPC), provides a unique and comprehensive education in psychology that prepares students for their academic and personal growth, and encourages them to become professional leaders in their chosen fields.

Evolution of Behavioural Finance

Following the work of Richard Thaler, Daniel Kahneman, Amos Tversky and others a new branch of Economics was born. Although the use of behavioral factors in explaining individual and collective choice is not new, work by Thaler and others was responsible in formalizing the discipline. Some of the leading economists from the 18^th to the first half of the 20^th century such as Adam Smith, John Maynard Keynes and Irving Fisher had already brought aspects of human psychology and behavior into their writings. However, the rational expectations revolution of the second half of the 20^th century made almost everyone believe in the rational optimization behavior of agents which dominated the economics and finance field.

What is behavioral finance? What do they contribute to our understanding of financial markets? These questions are perhaps best understood by some examples:

Thaler was a graduate student at the University of Rochester in the early 1970s. He was working on a dissertation on the value of human life when one day he decided to conduct some surveys and stumbled upon one of the fundamental results in behavioral economics known as the ‘endowment effect’:  in his survey participants were asked how much they would be willing to pay to reduce their probability of dying over the next year by 0.001. He also asked them how much they would need to be paid in order to accept an 0.001 increase in this probability.        

After collecting this data, Thaler noticed something curious: the amount people were willing to pay to reduce their probability of dying was much lower than the amount they required in order to accept an increase in this probability, even though traditional economic theory predicted that the two quantities would be roughly equal.

This resulted in the ‘endowment effect’ literature where the amount people are willing to pay for an object of economic value is much lower than the amount they are willing to accept in order to give the object up.

Such theories where the psychology of the human brain is brought in to explain behavioural anomalies in human and market behaviour has led to the birth of and Behavioural Finance. There are many factors that go into decision making apart from selfish rationalism. These include cognitive, cultural, psychological, emotional and social factors. Some of the theories that have been developed following the pioneering work of Thaler are: nudge theory, bounded rationality, prospect theory, herd behaviour etc.

Why study Behavioral Finance?

The main difference between traditional finance and behavioral finance is the fact that traditional finance theories require the assumption that agents are rational. This is equivalent to assuming that no other factors apart from their narrow self-interest and rationality affect their behavior. While rationality is a sensible thing to assume, surely the decisions that agents take with regard to finance are affected by their culture, emptions, social norms and psychological/cognitive factors.

Behavioral finance tries to find explanations with regard to when and why people deviate from rational behavior and rational expectations. This does not mean behavioral finance gets rid of rational behavior and relies on irrationality. As Kenneth Arrow said – there can be no theory if there is no rationality. Instead, behavioral finance builds on traditional rationality to include behavioral traits to create a more nuanced understanding of financial decisions.

A good understanding of psychology, economics and social sciences will help a finance professional develop long-term relationship with their clients. Ultimately the decisions made in the financial markets are by humans and therefore a financial advisor needs to take into consideration the human elements of their clients while they provide investment advice or conduct financial analysis. The complex nature of human beings is best disentangled when finance professionals take into consideration emotions and psychological factors.

The Nobel Prize winning economist Daniel Kahneman, investors who invest on their own make ‘large and expensive’ mistakes. This is why investment firms, whether it be portfolio management or wealth management firms, need to be aware of the biases that inevitably creep in while making decisions. This is what Richard Thaler calls ‘anomalies’.

One example of such a bias is called ‘recency bias’. This bias arises when investors seek information that reinforces their own or their peers’ established perceptions. In volatile markets, investors may overestimate the risk in their portfolio and rotate towards safety assets without any economic or fundamental reason for it. On the other hand, positive short term gains can lead to investors taking unnecessary risks.

Careers in Behavioral Finance

Being a new field of inquiry, behavioral finance poses many questions that have not been researched earlier. The availability of high frequency data and advanced software now make it possible for researchers – both in academia and corporate firms to analyze the irregularities in financial markets and come up with detailed explanations as to why these irregularities occur. And how does an investor protect themselves from making large and expensive mistakes and pick investment avenues which are best for them.

In academics the pursuit of unique and innovative research questions can be a lot of fun. In today’s world, firms who invest in hiring researchers with proper training in how financial markets operate will beat those who do not. Therefore, the understanding of behavioral aspects of finance can help in building exciting careers both in academia and industry. The true competitive advantage is knowledge and those who understand finance from a behavioral point of view, in addition to the conventional theories will always have a competitive edge. The large financial industry, in India and abroad is always on the lookout for well-trained professionals who enjoy learning, researching and taking action on the basis of their research. Financial advisors need to find the right balance between what their clients want and what they need. And this can only be done with a good understanding of finance, cognitive biases and psychological factors that go into decision-making.

Afterall we are humans, not robotic self-interest ‘rational economics actors’, right?

The article is written by Prof. Soumyadip Roy, Associate Professor and Assistant Dean (VITAL), Jindal School of Banking & Finance, 91̽��

However, this excitement also came with a bag full of anxiety, belonging to a family of engineers, my decision of pursuing psychology was taken as a surprise by many. I, on the other hand, was curious to know all about the school and what it offers me for the next three years. With this mixed feeling, I attended my first class as a student of B.A. (Hons.) Psychology, Jindal School of Psychology & Counselling (JSPC) and I have not lamented my decision to join Jindal School of Psychology and Counselling for a single second since then

Many of my school friends and family members ask me ‘Why I chose Psychology’ or question that I could have easily pursued engineering. My answer always remains the same ‘To understand more about individual behavior, mind and how human behavior impacts action’. The facilities provided by JSPC moulded me and taught me about many aspects of the human psyche that are hidden yet have an impression on us in a variety of ways, as well as the up-to-date and well-rounded coursework

In the last seven months, JSPC’s widening coverage has not only given me a better understanding of everyone, including myself, whether it be through the application of multiple theories or a better understanding of behaviour and possible causes, but it has also given me a purpose to look more deeply into the field of psychology.

According to me, JSPC has aided and provided me with the opportunity to work with a variety of people who have diverse ideas, allowing me to better understand their perspectives. JSPC is like a safe haven where everyone may express their opinions without fear of being condemned. I appreciate the learning process and the debates that take place in class about things that people try to avoid or avoid discussing.”

-The article is a first hand account of Ansh Bharara, Student at Jindal School of Psychology & Counselling, 91̽��.

I was exposed to some situations as I grew up that I knew were wrong. Situations which I thought I could have benefitted from, but I was unable to get it due to lack of awareness. However, I was unable to advocate for myself or others, which made me feel hopeless. I wanted to say so much but it could not due to my lack of understanding and knowledge of the issues. After that, I resolved to become more aware of the difficulties and to create a profession by assisting individuals whose voices had gone unheard of, and to utilize my knowledge to help them. That is when I decided to make a career out of psychology and give back to society.

Studying Psychology, as we all know, is an emotional rollercoaster, especially if you have had a difficult past or are having a difficult present. When I was learning specific things, I went through a similar emotional rollercoaster. However, it provided me with a broader perspective on how to handle circumstances and make better judgments than I had previously. This issue not only made me more conscious of myself, but it also made me more aware of and compassionate about what others may be going through. It strengthened my belief in the quote I mentioned earlier. The professors at 91̽�� (JGU) made the entire experience very enjoyable and knowledgeable, from discovering how I could better handle myself and situations to being more sympathetic and pursuing a very wonderful educational path. The friendly class discussions, assignments, and projects allowed us to open up and talk about the things that shaped us into the people we are now.

JGU was the best place for me to get my psychology undergraduate degree. I knew this university would present me with a plethora of chances and ways to maximize my participation in the course I had applied for. Even though I spent my first semester of college virtually, the learning has been as amazing as I could have hoped for if we were on campus. I cannot think of another college that compares to JGU in terms of giving everything at its top level, including class discussions, efforts put in by our professors, and study material offered by the College. Constant discussions before and after exams, healthy competitions between me and my friends to see who could score the best, and the constant effort put in for statistics (math was never my strongest subject), all helped me go out of my comfort zone and do things I never thought I could do!

The level of exposure here at JGU is unmatched and unparalleled. I came here expecting it to be extremely tough for me to adjust to everything, particularly because of the online environment, but Jindal, being the wonderful college that it is, made it so easy and pleasant for me to acclimate to everything, even in an online environment. One of the many things I’ve learned at JGU is that our dreams and aspirations have no bounds, and that we must believe in ourselves no matter how difficult things appear to be at the time, because things will always fall into place if we do.

I want to thank JGU and more importantly, my JSPC family for all the constant support I have received from their end. I cannot wait to come to campus and make the most of all the amazing facilities that the university offers for us. I am really looking forward to all the opportunities and chances that this university has to offer me in the remaining years of my college career. JGU has and will continue to assist me in making the best possible use of the opportunities presented to me.

The article is a first hand account of Riddhi Mukherjee, Student at Jindal School of Psychology & Counselling

From school, I have been presented with a number of responsibilities that expected me to either learn or have leadership characteristics. Being the President of a profoundly prolific Interact club sponsored by Rotary aided me in the development of leadership skills. I led the group of 50+ students and was entrusted with a ton of responsibilities and work on my shoulders. Through bad days and good days, I learnt the importance of patience and the art to sustain it in diverse circumstances. Apart from the skills and knowledge, I also realized that for my higher education I need a degree and a college that allows me to experiment, try out new things and be the best version of myself. O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), was hence a dream come true.

When I got through the admission process at Jindal School of Psychology, 91̽�� (JGU) and my classes began, I wanted to accomplish something more than just attending lectures. The faculty members give me the space and time to incorporate creativity in all aspects of our education. We are given numerous opportunities to encounter what it resembles to be a leader.

The main viewpoint for fostering specific abilities is through taking part in different clubs and societies in the college. Probably the best opportunity that was given to us was that many clubs were searching for freshers regardless of whether they have any experience with what the occupation requested yet are willing to learn. Be it the Entrepreneurship club or Rotary club among numerous others, they permit us to gain from them. How could I possibly ignore these opportunities?

Since I am part of the inaugural batch of Jindal School of Psychology & Counselling, I alongside a friend of mine considered beginning a psychology club. Albeit, it is still in the process of becoming the official club of our university, the way that we are permitted to do something like this that is to begin another club with a vision and pristine aims was amazing and staggeringly supportive. This is the place where I got an opportunity from the university to show my leadership skills and even generally further improve it.

With regards to classroom presentations and group assignments, there may not be an assigned leader yet responsibilities are there. Through this, I learn, everyday a very important aspect of leadership that is teamwork. Even if my friends and I are working on a presentation at midnight we make sure that it is completed and rehearsed. The professors exceptionally always support us in our projects, and preparations and ensure that what we do is top-notch.

I’m amazingly grateful to JGU, and the faculties for giving us this opportunity. I believe that this will be unimaginably useful in times to come. Presently, there’s a lot that is yet to be discovered at JGU and I am looking forward to accomplishing all I can at this truly diverse and global university.”

The article is a first hand account of Rananjai Pratap Singh, Student, at Jindal School of Psychology & Counselling.

No matter how many years of exam-giving experience we’ve garnered, sitting down to give another one of those always evokes some stressful emotions. Especially if the exams in question are a rather significant milestone in our educational life.

What’s more challenging for the students of this academic year and the one before it, is that they didn’t have the chance to get a gist of the process through preparatory tests at school, and must now face their finals.
 
This could trigger some stress and/or anxiety for not just the students, but also their families who witness their loved ones undergoing this period. There may even be moments when family expectations themselves become a contributing factor to the pressure experienced by the child.

It is therefore important to acknowledge those emotions and equip ourselves with tools to manage them, to deliver our best performance.

So, to all the young minds reading this, here is a range of solutions for a problem that will soon be a mere anecdote to sigh over!

Set Realistic Goals

You know yourself well enough by now to know that keeping the last day to revise ten topics is a bad idea. Thus, divide your preparation in a way that you’re able to capitalize on the time you have, to achieve the most you can.

Spend some time understanding the allocation of marks for each topic and cover the meatiest portions first. This takes care of slicing the study material into easily approachable chunks, systematically reduces the pressure by each passing day, and helps you stay organized!

Own the Prep

Think of your exams as a short-term creative project. Do your best to make the preparation as interesting as possible. If you’re a theatre buff who doesn’t like History, Akbar’s Empire is your next script. A dancer who was told Maths is not your thing? Well, 5-6-7-8 your way into those formulas! A brain that can retain choreography is smart enough to solve an equation (it’s Science, your Cerebellum knows what we mean).

If you’re a visual learner who finds the textbook drab, flash cards are your go-to! Similarly, there are endless ways to customize your preparation to suit your interests.

Schedule Mandatory Breaks

The average adolescent’s concentration span is about forty minutes. Don’t stretch your study sessions beyond an hour in one go, or you’ll invite counterproductivity, which in turn, lays the seed for procrastination.

Give those forty minutes your hundred percent, and take a five-to-ten-minute break wherein you drink water, or grab a snack, take a short walk, stretch, etc. based on what your body needs at that moment.

Here’s the golden rule, don’t sacrifice your sleep. Your cognitive faculties become compromised when your brain hasn’t had adequate rest. Additionally, your body will need an extra day to recover from a sleepless night, and that could interfere with your next exam!

This is Not the Only Thing That Defines You

You are more than just your marks. Repeat that to yourself each time the pressure begins to get to you. If the constant discourse around you focuses on the importance of these marks as a means to land a good job, then that’s all it is, a discourse, and not the final truth.

Your employers will look beyond your scores and will be interested in the overall strengths that you bring to the table. Classroom discussions, internships, events, hobbies, those are the things that really develop your competence. So, the job part? Future-You has that sorted.

Keep Your Perspective Long-Term

Remember, as important as an exam may be, at the end of the day, it is just an exam. Treat it like one.

Five or ten years later, when you look back at your study years, these exams are not the part you will recall most fondly. It’ll be the moments spent laughing with your friends, discussing matters of intrigue with your teachers, and all the things that made you smile while you were there.

Lastly, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to a friend or family member. An elder member who’s been through this will be able to offer a valuable perspective, and a friend who’s sailing in the same boat will remind you that you’ll both be able to swim to the shore together!

���ܳٳ�ǰ�:��Samreen Chhabra, Research Fellow at Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences, 91̽��

It wasn’t very long ago when the pandemic took our sufficiently topsy-turvy world and gave it a plot twist none of us could imagine. But as plot twists usually go, this one too found its place in the larger scheme of the story.

What began with utter disbelief on our part, was soon overcome by our universal tendency to adapt. A few days after the first lockdown, pandemic-oriented vocabulary had penetrated our homes to the extent that toddlers who were previously struggling to pronounce their own names were now effortlessly using the words ‘quarantine’, ‘symptom’, ‘sanitise’ and so on.

This is what human beings do. We get exposed to what we’re afraid of, and soon enough, it becomes a part of us.

As Leah East , “we build stories around the things we like, to make them stick around longer; and around the things we don’t like, to soften their blow. It’s one of the many ways we practice resilience.”

However, at times, the story gets bigger than us. Its magnitude can have a power over us that is often difficult to detect, let alone battle. Such is the case with conspiracy beliefs.

In the context of the pandemic, it only took us a few weeks to construct elaborate tales that deemed COVID-19 as one of China’s conspiracies to aid its mission of world domination. Another faction held the World Health Organisation as a co-conspirator, and yet another (depending on where you got your WhatsApp forwards from), considered it a Trump-iracy.

 “…it is when we feel particularly uncertain, do we turn to conspiracy theories for an explanation.”

In contemporary times, as explain, more concerning than a dearth of information is the acquisition of unreasonable beliefs not backed by evidence. This isn’t just true for the pandemic, but rather for many of the belief systems to which we subscribe. Be it our attitude towards a new policy, the news, or even a particular group of people. It has become increasingly tempting to construe everyday occurrences as part of a bigger narrative controlled by a small group of people.

Perhaps we can attribute our indulgence in conspiracy beliefs to a phenomenon known as apophenia, or illusory pattern perception i.e our tendency to perceive meaningful connections between unrelated stimuli. While apophenia is an appealing starting point for explaining our intrigue for conspiracy beliefs, it doesn’t quite explain our commitment to them.

So why do these beliefs persist? Who is more likely to believe them, and why?

A by Karen M. Douglas and colleagues in 2017 categorised the factors that may motivate people to engage with conspiracy beliefs as epistemic, existential or social.

Epistemic factors are concerned with people’s attempt to make sense of their environment. Hence, it is when we feel particularly uncertain, do we turn to conspiracy theories for an explanation. This can be understood with our knowledge of the surge of conspiracy theories surrounding certain periods in history such as the two World Wars, the Cold War, and most recently the Covid-19 pandemic.

Existential factors pertain to restoring a sense of security and autonomy over one’s life. Thus, a sense of powerlessness may drive us to find comfort in conspiracy beliefs.

Lastly, Social factors such as the desire to have access to information others may not have, or to think of one’s ingroup as morally right and an outgroup as the evildoer may motivate us to conform to these beliefs.

With the knowledge of what may cause these beliefs to stick around, can we minimise misinformation?

Emerging research in the field deems this as a daunting task, but not an impossible one. The mechanisms to accomplish the same are preventive, rather than antidotary. This can be traced to the fact that conspiracy beliefs operate on a vulnerable cognitive state and can thus solidify into strong attitudes, which in turn, are hard to dispute.

The provision of factual information along with warnings that prepare people to expect misinformation can act as an effective tool against the propagation of conspiracy theories. On a personal scale, reading those WhatsApp forwards with a pinch of salt, and verifying content before forwarding is the key here.

At a more fundamental level, the development and encouragement of critical thinking within educational ecosystems can go a long way in how we approach, synthesise, perceive and share information.

In sum, we’re guided by an inherent tendency to detect patterns in randomness, find a sense of solace in narratives that support those patterns and seem to be controlled by others; and yet we’re somehow supposed to call them out by trusting our own rationale?

That’s quite a bucketload.

One could almost say our evolutionary mechanisms have conspired against us, but we know better than that now. Don’t we?

Author: Samreen Chhabra, Research Fellow at Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences, 91̽��