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Identity and Sense of Belonging in Student Life
Student life is not just an academic experience, but a time of deep personal transition, search, and identity formation. It's a transition. Along with knowledge, new friendships and challenges, an internal question often arises: "Do I belong here?" In this way, it becomes necessary to answer the question, why "belonging" matters so much.
Why Study Psychology?
There are many good reasons to study Psychology. It is a very popular field due to the current demand for mental health experts. It is a well-established choice for Bachelor studies because of the excellent career prospects offered to psychology graduates, due to their wide range of transferrable skills of problem solving, critical thinking, interpersonal skills and research skills. Studying psychology leads to an evidence-based understanding of yourself, other individuals and group behaviour.
Positive Campus Culture Creating a Safe and Respectful Academic Community
In the dynamic field of higher education, fostering a positive campus culture is not only desirable but essential for academic excellence and holistic student development. The university campus is a place for learning, expression, mutual respect and personal growth. But it is also a microcosm of society, with its beauty and challenges. Among these, certain behaviors emerge that have no place in an academic community, such as bullying, sarcasm, passive aggression, and social exclusion (Rankin & Blumenfeld, 2013). Sometimes these behaviors are obvious. Other times, they are more subtle and sometimes hidden behind humor or indifferent comments. But their impact is just as real and very significant, especially in school or student communities (Sue, 2010).
Navigating Young Adulthood: Identity, Resilience, and Flourishing in Academic Life
The Journey of Becoming: Young Adulthood and Identity Challenges
According to Erikson’s (1968) theory of psychosocial development, young adults grapple with identity versus role confusion, striving to establish their place in the world. This phase is further complicated by academic stress, shifting relationships, and career uncertainties, necessitating resilience, self-efficacy, and relational adaptability.
What is the role of research in the field of Psychology?
Psychology is a vast and multifaceted field that encompasses various research methodologies, each contributing to a deeper understanding of human behavior and mental processes. While many people associate psychology research primarily with quantitative and qualitative methods, it is essential to recognize that psychological investigations also extend to experimental methods and psychometric assessments, among other techniques (Haslam et al., 2024).
Breaking Barriers: Supporting Mental Health in Stigmatised Communities
Mental health is a vital aspect of people’s lives. Access to mental health care can be challenging for everyone. Long waiting lists, unavailability of counsellors, stigma surrounding mental health treatment, time constraints, and the cost of therapy often create invisible barriers that prevent individuals from seeking therapy. However, these barriers can be even more pronounced for stigmatised minority groups such as refugees, LGBTQI+ individuals, and women. Consider the case of LGBTQI+ individuals: a recent systematic review analysing findings from 26 studies reported that the impacts of prejudice, expectations of prejudice, living a closeted life, and internalised stigma extend beyond mental health, adversely affecting physical health, immunity, risk of suicide, HIV, cardiovascular health, metabolic issues, cancer, and hormonal outcomes for over 50 per cent of the participants. (Flentje et al., 2020)
Online therapy: the mental health treatment of the future?
Though online therapy existed before 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic swung open the door for more providers to offer web-based therapy sessions. Using a device like a computer or tablet for video conferencing or a telephone for texts or calls, you connect virtually to speak with a licensed therapist. Research shows that it can be just as effective as in-person sessions for various mental health conditions. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), tens of thousands of mobile applications and digital health resources are available on demand to monitor and support mental health. These sources range from consumer-facing wellness apps to prescription digital therapeutics.
