Social Psychology

This book examines the concept of social psychology in today’s context. It analyses the theoretical concepts of social psychology and their applicationto other fields. It further explores the discipline in a cultural, historical, and philosophical context with special emphasis on religion.

The volume goes beyond individual focus and directs its attention to society as the centre of influence. It advocates for a symbiotic relationship between the concepts of social psychology and their implementation in a society transitioning from being value-oriented to commerce-oriented. The book also suggests ways in which social psychology can assist in dealing with issues plaguing today’s world.

This book will be useful to students of psychology, applied psychology, sociology, social work, public health, gender, and women studies. It will also be indispensable to professionals working in the field of paediatrics, forensic medicine, psychiatry, and law enforcement authorities like police and judiciary.

Sibnath Deb, PhD, DSc, is Professor of Applied Psychology, Pondicherry University (A Central University). He served the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (An Institute of National Importance), Government of India, as Director from January 8, 2020, to June 30, 2023. Currently, he is also Adjunct Professor at the School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia, and Member of the Board of Directors, Institute for School-Based Family Counselling, California, USA. From 2004 to 2008, he served the International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) as a Council Member. He has produced 22 PhDs and published 22 books (by Sage, Springer, Routledge, and Pearson) and more than 100 research articles. His research interests include child safety, students’ mental health, youth development, adolescent reproductive health, family relationships, and child protection. In recognition of his academic and research contribution, Prof. Deb has received many national and international awards, including “Visitor’s Award 2019” for his significant contribution to research from the Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind.

Anjali Gireesan, MSc and PhD from Pondicherry University, India, has been working as Scientist ‘C’ in the capacity of a Psychologist in Selection Centre North, Jalandhar, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India. She has five years of full-time teaching and research experience. Her areas of research interest include child development, childhood disability, child abuse and neglect, and student’s mental health.

Pooja Prabhavalkar has taught over the past 12 years at esteemed institutions like Fergusson College, Pune; Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, Pune; Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Pune; and Mithibai College of Arts, Mumbai, India. Her doctoral research looked at body image issues among young women specifically related to the phenomenon of self-objectification. She has worked as a consultant with various bodies and companies on the development and execution of teacher training programmes for schools across different states of India.

Shayana Deb holds an MSc degree in Behavioural Science from the CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, India. Currently, she is doing a second master’s degree in Youth Policy from the University of Groningen, The Netherlands. She did her undergraduate with a triple major, i.e., Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Botany. She has a special interest in child protection and youth development. She volunteered in three research projects, which developed her interest in child welfare and well-being and positive youth development.