Title: A review of mental health responses to pandemics

Abstract:

Objective: Author reviewed the literature published from 2005 regarding mental health responses to pandemics. Method: The review began with a computerized literature search. Further sources were located through citations from articles identified in the original search. Results: The author synthesized the contents of the articles reviewed using the categories of 1) Identifying the mental health related implications of a pandemic as well as effects from being in quarantine 2) Effects on healthcare professionals 3) Identifying high risk populations 4) Optimizing screening protocols 5) Administering intervention and treatment effectively 6) Evidence based treatments targeting mental health symptoms Conclusion: Prior research has shown that there can be profound mental health related effects from a pandemic and those who are already dealing with mental illness have an exacerbation of symptoms. High risk populations should be identified with heightened screening, and appropriate evidence-based interventions administered which can help decrease mental health related symptoms.

Biography:

Anandhi Narasimhan is a double board certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist in Los Angeles, California in the U.S.A. She has had numerous media appearances including CNN, CNN International, USA Today, E!, The Tavis Smiley Show, Fox News, Vice, etc. She completed her adult psychiatry residency at Duke University Medical Center and her child psychiatry fellowship at UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Narasimhan also received the “Hind Rattan” Award or Jewel of India award for her contributions to medicine and media. She is also an asylum evaluator for Physicians for Human Rights and involved in research looking into using digital therapeutics and artificial intelligence to improve early detection and interventions.

Title: Mediating Effects of Self Concept and Social Identity between Peer Relations and Delinquency

Abstract:

Adolescent delinquency is a growing concern in different parts of the world and role of peer relations in delinquent behavior is well-researched subject. However, relationship between peer relations, self-concept , social identity, and delinquency is less known. This study examined the mediating effects of self-concept and social identity between peer relations and delinquency among adolescents in Pakistan. Survey research design was used through convenient sampling to collect data. The sample comprised of adolescents (N = 498; 218 female and 280 male adolescents) aged 11-18 years old. Participants provided data on questionnaires measuring self-concept, social identity, peer relations, and delinquency. Findings revealed that peer relation has significant impact on delinquency behavior and social identity of adolescents. However, peer relation was not found connected with self-concept significantly. Findings further indicated that social identity played meditating role between the relationship of peer relation and delinquency while self-concept did not mediate the impact of peer relation on delinquency. This study is helpful in determining factors leading to delinquency behavior and how delinquency behavior can be reduced by working on self-concept and social identity.

Biography:

Afra Mahmood holds degree of Master of Philosophy in Applied Psychology from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan. She served as Psychologist at Social welfare & Baitul Maal Department Punjab, Pakistan (2017-2020). She currently provides telehealth services as Clinical Therapist in Chicago.