Summary
In a three-year study, researchers will look at brain imaging, brain activity, biochemical and neurophysiological parameters in college students susceptible to stress, anxiety or depression to provide solutions.
The research will be carried out in collaboration with the Morarji Desai National Yoga Institute.
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has received funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to research the benefits of yoga and meditation for mental health. The research will be carried out in collaboration with the Morarji Desai National Yoga Institute (MDNIY).
In the proposed research, researchers will look at brain imaging, brain activity, biochemical and neurophysiological parameters in college students who may be susceptible to stress, anxiety, or depression, and then design interventions to treat these complications.
Students and staff will enroll at the university to participate in the three-year study. Yoga and other psychological interventions will take place at both JMI and MDNIY.
Tanvir Ahmad, the Principal Investigator at JMI’s Multidisciplinary Center for Advanced Research and Study (MCARS) will collaborate with Sushma Suri and Meena Osmany from the Department of Psychology, and S. Lakshmi Kandan from MDNIY.
Ahmad said the research has become relevant after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused a rise in mental health problems around the world. It is scientifically established that students experience stress, anxiety, and sometimes depression when exposed to new work cultures in colleges and universities.
Ahmad, Suri and Osmany thanked JMI Vice Chancellor Najma Akhtar for the support to carry out research in socially relevant areas.
In particular, since last year, a large number of studies have shown an increase in neurological complications in people who have been affected by COVID-19, as well as in their family members. Additionally, the data unanimously presents concerns regarding the mental health of students who have been on the receiving end. Now, as colleges and universities have begun to open, levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in students have multiplied.
MCARS Director Mohammad Zulfequar said this research work will benefit students in general as the COVID-19 pandemic has affected their mental health. Therefore, the timely support provided by DST will help recognize students who may need immediate interventions.
MCARS Deputy Director SN Kazim said this research will lead to the development of a comprehensive mental health database and JMI’s intervention will serve as a model for other universities and colleges in India as they are preparing to start soon. offline classes.
Last updated on February 12, 2022
