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Psychoneuroimmunological Perspective of Animal - Assisted Therapy
Animal-assisted therapy is a new and upcoming form of therapy that has shown multifarious benefits to participants. It is a goal-oriented therapeutic process with the incorporation of a qualified therapy animal in the therapeutic activities and conversations. This paper explores these benefits from a psychoneuroimmunological lens, wherein the interplay of and impact on an individual's psychological, neurological and immune systems are discussed. Positive physical interaction with therapy animals reduces undesirable symptoms and ailments such as stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, aggressive tendencies, harmful behaviours, cardiovascular issues and unhealthy tendencies amongst others. It further promotes a healthier lifestyle, promoting quality of life, better heart health, cognitive functioning and overall well-being. The biological basis of these benefits is discussed. 2024 Oriental Scientific Publishing Company. All rights reserved. -
Psychoneuroimmunology and gut microbiota
Gastrointestinal tract harbours a very complex and dynamic community of microorganisms known as the 'gut microbiota'. These microbes are involved in various critical physiological processes, including the digestion of complex biomolecules, synthesis of vitamins, modulation of the immune system, and protection against pathogens. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the gut brain axis. The chapter delves into the role of microbial metabolites like short chain fatty acids, tryptophan and bile acids in neuronal and neurotransmitter functioning. Cytokine release and immune system activation can potentially change the gut microbiota composition. The role of psychological stress in reducing beneficial bacteria and increasing pathogenic bacteria composition in the microbiota has been detailed. Psychological stress can lead to these consequences by altering the permeability of the intestinal cells. The effect of compromised permeability on psychological health through altered neurotransmitter activity are discussed. 2025 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Psychoneuroimmunology in the context of dementia
Dementia is a neurodegenerative condition that affects a multitude of cognitive functions. This chapter delves into the vulnerabilities and risk factors associated with aging that can lead to dementia. Aging brings a higher risk of depression and anxiety. The chapter uses the framework of psychoneuroimmunology to explain how psychological states during old age and after the diagnosis of dementia result in immune consequences. The consequences of dementia on daily functioning result in disturbances in sleep, appetite, mobility, sociability, and overall activities of daily living. Impairments in these areas cause increased reliance on caregivers to fulfill daily needs. These disturbances are accompanied by an overactivation of the HPA axis, impairments in glial cell functioning, disturbed glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid functioning, a compromised gut-brain axis, and an overall increase in the release of proinflammatory cytokines. These physiological changes consequently increase neuroinflammation accelerating the progression of dementia. 2025 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Psychoneuroimmunology of yoga and meditation
Yoga and meditation were integral to Ayurveda and were prevalent from 1500 BC to 400 AD. The psychoneuroimmunology of yoga and meditation has been of interest in recent times, and much research is focused on the influence of meditation and yoga on cell telomerase activity, neuroendocrine system, cells of the immune system, oxidative stress, cell aging, and cancer recovery. Yoga and meditation reduce stress and depression and improve sleep quality. Stress-immune relationship influences all age groups, especially individuals with clinical diagnoses, and is a factor in lifestyle diseases and cancer. Elevated levels of oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine were associated with bliss and positivity, which contribute to the reduction in inflammation and pain perception among practitioners. The present chapter focuses on the psychoneuroimmunology of the effects of yoga and meditation on improving immunity and fast and efficient recovery. 2025 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Psychosocial Adjustment of Institutionalised Children: A Thematic Analysis of Caregiver Perspectives in Delhi
Background: A substantial proportion of institutionalised children come from environments marked by exploitation, parental death or incapacity, and unstable housing. Prior research indicates that early life trauma and institutionalisation adversely affect emotional regulation and psychosocial adjustment. Purpose: This study examines how trauma, institutional environments in Indian child care settings, and the absence of stable familial support influence childrens psychosocial development and their preparedness for life outside institutional care. Methods: A qualitative design was adopted. Five caregivers from a boys child care institution in Jahangirpuri, Delhiserving as Child Protection Officer, counsellor, housefather, and other roleswere interviewed. Data were analysed using thematic analysis as outlined by Clarke and Braun. Results: Caregivers reported persistent challenges among children, including verbal and physical aggression, low academic motivation, and difficulties in emotional regulation and forming social relationships. These findings reflect the compounded effects of trauma and institutional living conditions. Conclusion: The study underscores the significant impact of trauma and institutionalisation on psychosocial development. It highlights the need for trauma-informed care and strengthened support systems to improve developmental outcomes and facilitate successful reintegration into society. The Author(s) 2026. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits non-commercial use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access page (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage). -
Psychosocial correlates of resilience among older adults in Mexico
There is a tremendousglobal increase in the older adultspopulation. Mental health in older age is as important in as it is for other age categories. Majority of older adults show healthy states, vitality, good humor and enthusiasm in performing various activities, interest in continuing to contribute to their family and society despite the difficulties of this stage of life due to large part to resilience they have. The aim of the study was to establish social and psychosocial factors associated with resilience.A cross-sectional and correlation study was conducted on older adults who were hospitalized in a public General Hospital of Mexico in 2013. Resilience, gender, occupation, family environment, self-esteem, presence of critical life events, and the presence of significant persons were assessed. 186 older adults participated. Higher levels of resilience were found in males and employed people. Participants with a functional family and high self-esteem had the highest levels of resilience. Besides, 15% of the variance of the total resilience score was explained by family environment, and 27% was explained by self-esteem (p<0.05).Although all participants were older adults, individual characteristics such as gender, occupation and self-esteem; besides family environment, were found to be associated to the levels of resilience in this population. Specific programs- -enhancing these factorsare needed to improve resilience. 2019 Oriental Scientific Publishing Company. All rights reserved. -
Psychosocial factors and immune function: Phenomena affecting susceptibility to disease in humans
The interplay between psychosocial factors and immune function represents a critical area of research in understanding human susceptibility to disease. This chapter elucidates how psychological and social variables influence immune responses, affecting disease outcomes. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of how stress, sleep, personality traits, social support, family dynamics, and socioeconomic status modulate immune function by integrating psychoneuroimmunology, epidemiology, and clinical psychology insights. The goal is to offer a nuanced understanding of these phenomena, highlighting the direct and indirect pathways through which psychosocial factors impact health and well-being. Furthermore, the chapter proposes specific psychosocial interventions backed by empirical evidence that aim to improve immune function. It also discusses potential future directions and research implications. 2025 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Psychosocial Group Interventions for Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Older adults are facing complex, multifaceted psychosocial issues, such as loneliness, social isolation, financial stress, and cognitive decline, which crucially impact their mental health and quality of life. Group-based psychosocial interventions have gained recognition as valuable tools for strengthening peer interaction and collective healing. The review aims to map the important literature on psychosocial group interventions for older adults. Six electronic databases were searched from March to June 2025. Inclusion criteria are: psychosocial interventions within the last 10 years and group interventions in English research papers only. Review papers, conference proceedings, medical interventions, and individual interventions have been excluded. After the screening process, eight articles were identified as psychosocial group interventions for older adults from eight different countries. Each intervention is unique, and 90% of them effectively address the psychosocial needs of older people. The results are explained and grouped under three themes that have emerged from the research questions underlying the review. They are: (a) the efficacy of psychosocial group interventions on cognitive and mental well-being; (b) addressing social isolation, loneliness, and enhancing social connection; and (c) impact of environmental and socio-cultural contexts on older adults psychosocial interventions. A significant observation is the need for a structured intervention model to promote the well-being of older adults. This review provides a foundation for developing new insights into psychosocial interventions for older adults. The Author(s) 2026 -
Psychosocial rehabilitation through social cognitive approaches
This extensive chapter explores the foundational elements of social cognitive approaches within the context of psychosocial rehabilitation, focusing on their critical influence on the development of successful social interactions. The investigation encompasses fundamental principles, approaches to intervention, ethical implications, and prospective trajectories, such as interventions facilitated by technology and neurocognitive elements. The chapter culminates by urging mental health professionals to actively incorporate these transformative approaches, acknowledging their capacity to cultivate resilience and significant interpersonal relationships in patients undergoing psychosocial rehabilitation. 2024, IGI Global. -
Psychotic-like experiences in the emotional dysregulation-impulsivity link
Emerging research suggests psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) exist on a continuum and consist of subclinical phenomena like perceptual abnormalities and delusional ideation. PLEs may influence impulsivity- and previous literature shows a link between emotional dysregulation and impulsivity. This study examined whether PLEs as well as gender moderated the relationship between emotional dysregulation and impulsivity in a non-clinical sample of young adults. A total of 95 females and 95 males completed self-report measures assessing emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and PLEs. Associations among study variables were examined using correlational analyses, followed by a moderated moderation analysis conducted using Hayes PROCESS macro. Emotional dysregulation and impulsivity, as well as PLEs and impulsivity, were positively correlated. Moderation analyses revealed gender-specific effects: among females, higher PLEs attenuated the association between emotional dysregulation and impulsivity, whereas in males, PLEs amplified this relationship. These findings suggest that PLEs shape how dysregulated affect translates into impulsive behavior differently for men and women, potentially reflecting distinct emotion regulation strategies. Future research should investigate the mechanisms behind these gender-specific pathways and examine whether these patterns generalize across cultural contexts. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
Pt nanoflower-poly(aniline) electrode material with the synchronized concept of energy storage in supercapacitor
Electrochemically deposited porous film of poly(aniline) (PANI) on stainless steel (SS) current collector is employed as the support for electrodeposition of platinum (Pt). PANI facilitates the formation of Pt nanoflowers with an enhanced electrochemically active surface area compared with sub-micron size Pt particles deposited on the bare SS electrode. Hence, a new concept Pt nanoflower-PANI electrode materials with synchronization between redox mode in PANI and double-layer mode of charge storage in Pt nanoflower is discussed. Remarkably, Pt is distributed like a nano-flower on the surface of PANI and prevents PANI from stripping during the charge-discharge process, thereby minimizing the issue of stripping in conducting polymer-based electrodes. Owing to the highly porous surface morphology of Pt nanoflowers as observed in SEM, the Pt-PANI/SS electrode shows excellent electrochemical performance than PANI/SS electrode towards supercapacitor application. The electrode materials are characterized using X-ray and X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS), which shows dual amorphous and crystalline properties. Dielectric studies of Pt-PANI/SS electrodes were carried out to understand electrode/electrolyte interface behavior. In the fabricated supercapacitor, the cyclic voltammetry studies showed quasi-rectangular shape characteristics at slower scan rates with a specific capacitance of 926 Fg?1. Charge-discharge studies showed good cyclic stability and coulombic efficiency. 2022 Elsevier B.V. -
Pt nanoflower-poly(aniline) electrode material with the synchronized concept of energy storage in supercapacitor /
Applied Surface Science, Vol.589, ISSN No: 0169-4332.
Electrochemically deposited porous film of poly(aniline) (PANI) on stainless steel (SS) current collector is employed as the support for electrodeposition of platinum (Pt). PANI facilitates the formation of Pt nanoflowers with an enhanced electrochemically active surface area compared with sub-micron size Pt particles deposited on the bare SS electrode. Hence, a new concept Pt nanoflower-PANI electrode materials with synchronization between redox mode in PANI and double-layer mode of charge storage in Pt nanoflower is discussed. Remarkably, Pt is distributed like a nano-flower on the surface of PANI and prevents PANI from stripping during the charge-discharge process, thereby minimizing the issue of stripping in conducting polymer-based electrodes. -
Pt Nanospheres Decorated Graphene-?-CD Modified Pencil Graphite Electrode for the Electrochemical Determination of Vitamin B6
An electrochemical sensor for Vitamin B6 determination has been prepared by the electrochemical deposition of Pt nanospheres on graphene-?-CD coated Pencil Graphite Electrode (PGE). Cyclic voltammetric (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) studies were employed to explore the electrochemical properties of the modified electrode. The physicochemical properties of the modified electrodes were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and optical profilometric studies. The experimental conditions such as effect of scan rate, concentration and pH were optimized. The linear dynamic range for the determination of Vitamin B6 was found to be 5nM to 205nM. The low level of detection limit (1.2nM) implies the high sensitivity of the process. The suggested method was effectively employed for the electrocatalytic evaluation of Vitamin B6 in different juice samples. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature. -
Pt Nanospheres Decorated Graphene-?-CD Modified Pencil Graphite Electrode for the Electrochemical Determination of Vitamin B6
An electrochemical sensor for Vitamin B6 determination has been prepared by the electrochemical deposition of Pt nanospheres on graphene-?-CD coated Pencil Graphite Electrode (PGE). Cyclic voltammetric (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) studies were employed to explore the electrochemical properties of the modified electrode. The physicochemical properties of the modified electrodes were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and optical profilometric studies. The experimental conditions such as effect of scan rate, concentration and pH were optimized. The linear dynamic range for the determination of Vitamin B6 was found to be 5nM to 205nM. The low level of detection limit (1.2nM) implies the high sensitivity of the process. The suggested method was effectively employed for the electrocatalytic evaluation of Vitamin B6 in different juice samples. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2022. -
Pt nanospheres decorated graphene-β-CD modified pencil graphite electrode for the electrochemical determination of vitamin B6 /
Topics in Catalysis, Vol.65, pp.1-11, ISSN No: 1572-9028.
An electrochemical sensor for Vitamin B6 determination has been prepared by the electrochemical deposition of Pt nanospheres on graphene-β-CD coated Pencil Graphite Electrode (PGE). Cyclic voltammetric (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) studies were employed to explore the electrochemical properties of the modified electrode. The physicochemical properties of the modified electrodes were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and optical profilometric studies. -
Public debt - economic growth nexus in emerging and developing economies: Exploring nonlinearity
This paper explores the nonlinear dynamics between public debt and economic growth by estimating the threshold level of debt for thirty-nine emerging and developing economies. The study found a considerable variation amongst the debt thresholds in these countries, ranging between 24 and 132 per cent. We observed the evidence for an inverted U-shape relationship either partially or fully only in six countries. On the contrary, our study found that expanding debt even beyond the threshold promotes economic growth in some countries, while debt hinders growth even at low debt levels in a few countries. 2022 Elsevier Inc. -
Public Policy, Policy Research, and School Counseling in India
This chapter discusses the development of school counseling in India and examines public policy and policy research that influence the practice of school counseling. The chapter traces the history of school counseling in India followed by an examination of the contribution of several public policies that has implications for the professional practice of school counseling in India from post independent India. Public policies and programs from the sectors of education, health and mental health, family welfare, and department of children and women are evaluated for their implications for school-based counseling services. The chapter also examines the existing policy research base. Research related to school mental health and systematic reviews on child and adolescent mental health are reviewed and their implications for school counseling examined. The chapter concludes by discussing the policy gaps and highlighting specific recommendations for the practice of school-based counseling in India. The authors suggest several recommendations including the identification of education and health policies that can be achieved by having counselors in schools, an evaluation of existing policies and programs to determine the current level of implementation, and development of school counseling competencies and high-quality training models to build competencies in school counseling. Springer International Publishing AG 2017. -
Public-Private Partnership Ventures: A Diasporic Initiative in India Through Social Remittances and Philanthropic Work
Diaspora networks across the globe think of their homeland, which makes them continuously assist various projects that have public-private partnership ventures. Many of the members of the Indian diaspora had difficult times during their childhood in their native country. The conditions were not favorable within India prior to Indian Independence for acquiring desired skills in entrepreneurial activities. However, they managed to sail through the rough sea and reach the western coast in great adversity. The journey itself was a training for the early diaspora that resulted in learning the skills needed for setting up their business in the adopted countries. Indian diaspora from various developed countries have learned a great deal about the local culture, new skills in business partnership, consultancy services, research and innovations in technology that helped them to prosper in the adopted land and implement those ideas in their home country as a part of social remittances and giving back to the society. Developed countries have exhibited the feasibility of sustainable development through social entrepreneurship. Compulsory community service that trains people in new skill development also educates them in preserving the environment in which they reside. The public-private partnership model, which is in practice in developed countries, has become the agent of creation of social entrepreneurship with accountability toward the society. Diaspora communities that send social remittances to their home countries not only in the form of money but also ideas, identities and behaviors help set up public- private models of undertakings that would ensure sustainable growth in the long run. Philanthropic work is reckoned in the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model that we see in various parts of India, especially in states like Punjab (Sikh diaspora), Kerala (Malayali diaspora) and Gujarat (Gujarati diaspora). In this background, this chapter tries to examine the Indian diasporas schemes in India on the model of public-private partnership that they had either set up or observed in their adopted countries. This chapter also looks into how far diaspora remittances in totality help mitigate the existing problems in Indian villages, create new job opportunities for the local population, manage skill development centers and educate the masses in preserving the environment that would help in sustainable development through social entrepreneurship. 2024 by World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd. -
Publication stress amongst scholars and faculties: a concern of mental health
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of the seemingly entrenched culture of publish or perish on academics and lecturers mental health in academia. From an autoethnographic perspective, personal experiences of stress, anxiety and burnout are articulated and considered in terms of broader system issues within academia. Design/methodology/approach: Using personal reflections on publication pressure and combining that with the broader existing literature on mental health in academia, this paper, like the ones mentioned above, has been written with autoethnography as the research mode. Autoethnography is a research method that allows for profoundly exploring personal experiences but frames them in a broader academic context, thereby allowing for a qualitative analysis of academics mental health challenges. Findings: The pressure to publish in high-impact journals puts a person under a level of mental health stress that includes feeling anxious, feeling like an impostor and suffering from burnout. Therefore, this very unfitting competitive environment requires institutional support and strategies to mitigate the stress associated with publication. Originality/value: This paper offers an autoethnographic view of the mental health difficulties in academia, providing a firsthand account of the emotional toll of academic publishing. This paper fleshes out the burgeoning discourse surrounding mental health within higher education by connecting personal experiences with systemic issues, pointing to changes in culture and structure. 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Publication stress amongst scholars and faculties: a concern of mental health
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of the seemingly entrenched culture of publish or perish on academics and lecturers mental health in academia. From an autoethnographic perspective, personal experiences of stress, anxiety and burnout are articulated and considered in terms of broader system issues within academia. Design/methodology/approach Using personal reflections on publication pressure and combining that with the broader existing literature on mental health in academia, this paper, like the ones mentioned above, has been written with autoethnography as the research mode. Autoethnography is a research method that allows for profoundly exploring personal experiences but frames them in a broader academic context, thereby allowing for a qualitative analysis of academics mental health challenges. Findings The pressure to publish in high-impact journals puts a person under a level of mental health stress that includes feeling anxious, feeling like an impostor and suffering from burnout. Therefore, this very unfitting competitive environment requires institutional support and strategies to mitigate the stress associated with publication. Originality/value This paper offers an autoethnographic view of the mental health difficulties in academia, providing a firsthand account of the emotional toll of academic publishing. This paper fleshes out the burgeoning discourse surrounding mental health within higher education by connecting personal experiences with systemic issues, pointing to changes in culture and structure. 2024 Emerald Publishing Limited