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Modulating Electrochemical Energy Storage Properties of Cassava Peel-Derived Carbon Dots Via Solvent Engineering
Despite their small size, constrained within a few nanometers, Carbon dots, the tiny 0D materials, have the potential to revolutionize the realm of materials, design, and technology. The elemental composition of carbon dots, more specifically, the non-carbon elements forming functional groups, has crucial roles in determining the structure and properties, opening a wide scope for tailoring through compositional engineering. In this work, tuned carbon dots derived from waste Cassava peel, synthesized by applying solvent engineering strategy in facile single-step microwave-assisted solvothermal treatment, are reported. The proportion of charge accumulation mechanisms is found to be highly dependent on the elemental composition of oxygen and nitrogen in the carbon dots, evidencing the pivotal role of functional groups. Among the carbon dots synthesized using three different solvents. Ethylenediamine based ones show highest energy storage capability (114.57Fg?1 at 0.1Ag?1) owing to nitrogen-oxygen co-functionalization. Though these carbon dots have low storage capabilities as such, they have potential prospects to be incorporated into electrode materials to tune charge storage mechanisms desirably, often with the added advantage of enhanced stability and performance. Additionally, the redox properties exhibited by the tuned samples give promising prospects toward applications like electrochemical sensing and electrolyte engineering for energy storage. 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Tuning the Electrocatalytic Properties of VO2(B): Role of W Doping in Bifunctional Water Splitting
Vanadium-based systems have evoked considerable interest in researchers due to their potential for advanced renewable energy technologies. However, the possibilities of VO2(B) as an electrocatalyst for water splitting are yet to be explored, even though it is an excellent candidate as an electrode material for various batteries. In this work, the bifunctionality of VO2(B) is investigated in overall water electrolysis, focusing on its enhanced catalytic activity when doped with transition metal atoms such as tungsten (W). Hydrothermally synthesized W-doped VO2(B) nanoflakes demonstrate superior hydrogen evolution (HER) and oxygen evolution reactions (OER), confirming this enhanced catalytic activity. For an optimal W doping, the overpotential values decreased from 518 to 335mV and 435 to 348mV for hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution, respectively. These observations are supported by the lowest Tafel slope values of 115 and 74mVdec?1 for HER and OER, respectively, and the lowest charge transfer resistance of 47 ?. The excellent stability of the nanostructures revealed by the chronopotentiometry demonstrates their reliable performance over extended periods. Together, these findings highlight that W-doped VO2(B) nanostructures are highly effective candidates as electrocatalysts for overall water-splitting applications. 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Nickel-Enforced MoS2/MoTe2 Heterostructure for Energy Harvesting from Stray Magnetic Field
Harnessing magnetic noise fields for sustainable energy harvesting offers a pervasive power source for wireless devices. In this context, recently developed 2D van der Waals heterostructures have emerged as promising candidates for advancing the fundamental understanding of magnetoelectric (ME) coupling and the development of nanoscale ME devices. This work investigates thermo-magneto-electric coupling to enable MoS2/MoTe2-based heterostructures for harvesting energy from stray magnetic fields. Furthermore, introducing a nickel layer further enhances interfacial interactions under a magnetic field, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm its significant influence on the ME behavior of the heterostructures. The optimized flexible heterostructure demonstrated an open-circuit voltage of ?4.5V and a power density of ?2.12mW/cm3 under an alternating current (AC) magnetic noise field of 1.33 mT. These results highlight the potential of the novel 2D-based heterostructure for harvesting stray magnetic fields and powering low-power electronic devices in self-powered wireless sensor network applications. 2026 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Aloe Vera Protein Encapsulated Platinum Nanoparticles for Pain and Inflammation Therapy
Platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) possess unique redox activity, chemical stability, and enzyme-mimetic properties, making them promising candidates for anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapies; however, protein-based green encapsulation strategies for such applications remain largely unexplored. In this study, we report the biochemically assisted synthesis of Aloe vera protein-encapsulated platinum nanoparticles (APPt NPs) using sodium borohydride as the reducing agent and freshly extracted Aloe vera proteins as both stabilizing and capping agents. The formation of Pt NPs was confirmed by a characteristic colour change and validated through physicochemical characterization. X-ray diffraction revealed a face-centred cubic crystalline structure, UVvisible spectroscopy showed absorption in the 220280 nm range due to surface plasmon resonance, and FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of protein functional groups on the nanoparticle surface. APPt NPs demonstrated significant biological efficacy. In vitro assays showed inhibition of protein denaturation (IC50 = 44.52 g/mL) and strong free-radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 10.39 g/mL). In vivo studies revealed ?60% analgesic efficacy at 50 mg kg?1 in the hot-plate model and ?50% inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema after 4 h, outperforming the standard drug. These results collectively highlight APPt NPs as a biocompatible, redox-active nanotherapeutic candidate for managing pain and inflammation. 2026 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Green Approach for the Large-Scale Synthesis of a MetalOrganic Framework Derived From Perylene and Copper: A Fluorometric Sensor for Sm (III)
The detection of samarium (Sm) and its isotopes/ions is gaining significant importance across various fields, including nuclear energy, materials science, environmental monitoring, and biomedicine. Accurate and sensitive detection methods are crucial for ensuring safety, quality control, and compliance with regulatory standards. Despite the growing need, existing detection strategies often face challenges such as being time-consuming, inaccurate, cumbersome, and expensive. Surprisingly, fluorometric sensing has been explored minimally for Sm detection. In this study, we introduce a novel approach for detecting Sm (III) ions using a fluorescent metalorganic framework (MOF), Cu-PTC, synthesized via a one-pot, green, room temperature method. This represents the first reported use of a fluorescent MOF for Sm (III) detection. The Cu-PTC MOF was synthesized using the potassium salt of perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic acid and Cu (II) ions from Cu (OAc)2. Structural analysis revealed the formation of a 3D network with well-defined pores. Photophysical characterization confirmed the absorption and emission properties of Cu-PTC. The MOF was successfully employed for the selective detection of Sm (III) ions, with a detection limit of 6.53 ?M. 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Green Fuel Combustion Synthesis of CeO2 and Ag/CeO2 Nanoparticles for Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Applications
Silver-doped cerium oxide nanoparticles (Ag/CeO2 NPs) were synthesized using Ricinus communis seed extract as a bio-derived fuel in a solution combustion method. The combustion reaction, carried out at 450C with AgNO3 and (NH4)2[Ce (NO3)6] as metal precursors, produced CeO2 and Ag/CeO2 NPs. Their structure and morphology were estimated by P-XRD and TEM, which confirmed the formation of cerianite with cubic fluorite CeO2 crystal structure, while SEM revealed a porous morphology characteristic of combustion-driven gas evolution. EDS revealed the presence of Ce, O, and Ag in the Ag/CeO2 NPs. Optical studies, including UVVis and PL, showed that Ag incorporation narrowed the band gap and improved charge-carrier separation, contributing to enhanced visible-light activity. XPS analysis verified the successful incorporation of Ag species into the CeO2 lattice. Among the investigated NPs, the 0.3 wt% Ag/CeO2 sample exhibited the lowest PL intensity, indicating improved charge-carrier separation, which was further supported by its high quantum yield (0.789). These results correlate with its enhanced photocatalytic activity. The nanomaterials were evaluated for dye degradation, Cr (VI) reduction, photocatalytic H2 evolution, and antibacterial activity. The influences of pH, catalyst dosage, dye concentration, light intensity, radical scavengers, and recyclability were also systematically assessed. Overall, the study presents a sustainable synthesis approach for high-performance Ag/CeO2 NPs with broad potential in environmental remediation and antimicrobial applications. 2026 The Author(s). Asia-Pacific Journal of Chemical Engineering published by Curtin University and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Facile fabrication of dasatinib laden multifunctional polymeric micelles: Evaluation of anti-proliferative and apoptotic activities in human cancer cells
Dasatinib (DAS) has recently gained significant interest for its anticancer potential. Yet, the lipophilicity inherent in DAS limited its potential use as a chemotherapeutic drug. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of polyethylene glycol-polycaprolactone (PEG-PCL) as a nanocarrier for DAS to increase its anticancer capabilities. The DAS-loaded PEG-PCL nanoparticles (termed as DAS@PEG-PCL NPs) were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Morphological staining and MTT tests were employed to investigate drug-loaded nanoparticles' apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects. The MTT assay demonstrated that incorporating DAS onto PEG-PCL NPs resulted in a dose-dependent increase in cytotoxicity in A549 (lung cancer) and HeLa (cervical cancer) cells. The A549 cancer cells were analyzed for their morphology using the acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) and DAPI staining techniques. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the polymeric PEG-PCL nanoparticle systems hold great potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC. -
A First Report of Docosahexaenoic Acid-Clocked Polymer Enveloped Gold Nanoparticles: A Way to Precision Breast Cancer and Triple Negative Breast Cancer Therapy and Its Apoptosis Induction
Functionalized gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are extensively utilized in various disciplines due to their excellent bioactivity, biocompatibility, and extended drug half-life, influenced by the ligands and size that are changed on surfaces. In this study, we successfully fabricated GNPs coated with ligands containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) clocked by a carboxyl group. These nanoparticles are referred to as MPA@GNPs-PEG-DHA. The cytotoxicity results demonstrate that MPA@GNPs-PEG-DHA exhibits superior cell selectivity, explicitly inhibiting the proliferation of breast cancerous cells than noncancerous cell lines. Apoptosis is involved in the reduction of cell proliferation by MPA@GNPs-PEG-DHA, as demonstrated clearly through many assays measuring apoptotic index, including AO/EB staining, DAPI, annexin V-FITC staining, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement. The efficacy of MPA@GNPs-PEG-DHA in inducing apoptosis was demonstrated by its inhibition of mitochondrial dysfunction by ROS. MPA@GNPs-PEG-DHA has the potential to improve the induction of apoptosis in breast cancerous cells. 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC. -
Development of CaO/Chitosan/Dopamine NanoparticlesAntibacterial, Anticancer, andAntioxidant Activities
Infectious diseases and cancer are two significant groups of diseases attributed to the major death around the globe. There is a need to develop innovative strategies to treat antibiotic resistance bacteria and cancer effectively. In this context, the present work focused on development of calcium oxide (CaO) and CaO modified with chitosan and dopamine nanocomposites (CaOCsDop) as potential antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant agents. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized using various characterization techniques. FTIR revealed the functional groups of prepared samples indicating the successful preparation of nanoparticles. XRD revealed the fcc cubic nature of CaO nanoparticles and the crystallite size was found to be 23 nm for CaOCsDOP and 31 nm for CaO nanoparticles. DLS results confirmed the mean particle hydrodynamic size was found as nm for 231.90 CaO and 189.90 nm for CaOCsDOP nanocomposite. The disk diffusion assay was carried out against common pathogenic bacterial strains as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Vibrio cholerae, Escherichia coli, and Shigella dysenteriae. MTT assay was carried out to determine the anticancer activity against MOLT-4 cell line, a human acute lymphoblastic leukemia model. The results indicated that CaOCsDOP nanocomposites exhibited enhanced antibacterial and anticancer activities compared with bare CaO nanoparticles, making them a promising multifunctional agent in biomedical applications. 2025 Wiley Periodicals LLC. -
Carboplatin-loaded zeolitic imidazolate framework-8: Induction of antiproliferative activity and apoptosis in breast cancer cell
The challenge with breast cancer is its ongoing high prevalence and difficulties in early detection and access to effective care. A solution lies in creating tailored metalorganic frameworks to encapsulate anticancer drugs, enabling precise and targeted treatment with less adverse effects and improved effectiveness. Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) and carboplatin (CP)-loaded ZIF-8 were synthesized and characterized using various analytical techniques. High Resolution-transmission electron microscopy of ZIF-8 and CP@ZIF-8 indicates that the particles had a spherical shape and were nanosized. The drug release rate of CP is 98% under an acidic medium (pH 5.5) because of the dissolution of ZIF-8 into its coordinating ions, whereas 35% in a physiological medium (pH 7.4) with the addition of CP, the high porosity, and pore diameter of ZIF-8 decrease from 1243 to 1041m2/g. Breast cancer MCF-7 cells were shown greater IC50 in CP@ZIF-8 (15.013.03g/mL) than free CP (34.984.25g/mL) in an in vitro cytotoxicity assessment. The cytotoxicity of the CP@ZIF-8 against MCF-7 cells was studied using the methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide method. The morphological changes were examined using fluorescent staining (acridine orangeethidium bromide and Hoechst 33258) methods. The comet assay assessed the DNA fragmentation (single-cell gel electrophoresis). The results from the study revealed that CP@ZIF-8 can be used in the treatment of breast cancer. 2024 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc. -
Self-assembled free nanocarrier prodrugs based on camptothecin and dihydroartemisinin exhibit accumulation and improved anticancer efficacy
Small molecule targeted inhibitor therapies often have several drawbacks, including limited oral bioavailability, quick metabolism, toxic effects that limit dosage, and poor water solubility. This study aims to develop a nanodrug self-delivery system that does not require a carrier by utilizing the self-assembly of camptothecin (CPT) and dihydroartemisinin (DHA). CPT/DHA nanoparticles (NPs) with varying diameters can be synthesized without requiring further carrier materials or chemical modifications by changing the CPT-to-DHA ratio (10:1, 5:1, 2:1, 1:1). Even more crucially, CPT/DHA NPs generate an AIE impact when they self-assemble. CPT/DHA NPs are used for cell tracking and bioimaging fluorescent probes. We chose CPT/DHA NPs (2:1) with a size of approximately 140nm for the anticancer examinations. The A549 cells were used to assess the cytotoxicity, morphological changes by biochemical staining methods and apoptosis by flow cytometric techniques of CPT/DHA NPs. Finally, in vitro anticancer research proved that CPT/DHA NPs are biocompatible and have strong synergistic anticancer properties. 2024 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc. -
Policy Intervention Towards Ecological Balance Through Reduction of Carbon Footprint in India
India is experiencing unprecedented urbanisation and industrialisation with consequential carbon emission, which significantly increases the gap between international commitments and reality. This paper explores the recent policy initiatives aimed at achieving promised indicators and engage in recent developments on decarbonisation. The paper further identifies the gap between sustainable development and economic advancement. The paper reflects on the recent carbon-mitigating policies adopted by India. A doctrinal research strategy has been used to address this issue. International, foreign and domestic policies have been discussed to understand the impact of these policies on climate change crisis. Models from other nations were also evaluated, taking into consideration India's unique socio-economic context. This research aims to identify adaptable techniques to effectively manage emissions in critical sectors, including energy, transport and industry. The paper proposes a set of concrete policy interventions that can promote ecological balance while sustaining economic development. Once the regulatory bodies initiate appropriate implementation of these policies, the carbon emissions in India shall be more resilient and effective. 2026 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc. -
Biocidal Activity of Barium and Iron-Co-Doped Titanium Dioxide Nanocomposites, Synthesized by Psidium guajava-Mediated Precipitation Method
The emergence of drug-resistant microorganisms and the need for effective anticancer agents necessitate the development of novel nanomaterials with enhanced biomedical performance. This study aims to synthesize barium and iron dual-doped titanium dioxide (TiBaFeO NC) using a green precipitation method with Psidium guajava leaf extract, targeting improved antimicrobial and anticancer efficacy. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized by various analytical techniques. XRD confirmed the crystalline anatase phase of TiO2 and TiBaFeO NC, with average crystallite sizes of 40 and 37nm, respectively, suitable for biomedical applications. UV-Vis analysis showed a decrease in bandgap from 3.79eV for TiO2 to 3.67eV for TiBaFeO NC, indicating enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation potential. PL spectra exhibited green emissions at 520nm for TiO2 and 523nm for TiBaFeO NC, reflecting a higher oxygen vacancy defect density in the doped nanocomposite. Biological evaluations demonstrated that TiBaFeO NC exhibited superior antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium), Gram-negative bacteria (Shigella dysenteriae, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris), and fungi (Candida albicans). Furthermore, TiBaFeO NC showed enhanced anticancer activity against human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) with an IC50 of 9.8g/mL, outperforming TiO2. These results suggest that TiBaFeO NC is a promising nanocomposite for advanced biomedical applications, combining enhanced antimicrobial and anticancer properties through defect-mediated ROS generation. 2026 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc. -
Synthesis and Characterization of Eu2+/Nd3+ Activated CaSi2O5 Phosphor for Bioimaging Applications
The advancement of non-invasive diagnostic tools has propelled the development of luminescent nanomaterials with enhanced imaging capabilities. In this study, Eu2+/Nd3+ codoped CaSi2O5 phosphors were synthesized via a conventional solid-state reaction route under a reducing environment to explore their potential for bioimaging applications. Calcium silicate, known for its intrinsic biocompatibility, served as the host matrix, whereas Eu2+ acted as the primary luminescent centre and Nd3+ was used as the near-infrared (NIR) sensitizer to support deep-tissue excitation. Structural analysis via X-ray diffraction (XRD) verified the formation of a triclinic crystal structure and the average crystallite size was validated through both Scherrer equation and WilliamsonHall analyses. Field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM) images revealed flower-like microstructures with embedded fine white particles. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) detected the existence of expected chemical components of the phosphor, whereas Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra provided evidence of successful dopant incorporation through characteristic vibrations corresponding to CaO, SiOSi, EuO and NdO bonds. Photoluminescence studies showed an excitation spectrum with distinct and intense absorption bands within the range of 7001000 nm, attributed to the 4f4f transitions of Nd3+ ions, and upon excitation at approximately 800 nm, the phosphor exhibited dual emission bands around 410 and 440 nm with optimal intensity corresponding to the characteristic 4f65d1 ? 4f7 transitions of Eu2+. The afterglow decay analysis showed persistent luminescence exceeding 15 min, and CIE chromaticity analysis confirmed that the emission lies within the blue spectral range (x = 0.155, y = 0.059), indicating high potential for background-free bioimaging with high chromatic accuracy. These findings suggest that Eu2+/Nd3+ doped CaSi2O5 can be a promising luminescent material for advanced biomedical imaging applications. 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Effect of Doping Concentration on the Luminescence Properties of MoO3: Tb3+ Nanobelts
The development of rare-earth-doped oxide nanomaterials has garnered significant interest due to their potential applications in display and biomedical imaging technologies. Among them, MoO3, with its favourable optical properties, emerges as a promising host material for nanophosphors. In this work, the hydrothermal method was employed to synthesise MoO3: Tb3+ nanobelts by varying the terbium concentration. Structural, optical, morphological and photoluminescence characteristics were systematically examined. FESEM and TEM revealed nanobelt morphology. XPS verified the successful incorporation of Tb3+ ions. A thorough study of the photoluminescence mechanism, including concentration quenching and lifetime measurements, was carried out, as these aspects are still not well studied for this material. Under 260 nm excitation, blue-green emission was observed with optimal photoluminescence intensity at 2 mol% Tb3+ doping. The optimised sample was annealed at 500C for 12 h, resulting in greenish-white emission. Emission colour coordinates were determined using the CIE chromaticity diagram, and a dipoledipole interaction mechanism with a critical distance of 17 was identified as the cause of quenching. The average photoluminescence lifetime of the annealed sample was ~1.1 ?s. These results demonstrate the potential of MoO3: Tb3+ nanobelts as efficient phosphor materials for next-generation display and bioimaging applications. 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Determinants of Adoption of Green Technology in a Corporate Sustainability Setting: A Quantitative Analysis
Selecting a green technological solution that aligns with the enterprise's operational characteristics is a critical step in attaining sustainable green goals. It also plays a key role in the technology's successful commercialization. The obstructions lie in identifying the determinants that may arise during the adoption and transformation of green technology. A survey of 526 respondents from the Indian manufacturing industry was conducted, and the data collected were evaluated using artificial neural networks (ANNs) and a structural equation modeling approach. The study's findings reveal that barriers related to market and cost greatly affected green technology adoption. Regarding drivers, green technology implementation was positively impacted by business, environmental, and economic factors. This study discovered valued understandings for corporate decision-makers seeking to implement green technologies and contribute to enduring environmental and economic sustainability. 2025 ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Investigating the Interaction of Digital Capabilities, Sustainable Practices, Product Quality, and Customer Satisfaction in Perishable Food Supply Chains
To ensure efficient delivery of perishable food products, food supply chains (FSCs) have advanced the usage of recent technologies and started integrating them into logistical systems. This study examines the interplay between digital capabilities, sustainable practices, logistical networks, and customer satisfaction in perishable FSCs through a cross-sectional survey of 416 Indian consumers. It draws on a comprehensive literature review that highlights the potential variables and their impacts on the perishable FSCs. The data was collected using a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire, analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), and robustness was ensured by Harman's test. The study integrates value percept theory (VPT) to develop a comprehensive conceptual framework that explains how digital capabilities and sustainable practices enhance product quality and customer satisfaction in perishable FSCs. The findings from the study explicitly support the positive moderating role of logistical networks in the relationship between digital capabilities and product quality. The findings can assist management professionals operating in the perishable food sector in enhancing their theoretical and practical comprehension of the profound influence exerted by digital capabilities, sustainable practices, and logistical networks on the crucial nexus between product quality and customer satisfaction. 2026 ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Exploring Therapeutic Change in Indian Clients Experiencing Emotional Abuse: A Social Justice Approach to Counselling
Background: This study examined the lived experiences of emotional abuse (EA) in Indian parent-adult child relationships, emphasising the intersection of systemic influences in maintaining EA. Employing a social justice framework, the research explored pathways to foster change at both individual and societal levels to address EA. Methods: Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten participants undergoing therapy, and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: Four master themes emerged: State of Lack, Lack of Relatability to Gender and Culture Norms, Therapy as a Catalyst for Regaining Sense of Self and Empowerment, and Cultural Shifts, Therapeutic Integration and Redefining Norms to Address Emotional Abuse. Conclusion: The findings emphasise the contribution of gender and cultural norms in the reinforcement of EA, while highlighting therapy's potential in fostering individual healing while advocating for societal transformation. Our study adds valuable literature to the fields of counselling, social justice research, cultural psychology, social psychology, and feminist psychology, and provides a basis for future research. 2025 British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. -
An Exploratory Study of Emotional Labour Among Therapists and Counsellors in India
Background: Emotional labour has been extensively investigated in the service sector, where employees manage their emotions to ensure a positive customer experience. However, there is a dearth of research into how therapists perform emotional labour during therapy sessions. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore psychotherapists' and counsellors' experiences of performing emotional labour in therapeutic settings. Method: The study used a qualitative research design with an exploratory approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four clinical psychologists and four counsellors. The interviews were conducted via video call and lasted about 4560 min. Thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes. Results: The analysis revealed that therapists experience an array of emotions during sessions. However, the expression of these emotions is guided by professional norms and emotional display rules. Participants disclosed that they use several techniques to manage their emotions both during and after sessions and that participating in emotional labour yielded both favourable and unfavourable outcomes for the therapists. Conclusion: The findings presented in this study provide insight into emotional labour and inform professionals on how this can negatively impact them if not sufficiently addressed. The study highlights the need for further investigation. In the meantime, therapists and counsellors would benefit from integrating the study's findings into their respective practices. 2025 British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. -
Tolerance of Ambiguity, Perfectionism, and Counselling Self-Efficacy Among Trainee Counsellors in India
Background: The presence of a wide gap between the need and availability of mental health counsellors has been a constant challenge in the Indian mental healthcare system. Considering the inherent complexity within the counselling profession and with literature evidence indicating that the fear stemming from the ambiguity of the counselling process, professional requirements, and internship experiences influences counsellors career decisions, it becomes crucial to focus on important factors at play. Methods: This research aimed to investigate the relationships between tolerance of ambiguity, perfectionism, and counselling self-efficacy among trainee counsellors in India. A quantitative correlational cross-sectional design is employed. The participants constitute post-graduate students pursuing their final year of master's in counselling psychology, counselling specialization or applied psychology programmes. Participants were recruited using a purposive sampling technique (N = 435). The scales administered are as follows: (i) Multiple Stimulus Types Ambiguity Tolerance Scale-II (MSTAT-II), (ii) Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS) and (iii) Counsellor Activity Self-Efficacy Scale (CASES). Findings: The findings indicate that intolerance of ambiguity significantly correlates negatively with counselling self-efficacy, as demonstrated by Pearson correlation analysis (r = ?0.254, p < 0.001). Regression results showed that tolerance of ambiguity significantly predicted 6% of counselling self-efficacy. Furthermore, an independent samples t-test indicated gender differences, with female trainee counsellors (M = 37.6; SD = 6.84) having a higher tolerance of ambiguity than males (M = 34.9; SD = 6.85); and male trainee counsellors (M = 256.3; SD = 47.36) having higher counselling self-efficacy than females (M = 219.2; SD = 55.11), with a medium to large effect size. Discussion: This study has implications for counsellor training and allows for a deeper understanding of counsellor self-efficacy, providing insight into the current status of counselling trainees in India. Efforts should be taken to reduce ambiguity in educational and training experiences and improve tolerance and self-efficacy among male and female trainees. 2025 British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.