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Psychological impact of olfactory branding: The future of smell marks in India
Scents have been used by business organizations for commercializing their products since historic times. Because of the psychological connect that a consumer immediately makes as he smells something unique, olfactory branding is considered as a very productive and effective marketing tool. Trademark law attempts to protect a brand's identity with the ultimate motive of preventing consumers from deceptively similar goods. Scholars and businesses have been raising their voice in a demand call for smell mark protection under trademark law, arguing that smell is just as important for identifying the origin-point of a product for a consumer as is the brand's logo or name or product shape. While the US courts have been liberal in granting smell mark registrations, EU courts have interpreted the graphical representation requirement under trademark law very strictly. Indian law, though not entirely closed on the prospect of smell mark protection, is inclined toward the EU position. After analyzing the current legal scenario, this article explores the more fundamental question as to the feasibility of smell marks, questioning their justification under the philosophical foundations of trademark law, the subjective associations of consumers with respect to smells, the difficulty in evidence analysis by courts in infringement suits and the apprehension relating to the functionality doctrine. 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
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Psychological Problems Among Children Three Years After the Earthquake in Nepal
Background: Frequent disasters and weak mental health system pose a risk to psychological health in Nepal. In 2015, a massive earthquake of 7.6 magnitude occurred in Nepal, which caused large scale destruction to human life and property. Limited research in children after disasters in Nepal prevent health professionals from implementing new evidence-based trauma treatments. Aim: The study aimed to identify the long term emotional problems experienced by earthquake-affected children in Nepal. The role of gender, severity of exposure, socioeconomic status and type of family in relation to emotional problems were also examined in the selected group. Methods: A purposive sampling was used to select 454 children (4th and 5th standard) from two highly affected wards in Kathmandu Metropolitan City. Information about exposure to the earthquake was collected from children using the Level of Exposure Scale while the parents completed the Nepali version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ/ 4-17). Results: The effect of exposure to the earthquake was identified in the children even after three years. Boys had higher conduct, hyperactivity-inattention and peer problems while girls had high pro-social behaviour. Emotional problems were greater for those belonging to a lower socio-economic status. Among the variables, gender was a better predictor of emotional problems in earthquake-affected children. Conclusions: Emotional problems such as conduct problems, hyperactivity-inattention, peer problems are present in the earthquake-affected children in Kathmandu. Future researchers and clinicians need to monitor the children affected by the earthquake to recognise vulnerable groups and implement appropriate trauma-focused interventions. 2021, Indian Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. All rights reserved. -
Psychological Profile of Suicide Survivors: Retrospection on Decisions of Suicide
The event of Suicide is one that has been studied and documented in several studies abroad and in India. But, to approach the event of Suicide from the perspective of the ??attempted or ??survivor is rare. The purpose of this research is to understand the meaning the act of suicide holds, emotions and thoughts, of the attempter, leading up to the suicidal decision and to trail them till the decision manifests into action. It would provide an in depth perspective of the experience of this event. The research attempts to find not only the meaning behind these events but to also put together a psychological profile by observing the common thoughts, emotions and meaning attributed to the attempt. The research will make use of the method of narratives, over a period of sessions, which would provide the life stories of the individual, as well as the event, in itself. The research is conducted on ten women participants in age range of 18 ?? 35 years. The participants are selected based on the criteria, specified. The research is qualitative in nature. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) will be used to analyze and interpret the data collected. Data analysis shows that the psychological profile, of a suicide survivor consists of cognitions that are predominantly, restrictive and negative in nature, experience of negative emotions especially that are related to the traumatic event and suicide as a meaning fulfilling action. The research would attempt to provide a profile which would not only help in understanding the meaning and life events of such an individual but would also help in training of mental health professionals. Keywords: Suicide, psychological profile, meaning of suicide, suicide decision, cognitions and suicide, emotions and suicide, understanding suicide, causative factors of suicide. -
Psychological Safety and Career Success among Employees of Indian Start-ups: Mediating Role of Passion
India is one of the leading countries that have a favorable start-up ecosystem and is home to hundreds of start-ups and unicorns. From fintech and e-commerce to healthcare and agritech, these startups are disrupting traditional industries, leveraging technology to address unique challenges and tap into vast market opportunities. The start-ups' human resources policies are different, and they do not have complex human resources rules and policies to promote new ideas. The start-ups future is unpredictable, and they have a lot of uncertainty. Human assets work in start-ups to get a sense of career success despite the psychological fear about the future as they have a strong passion to succeed. This research seeks to explore the impact of psychological safety on the professional achievement of human resources within Indian startups, with a particular focus on the intermediary role of passion. This study adopts a descriptive approach and utilizes a survey-based research methodology to gather first-hand data from employees working within the realm of Indian startups. The study results convey that psychological safety impacts the overall career success of start-up employees, and it also significantly impacts the objective career success of the employees. Objective career success pertains to tangible accomplishments or results in a person's professional journey, which are usually quantifiable and evident to external observers. Further, it is found that passion mediates psychological safety and objective career success of the start-up employees significantly. 2024, Iquz Galaxy Publisher. All rights reserved. -
Psychological safety and employee development: the role of energy at work in strengthening job embeddedness in Indian luxury hotels
Purpose This study aims to investigate how psychological safety impacts the levels of energy felt at work, and vice versa, whether energy acts as a mediator between psychological safety and the multiple dimensions of job embeddedness that include organizational, community fit, sacrifice and link. Design/methodology/approach The data had been gathered from 458 hotel employees with the help of a structured questionnaire consisting of established scales of psychological safety and energy at work and, additionally, job embeddedness. A set of statistical analyses, including confirmatory factor analysis and hypothesis testing, were used to test the validity and reliability of the measurement model. Findings The findings affect training and development practices in the hospitality industry. This is especially true for leadership development, resilience training and learning programs that promote psychological safety and help keep employees for the long term. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature by providing important information about the psychological and energetic factors that impact job embeddedness, which would contribute to enhanced employee satisfaction and organizational effectiveness in the hospitality industry. 2026 Emerald Publishing Limited -
Psychological science and COVID-19: An agenda for social action.
This report summarizes what is known about the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and proposes ways for psychology organizations to engage in addressing pandemic-related challenges. A stress and coping framework is used to describe key factors that account for mental health difficulties resulting from the stress of pandemics including the pandemic course, political leadership and public response, cumulative stressors, risk and protective factors, and coping strategies. Psychology organizations could do much to provide help particularly to vulnerable healthcare and frontline workers, the elderly, and the socially isolated. They could offer clinical services and design prevention programs, train non-professional community workers to provide mental health first aid, assist NGOs and political leaders, and translate basic research on psychological factors that influence acceptance of public health measures. The pandemic occurs at a time of advanced connectivity that provides an opportunity for (a) scientific information exchange, (b) alleviation of distress of social isolation, but also (c) infodemic, unprecedented spread of hoaxes and online incitements to non-compliance with preventative measures. Psychologys role is not limited to addressing mental health needs but also includes promoting adjustment to changes in the economy, education and employment, and developing effective communication strategies that encourage acceptance of public health measures. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved) 2021 Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice -
Psychology of Confinement and Intersections of Imposter Syndrome: Identity Reconstruction and Human Rights in Prisons
The imposter syndrome behind bars is the feeling many prisoners have that they do not deserve personal development, educational achievements or rehabilitative accomplishments while incarcerated. In the context of jail and prison, there are many have layers of profound internalized self-doubt as a result of societys bias against criminalized identity and the resolutely stratified nature of life behind bars. When prisoners accomplish something going to school, teaching other prisoners or taking part in therapy programs, as they can feel internally conflicted as to whether it has been real, if it is only them performing. This chapter emphasizes on that how prisoners dissonance slips into the personal stories of society portraying them as what they did, denying their humanity and truthfulness. The also supporting environments and help much in affirming positive identity rebuilding. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
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Psychology Teaching and Learning: Innovations, Trends, and Best Practices
Deliver effective psychology education with proven strategies for diverse learners As psychology education evolves amid global shifts, educators need practical, evidence-based strategies that work across contexts. Psychology Teaching and Learning: Innovations, Trends, and Best Practices brings together international experts from twelve countries to address these challenges. Editors Aneesh Kumar and Rituparna Chakraborty have assembled leading voices in psychology education to provide actionable guidance for enhancing teaching effectiveness while promoting equity and inclusion. This volume explores the International Competencies for Undergraduate Psychology Model, culturally responsive pedagogy, online learning strategies, and innovative assessment approaches. Discover how to integrate artificial intelligence and cognitive science into teaching, implement open science pedagogy, and apply the megastudy method. The book addresses student well-being through emotional intelligence, resilience, self-compassion, and creating safe learning environments. Readers will discover: Evidence-based teaching strategies and assessment models proven to enhance effectiveness across diverse learning environments and cultural contexts worldwide International perspectives from psychology educators in twelve countries offering varied approaches to common challenges in contemporary psychology education Practical guidance on integrating emerging technologies like AI and intelligent tutoring systems into psychology teaching and learning experiences Frameworks for promoting student well-being including emotional intelligence development, resilience training, self-compassion, and creating psychologically safe classrooms Reflection questions and supplementary classroom resources in each chapter to facilitate immediate application and adaptation to your teaching context Whether you teach undergraduate courses, develop curricula, or train future educators, this book equips you with forward-thinking approaches to prepare students for real-world challenges. By bridging contemporary educational challenges with actionable strategies, it empowers you to transform your teaching practices. 2026 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. All rights reserved. -
Psychometric Properties of the Interpersonal Emotion Regulation Questionnaire Among Couples in India
The aim of the present study was to translate the Interpersonal Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (IERQ) into the Tamil language and examine its psychometric properties in the Indian cultural context. Data were collected from a dyadic sample of 340 married heterosexual couples (N = 680) currently residing in India. The mean age of husbands was 39.57 (SD = 6.10; 26 ? range ? 58), and the wives was 35.33 (SD = 5.72; 23 ? range ? 54). Descriptive results indicated that husbands and wives reported similar levels of interpersonal emotion regulation. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a 20-item model with four factorsenhancing positive affect, perspective-taking, soothing and social modeling, similar to the original version, fits the data well. Furthermore, the multiple-group analysis indicated robust measurement invariance across gender (husbands vs. wives), family type ( joint vs. nuclear) and marriage type (arranged vs. love), indicating that the Tamil version of the IERQ operates similarly across these groups. Besides, the Tamil version of the IERQ showed good convergent and discriminant validity with measures of dyadic coping and relationship satisfaction. Implications for research and couples therapy in the Indian cultural context are discussed. 2022, PsychOpen. All rights reserved. -
Psychometric Properties of the Moral Injury Symptom Scale Among Indian Healthcare Professionals
The spread of the novel coronavirus has led to a rise in morally conflicting situations for healthcare professionals. Doctors and nurses who were serving as frontline workers, require special attention to alleviate the long-lasting impact of the potentially morally injurious events. The current study aims to validate the Moral Injury Symptom Scale-Healthcare Professionals (MISS-HP) among Indian healthcare workers. The 10-item MISS was administered to 150 doctors and 150 nurses using the purposive sampling method. Firstly, reliability was assessed using internal consistency measure. Secondly, item discrimination index was assessed by calculating the point biserial correlation for each item. Cronbach alpha indicated high internal consistency (0.77). The point biserial correlation value for each item indicated good discrimination. Finally, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to replicate the factor structure. CFA results suggested a good fit to the data. In conclusion, MISS-HP is a reliable and valid tool to assess moral injury among Indian healthcare professionals in India. 2023 Hibino et al. -
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