Department of Psychology

AMU alumna’s research at Oxford University brings her international recognition

Aligarh, November 18: The Aligarh Muslim University alumna Saba Ishrat led a research at the University of Oxford to study the effects of cannabis use on the brain structure and function in older adults. Saba’s ground breaking research has gained significant attention and has been covered by various media outlets worldwide, including BMJ Mental Health journal, internationally recognising its findings and highlighting the importance of this work for public policy.

Prior to starting her DPhil in Oxford, Saba Ishrat completed a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Psychology at Aligarh Muslim University (India) and a second Master’s degree in Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Trento (Italy).

Her teacher, Prof Shah Alam, Chairman, Department of Psychology, and Prof Shafey Kidwai, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University congratulated Ms Saba Ishrat for her commendable research that has brought new dimensions to the fore.

It needs to be mentioned that cannabis use has risen globally following its legalization for medical and recreational purposes, yet its effects on the brain in older adults remain understudied.

The team led by Saba Ishrat, conducted the largest observational analysis to date on the relationship between cannabis use and brain structure and function. This research is also the first to employ genetic data to assess causality in this context.

The study’s findings indicate that lifetime cannabis use is associated with several measures of brain structure and function in later life, including lower white matter integrity and weaker resting-state functional connectivity in specific brain regions. However, the study’s genetic analyses did not support a causal link between these observed associations.

The research findings can be read at https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjment-2024-301065.

Alongside her DPhil studies, Saba is the Junior Dean at St Cross College, a committee member at St Edmund Hall's Centre for the Creative Brain, and a student associate of the Society for the Study of Addiction.

 The Department of Psychology, Aligarh Muslim University today organized a National Conference on Professionalizing psychology in meeting contemporary needs and challenges.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Purnima Mathur, Emeritus Professor, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), New Delhi said that Professionalization of psychology is needed more and more in modern society as there is a need to professionalize conceptual issues of knowledge acquired about human behaviour.

The most professionalized area in psychology today is guidance and counselling implemented in several contexts, pointed Prof Mathur adding that institutes of higher learning can professionalize psychology better by designing and offering more of application opportunities in the coursework thus extending the scope of all disciplines of applied psychology.

While presiding over the function, AMU Pro Vice Chancellor, Brigadier S Ahmad Ali pointed out that psychology should be taught as professional course in universities and it is important for academics to give a serious thought to include psychology as a professional discipline. Brigadier Ali further said that if war-fare psychology is taught in universities, it will be easy to have professionals in the army and security services to train personnel in dealing with situations in conflict areas, which will include training of army and security personnel in counter-terrorism operations.

He added that the theme of the conference is appropriate in view of the present days demand and challenges that are faced in real life situations like relationships, mental disorders, bereavement and choosing careers.

AMU Pro Vice Chancellor also pointed out that mental health is of utmost importance for the betterment of any nation. If people are mentally healthy, the nation will prosper, said Brigadier Ali.

Professor Mohd Ilyas Khan, Chairperson, Department of Psychology, AMU said that since the sweeping changes in global industrialization, commerce and trade have made the role of psychology, really indispensable; the contemporary needs and challenges are now overwhelming.

The demands of our fast developing economy and the desire to become a leading nation of the world have mandated a big role for psychologist in India too, said Prof Khan adding that there is a vast market that is developing for psychologists in India.

However, we have to upgrade and modernize and the challenge is really great given our inability to provide solutions within a short span of time to the problems at hand, added Prof Khan.

Professor Shamim Ahmad Ansari, Organizing Secretary of the Conference said that modern age has come with skillful practical knowledge that can serve the society and organizations. He added that since, the mid of 20th century, there was a slogan that knowledge without use is useless and this has been the reason why, all disciplines specially of social sciences have started focusing on the utilization of knowledge for the services of mankind.

He added that in the modern world, there is a need to develop strategy for giving immediate, appropriate and reasonable solution to the problems; thus, further professionalization of psychology becomes more imperative.

Professor G P Thakur, who attended the function as a Guest of Honour said that even though the field of psychology has seen a lot of advancement in the past century, however new challenges have come up with the developments in the modern world. People live with mental pressures related to the work places and personal lives and this leads to a big challenge for psychologists, he added.

Professor Akbar Husain proposed the vote of thanks, while Dr. Reshma Jamal conducted the programme.

August 21: The Department of Psychology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) organised an 'Induction Programme' for the newly admitted Phd students to acquaint them with the key stages of the research and the academic policies, rules and regulations of the university.

In the interaction with the new research scholars, the Guest Speaker, Prof Ghazi Shahnawaz (Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi) delineated the shift of 'What to Why' in the field of research, while sharing experiences on how to pursue research.

He also spoke on the selection of research topics and their background studies and the latest technologies associated with research in Psychology. Conducting the programme, Prof Roomana N Siddiqui (Chairperson, Department of Psychology) briefed students about the objectives of the PhD program and discussed ways to benefit from learned researchers.

25th April 2019: On the United Nation's Annual Psychology Day, Prof Purnima Singh, (Chairperson, Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Delhi) delivered the university extension lecture on 'The Time is Now: Psychological Contributions to Global Gender Equality' at the conference hall, faculty of social sciences, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in which she emphasized on how psychologists can contribute in promoting gender equality and women empowerment. The department of psychology organised the lecture.

She addressed the challenges in achieving global gender equity, and highlighted research strategies, and programs that encourage, support, and create conditions to accelerate progress towards making gender equality a reality globally.

Discussing steps taken to overcome gender inequality, Prof Purnima emphasized on promoting leadership amongst women.

In the presiding remarks, Prof Anwar Jahan Zuberi (Former Vice Chancellor, Kerala University) pointed out that gender inequality is as much a problem for the educated masses as it is for the lesser educated people.

She spoke on the need of gender groups working in solidarity to let gender equality prevail.

Prof Akbar Husain (Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences) introduced the keynote speaker,

Prof Roomana N Siddiqui (Chairperson, department of psychology) delivered the welcome address.

Prof Nisar Ahmad (Chairperson, Department of economics) also spoke on the occasion.

The guests released the Psychological Society newsletter, 'Depsypher'.

Shazia Perween proposed the vote of thanks and Rumana Sanam conducted the programme.

22nd April 2019: The faculty members and non-teaching staff at the Department of Psychology, Aligarh Muslim University bid a warm farewell to Prof Mahmood S Khan, who retired from the department after serving the University for over 32 years.

Prof Khan received a floral felicitation by Prof Akbar Husain, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof Mohd Ilyas Khan and Prof Asiya Aijaz. He was also presented a memento as a token of appreciation (for his services to the department) by the Chairperson, Prof Roomana N Siddiqui and Dr. Asma Parveen, Women's College.

Addressing on the occasion, Prof Akbar Husain reminisced the time and anecdotes shared with Prof Khan, appreciated his contributions towards the development of the department and admired his services as a popular teacher.

Prof Mohd Ilyas Khan recalled memories from the days spent as students and colleagues, which he shared with Prof Khan.

Prof Roomana N Siddiqui acknowledged Prof Khans contributions to the development of the University and appreciated his services in various academic and administrative capacities.

Prof Mahmood S Khan expressed gratitude towards his colleagues and staff for their cooperation and support during his long and eventful teaching career in the department. He assured that he will always be available for services to the department and the University and shall strive to provide guidance to students.

Mrs. Sajda Nabi, former faculty member, Women's College, and Prof Asiya Aijaz also expressed their views on the occasion. Dr. Nasheed Imtiaz proposed a vote of thanks while Dr. S Reshma Jamal conducted the programme

9th April 2019: Inauguration of Student counseling Centre.

29th March 2019: Workshop on Projective Technique by Susmita Haldar.

23rd March 2019: Symposium on "Toward a Societally Relevant Social Psychology".

10th Nov 2018: International Conference on 'Islamic Psychology: Theory, Research and Application' start in AMU Aligarh. "Islam teaches us to be in a positive state of mind and it controls our thought processes in a positive manner. We can increase the effectiveness of prayers and relieve ourselves from anger, depression, and anxieties," said Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor while speaking at the inaugural function of the three-day International Conference on 'Islamic Psychology: Theory, Research and Application' organized by the Department of Psychology in collaboration with International Association of Muslim Psychologists, Indian Council on Islamic Perspective in Psychology (New Delhi), Centre for study and Research and Training (Hyderabad), Al Barkaat Islamic Research and Training Institute (Aligarh) and Al Mustafa International University (Tehran) at the Kennedy Hall.

Prof Mansoor further said that Muslims should look forward to new developments and models of Muslim majority countries like Malaysia and Indonesia should be followed. "Malaysia and Indonesia have been hailed as models of how countries can provide its people with positive successful economic and social reforms based on tolerance, pluralism, and equality," said the Vice-Chancellor.

On the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor also released 'Contemporary Trends in Islamic Psychology', edited by Prof Akbar Husain and 'Contemporary Human Issues in Islamic Perspective' authored by Dr. Abdul Majid Khan.

Dr. Bagus Riyono (President, International Association of Muslim Psychologists-IAMP, Indonesia) pointed out that Islamic Psychology movement, which was started by Prof Malik Badri in the 1970s has been going on for several decades.

Elaborating the future of Islamic Psychology, Dr. Riyono said that the next step for Islamic Psychology is to build psychological theories based on Islamic teachings and carry intensive researches for providing scientific foundations of these theories."It is hoped that this conference will become a productive platform for the academic community as a significant step for the development of Islamic Psychology," said Dr. Riyono. "Applications of Islamic Human sciences with all its different divisions in the realm of sociology, law, psychology, political, ethical and social sciences is imperative in the modern human life which faces spiritual vacuum," said Dr Mohammad Reza Saleh (Special Representative, Al Mustafa International University, Tehran) adding that we need to generate rational way of comprehensions of religion and to create a unique methodology to extract religious ideologies from original sources.

Prof Akbar Husain (Director of the Conference and Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences) emphasized, "It was Al-Ghazali, who recognized this branch of knowledge as Ilm al Nafsiyat and Ilm al Muamlat (Study of Mind and Behaviour)," said Prof Husain adding that Islamic psychology explains that when a man undergoes spiritual purification by subduing his evil urges, he actualizes the angelic attributes.

He delineated how Islamic Psychology is integrated into religion, Al Tibb, spirituality and theology. "Muslim scholars such as Abu Yusuf Ya'qub Ibn Ishaq, Abu Zahid Al Balkhi, Abu Bakr Mohammad Ibn Zakaria Al Razi, Abu Nasr Muhammad, Shah Waliulla and Ashraf Thanvi among others have left an indelible impression on the natural and social sciences for which the world will ever remain indebted as they integrated Islamic perspectives with existing knowledge of their times," said Prof Husain. While welcoming the guests, Prof Roomana N Siddiqui (Organising Secretary) said that Islamic Psychology is grounded in the preaching of Quran and history is replete with evidence of its contribution to the growth of psychology.

Prof Naved Iqbal (Organising Secretary) proposed the vote of thanks. More than 100 participants from Sudan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Iran, Bangladesh, Australia and various parts of India are attending the conference.

17th October 2018: Prof Akbar Husain (Dean, Faculty of Social Science) was conferred with the Outstanding Researcher of the Year Awards for 2018 from the Faculties of Humanities/Social Sciences, Law, Commerce, Management Studies and Research category. Prof Akbar Husain received cash prizes of Rs. one lakh each and citations for their Outstanding Researcher of the Year awards.

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10th October 2018: World Mental Health Day was celebrated by the Department of Psychology.

24th September 2018: Ten days SPSS workshop (24th Sep. to 4th October 2018)

10th August 2018: The Department of Psychology, Aligarh Muslim University bid farewell to Prof Shamim A Ansari, Prof Hafiz M Iliyas and Prof Shahina Maqbool in a special function, which was attended by teachers, students, and staff of various departments.

On the occasion, Prof Akbar Hussain, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences said that the retiring teachers had spent their life in educating students and creating a better life for them.

"They took pains to build foundations of knowledge, education and wonderful careers for students," said Prof Hussain while showing his deep sense of appreciation.

Prof Roomana N Siddiqui, Chairperson, Department of Psychology discussed contributions of the retiring teachers in their field and how they groomed students to shape their careers.

"They have raised the academic standards of the department by identifying the needs of students in order to provide an inclusive education," said Prof Roomana adding that Prof Shamim Ansari guided students with valuable insights, Prof Hafiz Iliyas helped the department to bring in high-quality infrastructure facilitates for better student outcomes and Prof Shahina Maqbool's dedication and devotion will always be missed.

Prof. Roomana also opened the new IT Lab of the department in presence of Prof Shamim Ansari, Prof Hafiz Iliyas and Prof Shahina Maqbool. Prof Mahmood S Khan and Dr. Sajid Ali khan also spoke on the contributions of the retiring teachers in academic learning and research.

Meanwhile, Prof Shamim Ansari, Prof Hafiz Iliyas and Prof Shahina Maqbool thanked the teachers, staff and students for their love and affection. Dr Reshma Jamal conducted the programme.

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16th July 2018: The Department of Psychology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) today organised a two-weeks, 'Islamic Psychology and Counselling' Orientation Programme to throw light on how individuals can go through counselling sessions in the light of Islamic scriptures.

Attending the inaugural function as the Chief-Guest, AMU Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor M H Beg pointed out that the Western psychology has a lot to offer, but there is work which needs to be done in the dimension of spirituality.

He added that discipline and hard work are crucial in exploring any field of knowledge. "I am sure that the participants of this programme will design an Islamic framework of psychology and show how it can benefit the whole world," said the Pro Vice Chancellor. On the occasion, Prof M H Beg also released the manual of Orientation Programme, which is authored by Professor Akbar Husain, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and coordinator of the programme with Dr Fauzia Nazam and Ms Zohra Khatoon as other co-authors. Professor Akbar Husain, stressed the importance of individual awareness of self, the psychotherapeutic approach in Islamic perspective and reintegration of individual in socio-religious mainstream.

He said that there is a need to reconcile the insights gained from psychology's theories and interventions with the principles that exist within the Islamic legal tradition, their higher objectives and ethical ends.

Speaking on the concept of Nafsiyat (Self), Ruh (Spirit), Qalb (Heart), Aql (Intellect), Tafkeer (Thought), Al Fitra (Nature), Taqwa (Piety),Suluk (Behaviour) and Tasarruf (Conduct), Prof Husain said that there is a need to understand human behaviour from the Islamic perspective and to do counselling while reflecting on the relationship with the Creator.

Principal of Women's College, Prof Naima Gulrez who was present as the Guest-of-Honour said that reading religious scriptures is catharsis for people in pain. She added that we should always accept knowledge and never withdraw from certain fields of inquiry and at the same time seek for truth by pursuing tasks in the right ways.

Professor Roomana N Siddiqui (Chairperson, Department of Psychology) proposed the vote of thanks. Professor Hafiz M Ilyas Khan, former Chairperson, Department of Psychology with other senior faculty members attended the inaugural function.

24th MAR-2018: International Conference on Mental Health for Sustainable Human Development held Aligarh, March 24: The Pro Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Prof. Tabassum Shahab speaking at 2 day International Conference organised by Department of Psychology, AMU on the theme Mental Health for Sustainable Human Development said that Economic growth without investment in human development is unsustainable and unethical.

He emphasised the process of articulating a vision and a strategic direction for the practice that encourages input from all of the practice decision makers and allows divergent perspectives to be aired and addressed in order to reach consensus.

In his Key Note address Jitendra Mohan, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Punjab University quoted Paul Hawken. The Future belongs to those who think that doing more with less is compassionate, prosperous and enduring and thus more intelligent, even more competitive.

He added every individual has a role to play as we have not inherited the earth from our ancestors; we borrowed it from our children. He elaborated on whos who of Sustainable development and its goals, Human Development Index and how to reach out sustainability through psychology.

Guest of Honour Prof. Daya Singh Sandhu (Lindsey Wilson College, Columbia) said that such conferences encourage scholarly presentations which will be greatly appreciated to enhance the newly initiated efforts for sustained human development. He applauded the elite faculty of Psychology (AMU).

In his welcome address Chairman and Organising President Prof. (Hafiz) Mohd. Ilyas Khan said that, this event is the culmination of painstaking work done by staff and students. He exhibited confidence that the conference will provide a platform to the delegates to share information and interaction will pave way for enlightened understanding of mental health issues.

Prof. Shamim A Ansari (Convenor and Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, AMU) said that the active and dynamic interaction will provide lot of inputs with regard to mental health leading to sustainable psycho-social and personal development.

Vote of thanks was paid by Prof Akbar Husain (Department of Psychology, AMU), while Dr. Reshma Jamal and Dr. Mehwish Fatima conducted the program.

10th May 2018: The Department of Psychology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) organised its first ever Alumni Meet in which the department's former students from various parts of the country and all over the world reminisced the days spent at their Alma mater.

AMU Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof Tabassum Shahab said that a well-knit alumni network allows the University to benefit from the skills and experience of graduates, by offering their support to the current students, to the institution and to each other.

AMU alumnus and special guest, Dr Nadeem A Tarin said that this meet has provided an opportunity to the current students to meet their seniors and discuss career prospects and to make students find mentors in the alumni.

Distinguished alumna and Chief-Guest, Mrs Arjumand Tarin said that Department of Psychology alumni are proud of their Alma mater and this meet will further develop strong alumni relations. She added that the alumni have a great role to play in bringing AMU community together in the best of ways. She assured to provide finances for the construction of a floor in the Department of Psychology's new block which is under-construction.

Prof Hafiz M Iliyas Khan (Organising Secretary of the meet and Chairperson, Department of Psychology) said that a directory with details of 400 alumni has been created. He added that alumni have a wealth of experience and skills to share with students and this could go even further with alumni offering to practically support students in work placements and help them launch their careers.

Prof Shamim A Ansari (Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences) said that the students of past and present are what any university is all about. He added that the faculty and staff are vital as well, but students are unique as they will forever fill a role. whether they are current students or long graduated.

Presiding over the function, Prof Khawaja Shamim Ahmad (Former, AMU Vice Chancellor) said that since alumni are the brand-ambassadors of the institution they graduated from, we see institutions declaring the list of their notable alumni as a way of connecting their successes with what the college has provided them. Prof Ahmad added that AMU has a strong and a positive relationship with their alumni who realize that it's not just a mere nostalgia that they associate their alma-mater with, but it's much beyond that.

Mr. Syed Nadeem Ahmad (Director, Safina Group) announced that he will help in providing a smart-class room for the Department. Alumni present on the occasion also promised to provide finances for the construction of the new block. Prof Akbar Hussain proposed the vote of thanks, while Dr. Faiza Abbassi conducted the programme.

25th March 2018: The Department of Psychology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) concluded the two-day International Conference on Mental Health for Sustainable Human Development.

Presiding over the valedictory function, AMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor said that a large number of people are suffering from mental health issues and there is a mental health epidemic all over the world.

He added that many cases of school shootings in United States of America, where guns can be purchased at the age of 18 have occurred. The accused in most of these shooting cases have been found to be suffering from serious mental health issues, said the Vice Chancellor.

Prof Mansoor pointed out that the case studies of people suffering mental health problems have shown that depression and the materialistic society have led to mental disabilities.

Since AMU is a multi-disciplinary university, different departments of social sciences, medical sciences and basic sciences can work in collaboration to find ways of curing mental health problems, said the Vice Chancellor.

During the valedictory address, Prof G B Thakur (Former Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, M G Vidhapeeth, Varanasi) said that this age belongs to psychology as we are facing diverse effects of culture and society on mental health, mental illness, and mental health services.

This understanding is key to developing mental health services that are more responsive to the cultural and social contexts of people, said Prof Thakur adding that religion is important, directly and indirectly, in the etiology, diagnosis, symptomatology, treatment and prognosis of psychiatric disturbances but people today are too busy to think over it.

Guest-of-Honour, Prof S M I A Zaidi (Head, Department of Educational Planning and Registrar, NUEPA, New Delhi) said that mental health problems can have a wide range of causes. In most cases, no one is sure precisely about the cause of a particular problem and people most likely suffer mental problems because of a combination of factors, although some people may be more deeply affected by certain things than others, he added.

Prof Najma Akhtar (Head, Department of Training and Capacity Building in Education, NUEPA, New Delhi) who also attended the function as a Guest-of-honour said that mental health is still a taboo subject for many cultures and it is high time we grasp the gravity of the situation and grow up. Mental health and well- being need to be a priority, especially in today's stressful times, said Prof Akhtar.

AMU alumnus, Dr Wael Mustafa, who had come from Palestine to attend the conference, also spoke on the occasion.

Prof Shamim A Ansari (Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences) proposed the vote of thanks, while Dr Nasheed Imtiaz presented the conference report. Dr. S Reshma Jamal conducted the programme.

15th January 2018: Ten days SPSS workshop (15th Jan. to 24th Jan, 2018)

 Dr. Modi from Mumbai delivered lecture on Mental Well Being of Students. He mainly focused how students can cope with the pressure and anxiety occurs during examination. Prof. Akbar Husain welcomed the guest. Dr. Shah Mohd. Khan gave vote of thanks.

 The Training and Placement Office (General), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) with the Department of Psychology organized an interactive cum training workshop on 'Positivity and Balanced Life for Digital Youth.'

Guest Speaker, Mr Rupender Khera, a well-known training consultant and executive coach spoke on the role of youth in digital world. He also engaged students in a psychological game in which they discussed their future plans, vision and goals. He motivated students by quoting Bill Gates, 'we are born with limitless opportunities and it's our job to harvest the best suited for us.'

Prof Akbar Husain highlighted the importance of these workshops saying that engaging youth for an intensive discussion and activity on a particular subject makes them familiar with an innovative environment.

Mr Saad Hameed (Training and Placement Officer, General) welcomed the guest speakers to the programme.

The workshop had two interactive sessions, which were attended by 250 student participants.

AMU students and research scholars Asif Hasan, Mohd Anas, N Tawfeeq Alee, Munnoo Khan, Dr Fauzia Nazam, Azhar Shahab, Abhisek Maitra, Bushra Hashim, Adiba Israr, Fatima Hashmi and Akanksha Sharma volunteered to make the programme successful.