Psycho-Social Health of Youths

This comprehensive book of interdisciplinary nature uses indigenous research findings to examine issues affecting the psycho-social health of adolescents and young adults. It explores the psychological, social and biological factors that hinder the well-being of youth, while proposing intervention and the way forward. Lucidly written to aid understanding, this volume links theory and research in psychology to the Indian social sphere by providing real-life examples and case studies. It explores the causes of clinical psychological disorders and maladaptive behaviour, which when neglected can adversely affect an individual's personality. It points to the detriments of gender-based socialization, abusive marriages, addiction, and traumatic events such as sexual harassment and emotional abuse. The book suggests measures to cope with trauma, prevent suicidal ideation, and build resilience and empathy to foster post-traumatic healing. This book will help readers overcome stress, disturbed interpersonal and intrapersonal relations, and difficulties regarding communication and negative thoughts. It will also be useful to students, researchers, professionals, counsellors, life skills trainers, and general readers to help them achieve greater success and happiness in life.

Alka Wadkar is a retired faculty from the Department of Psychology, University of Pune, India. She has a rich experience of teaching, counselling, research, evaluation, and extension activities for 40 years. She has successfully guided 12 research students for PhD, 3 for MPhil, and more than a hundred students for MA, and MEd. She has authored 26 books. Her book Life Skills for Wellbeing and Success is recommended in syllabi of 100 different institutes all over India. She is involved in prestigious academic work for a highly reputed foreign professional journal and shouldering various academic responsibilities of many universities and central government.

Preface 1. Psycho-social health during Adolescence and Youth 2. Impact of Gender 3. Emotional abuse 4. Aggression and violence 5. Marriage and other sexual relations 6. Pornography Addiction and Sexual Addiction 7. Sexual Abuse, Sexual Harassment, and Rape 8. Alcohol and Substance Abuse 9. Suicide and attempts to suicide 10. Chronic and terminal diseases and trauma 11. Clinical Disorders