Maiden Indian study on ‘Mental disorder caused by separation from parents or other close relations’ done by Punjabi University
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ February 18,2024
A recent study has been conducted at Punjabi University on the impact of ‘Adult Separation Anxiety Disorder’, a mental disorder caused by separation from parents or other close relations on young people in India. The study conducted by researcher Aastha Verma under the guidance of Prof. Harprit Kaur from the Department of Psychology, is one of the first studies in this field in India.
‘Adult Separation Anxiety Disorder’ (ASAD), this mental disorder, known by its short name, has been included in the list of other mental illnesses by the World Health Organization during 2019. This mental disorder has been included in the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases, known as ICD-11, released by the World Health Organization.
Supervisor Prof. Harprit Kaur said that the data obtained during the study confirms that the young adults who were victims of separation anxiety at an early age are prone to become victims of this mental disorder when they attain adulthood. Research suggests that if children at an early age practice a more emotionally independent state while still living with their parents, they are less likely to develop such mental illness as adults. She told that research shows that children should bond with their parents, but that bond should not be panicky. Children should be taught early on how to understand and deal with their emotions. Research shows that if these points are given special attention in childhood, then those children can avoid mental complications when they grow up. She said that during the research, a comparative study of data obtained from ASAD affected adults and mentally healthy adults confirmed that mentally healthy adults were the ones who had developed an independent existence despite living with their parents during their childhood. Intolerance to uncertainty and separation individuation from parents is crucial for avoiding adult separation anxiety. Such children were in a strong mental state ready for any uncertainty in life.
Researcher Aastha Verma said that in this study, a cohort of young adults, including 51.33% of 339 college/university students residing in hostels or as PGs, were examined for ASAD. The data collected during the investigation was analyzed at various levels. Various results were revealed during the research. Gender-based differences were also observed such as lack of awareness about their disease in boys. Through the analysis of the data obtained during the research, the identities, differences, side effects etc. of this disorder were known in detail. She said that this study, based on the data obtained from 13 different states of India, suggested the need for dual interventions: university-based programs for young adults with ASAD and school-based initiatives to lower ASAD risk in children and adolescents and prepare them for future challenges. Psychologists can employ this package for research and to support individuals with ASAD.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Arvind, congratulating the researcher and supervisor, said that in today’s era, when the way of living is getting complicated, mental health problems are constantly increasing. In such a situation, there is a need to do more research in the field of mental health. Punjabi University deserves to be congratulated for the fact that researches are being done here in every field of knowledge in line with the trends going on at the global level.
