New Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia University has made a significant contribution to a major international research project exploring the complex human experiences of social connection, loneliness, and belonging. The university announced its involvement on December 22, marking a key step in understanding these feelings across diverse cultures.
Indian Academics Lead National Research Efforts
The Indian segment of this global qualitative research program was spearheaded by distinguished faculty from Jamia Millia Islamia. Prof. Samina Bano, who heads the Department of Psychology, and Sayed Ebrahim Mubasheer SM, a Senior Research Fellow, were core members of the national research team. Their work has culminated in the release of the comprehensive India Country Report.
Senior Researcher Prakhar Srivastava from the Annecy Behavioral Science Lab (ABSL) led and coordinated the research efforts within India. The project's international leadership comprises Dr. Hans Rocha IJzerman, Director, and Dr. Miguel Silan, Co-Director of the Annecy Behavioral Science Lab.
Understanding Loneliness in the Indian Context
The findings, drawn from a series of in-depth interviews conducted across the country, offer a nuanced look at how cultural values and social structures shape individual experiences. The report delves into the roles of traditional family setups, evolving community life, and rapid social change in influencing feelings of belonging and isolation among Indians.
This research is particularly timely, as societies worldwide grapple with a perceived rise in loneliness despite increased digital connectivity. The Indian study provides crucial insights specific to its social fabric, examining how deep-rooted community ties interact with modern pressures.
A Component of a Wider Global Initiative
The India Country Report is a vital part of a larger, multi-country research programme orchestrated by the Annecy Behavioral Science Lab. By comparing data from various nations, the initiative aims to build a cross-cultural understanding of loneliness and social belonging, moving beyond a Western-centric perspective.
The involvement of Jamia Millia Islamia underscores the university's growing role in high-impact international social science research. It highlights the importance of Indian academic perspectives in global conversations about mental well-being and societal health.
