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SL’s soaring suicide rate demands in-depth study of Psychology
View(s):With an alarming increase in suicides in Sri Lanka, Psychology should now be considered a relevant subject for studies, as the growth of a country depends greatly on the mental development of its people, observed world-renowned Professor of Psychology Graham Turpin.
Prof Turpin, the keynote speaker at the three-day International Conference on Applied Psychology, held at the BMICH, also said the World Health report lists Sri Lanka 9th in terms of suicides, and hence, the country is very much in need of efficient Psychologists to control this surge.
“Many post-independence countries spend less than 1% of their Budget on Mental Health. Post-civil-war era in Sri Lanka has evidently brought
Dr.Darshan Perera
peace, but mental calm has still not been restored in the country. Such issues should not be dealt with frivolity, as an immediate response is needed,” asserted Prof Turpin.
Explaining the reasons for the lack of Psychologists in the country, Colombo Research & Psychology Academic Affairs Director, Dr Darshan Perera stated that the field of Psychology here is still pursued by the upper crust of society, which results in low penetration to the course.
“Lack of recognition, regulation, education and awareness is the primary cause for low participation of students in this field. A few who pursue Psychology as a career, fear to venture it into a profession,” said Dr Perera.
Dr Perera also mentioned that the country has a very poor rate in retaining those who take to Psychology as a profession, eventually leading to Psychologists going abroad. This he attributed to low remuneration, as the mentally ill are reluctant to seek treatment from a Psychologist due to ignorance.
Higher Education Ministry Secretary, Dr Sunil Nawarathna representing Minister S.B. Dissanayake as the Chief Guest at the conference, said that, there is an urgent need to explain and motivate people on the importance of Psychology.
Prof. Graham Turpin
“When Psychology is the subject of discussion, it is usually related to in negative terms such as depression, anxiety or abnormal behavior. This ignorance can only be reduced with education. People should know that Psychology is much more than treating a deranged mind, it is more of an Applied Scientific study of Mental functions and behaviours,” added Dr Nawarathna.
Eminent professors worldwide, attending the conference, presented their studies on various topics relating to the development of Psychology. Assistant Professor at US-based Auburn University, Dr Thulitha Wickrama discussed his research on numerous related.
Various cultural dances were performed by artistes during the three-day conference. Among these, ‘Devil Dance’ a Sri Lankan cultural technique of hypnotism, caught the attention of many foreign visitors.
-Aviral Mishra