Browsing by Author "Fernando, T"

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Open Access
How Do Psychologists in Sri Lanka Navigate Work-Life Balance? A Qualitative Exploration of Their Experiences
(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Herath, K; Fernando, T
In the presence of an imbalance between work and life, individuals are highly likely to have mental distress, which can result in adverse professional, personal, and health-related consequences. Despite the fact that every profession comes with its own demanding responsibilities. Providing therapy on a regular basis, bearing the emotional weight of their clients, and dealing with vicarious trauma while bearing personalresponsibilities without any institutional support can make it difficult for psychologists to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Without sufficient tools for self-soothing, such close proximity to psychological trauma and human suffering can result in severe emotional anguish, burnout, and, worst of all, attrition from the field. In order to avoid such consequences, this research examines how psychologists balance theirlives between work and life, the key challenges they face and the strategies they utilize to achieve balance. Using purposive sampling, psychologists with over two years of experience working with clients in Sri Lanka were recruited as the sample. Data saturation determined the sample size, which concluded with seven participants. A qualitative design was adopted, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to determine the main themes within the interview responses. Three major themes emerged from the study: psychologists manage many responsibilities, deal with issues including emotional exhaustion, time management, and boundary setting, and cope by using coping mechanisms like self-care, peer and family support, and psychological techniques. The study concluded that psychologists find it difficult to maintain a balance between their personal and professional lives.Nevertheless, due to the techniques individuals have utilized and supported by their loved ones, they are dealing with it healthily.
Open Access
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study of Mothers’ Perspectives
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Liyanage, H; Fernando, T
The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching global consequences, causing substantial changes in all aspects of daily life. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are highly sensitive to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study explores the impact of COVID-19 on children with ASD by focusing on qualitative data obtained from their mothers. The study aimed to determine the impacts of COVID-19 on children with ASD, the challenges mothers of children with ASD faced during COVID-19, and the coping mechanisms they have used. A purposive sample of 6 mothers of children with ASD who fulfil the requirements of the inclusion criteria were recruited. Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted to obtain in-depth information. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Four major themes emerged: Pandemic’s influence on the social development of kids with ASD, ASD children’s psychological response to the pandemic, Motherhood struggles during the pandemic, and Adaptive responses to the challenges of COVID-19. The study findings indicate both positive and negative impacts of COVID-19 on children with ASD, particularly affecting their social skills. Motherhood struggles and adaptive responses during the pandemic are also discussed. Further research is necessary to identify interventions aimed at mitigating the effects of COVID-19 on children with ASD.
Open Access
The Impact of Service Quality and Weather Condition on Tourists’ Guest Night Stays in Coastal Area of Sri Lanka: Perspective of Tourists
(SLIIT Business School, 2023-12-14) Koralage, B; Fernando, T; Nilakshika, T; Madhavika, N; Jayasinghe, P; Ehalapitiya, S
This study aims to explore tourists' perceptions of service quality and weather condition of guest night stays in Sri Lanka and how they influence tourists’ decisions regarding the duration of their guest night stays. This study employed qualitative approach, having the data collected using purposive sampling. Researchers conducted in depth interviews with 18 foreign tourists in Colombo and Galle coastal area of Sri Lanka. The study revealed that both service quality and weather condition are significantly impacting tourists' decision of duration of guest night stays. Longer stays were associated with higher levels of service quality, emphasizing the pivotal role of service delivery in attracting and retaining tourists. In addition, weather condition was identified to be a major factor in determining guest night stays in the coastal area of Sri Lanka. This research offers valuable insights into Sri Lanka's coastal tourism, emphasizing the significance of excellent customer service and environmental responsibility in attracting and retaining tourists. The study's practical implications enable industry experts and policymakers to formulate strategies for promoting eco-friendly practices, ultimately enhancing the overall traveller experience in the coastal regions of Sri Lanka. By examining tourists' perceptions of service quality and weather condition's impact on guest night stays in Colombo and Galle coastal areas, this study contributes to existing literature on tourism in Sri Lanka. The results underscore the significance of sustainable practices and exceptional service in attracting visitors and fostering longer stays. Ultimately, these insights can aid in the formulation of effective plans to strengthen eco-friendly tourism and enhance Sri Lanka's appeal as a preferred destination for international travellers.
Open Access
Recollecti ng Adolescent Experiences of Individuals Having a Sibling with Down’s Syndrome: A Qualitati ve Study
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2024-12-04) Ranwala, W; Fernando, T
Adolescence is a crucial life stage marked by an individual’s transiti on into adulthood. Contrary to those with typically developing siblings, individuals who have a sibling with Down Syndrome (DS) follow a unique trajectory of life experiences associated with their sibling’s conditi on. Yet, this is an area unexplored in Sri Lankan scholarly research. The present study att empts to address this research gap by exploring adolescent experiences of having a sibling with DS; as recalled by adults. The study was conducted qualitati vely, uti lising semi-structured interviews. Data collected was analysed using themati c analysis. The sample consisted of six parti cipants who were adults, had a sibling with Down Syndrome, and were fl uent in English and/or Sinhala. Three main themes emerged addressing adolescent experiences att ributed to the DS sibling, in terms of; the nature of the sibling relati onship, family dynamics, challenges and coping with social support. Respecti ve subthemes highlight several details. Parents and siblings gradually adapted to the individual with DS, resulti ng in close familial relati onships. Parti cipants also illustrated how the sibling relati onship shaped them as individuals. Parental diff erenti al treatment and future caregiving responsibiliti es were expressed as challenging, along with societal discriminati on and sti gmati zati on. However, social support through extended family and peers helped cope with such challenges. Conclusively, adolescent experiences of having a sibling with DS consti tute both favourable and challenging aspects, infl uenced by many individual-specifi c and environmental elements.