The Psychology International Conference [PSYCIC ] 2025
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Publication Open Access Translation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form among Sri Lankans(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Weerasinghe, S. A; Goh, Y; Izadikah, Z; Wang, G; Ireland, M. JThe Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form (DERS-SF) is a widely used measure to assess six areas of difficulties in emotion regulation. However, the psychometric properties of the scale have not been evaluated in the Sri Lankan population. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties, specifically the reliability and factor structure of the scale, to establish relevance to Sinhalesespeaking Sri Lankans. Following the translation, data was gathered online from a convenience sample of 101 participants. The DERS-SF showed excellent reliability (Cronbach’s α = .93; Omega Total ωT = .93). A confirmatory factor analysis revealed that a five-factor structure excluding the awareness subscale had be_er fit indices, reflecting cultural differences in how emotion regulation difficulties are conceptualised. This structure appeared more suitable for use in future research and screening for emotion regulation difficulties in the Sri Lankan population. Additionally, high scores of the DERS-SF,particularly among the younger participants compared to the older participants, underscored the need for programs to teach strategies of emotion regulation.Publication Open Access Assessment of Judgmental Validity of the Sinhala Physical Abuse Subscale (SPAS) of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire–Short Form (CTQ-SF)(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Nayanathara, V; Selvaratnam, N. DChildhood physical abuse (CPA) remains a critical public health issue in Sri Lanka, yet there is a notable absence of culturally validated assessment tools in the Sinhala language. This study aimed to translate and assess the content validity of the 5-item Physical Abuse subscale from the Child Trauma Questionnaire–Short Form (CTQ-SF) using the Delphi method. A single round of Delphi was conducted with five subject matter experts (SMEs) selected based on extensive experience in trauma, psychology, and scale validation.Publication Open Access Academic Ritualistic Behaviours and Exam Stress: Insights from Generation Z Undergraduates in Sri Lanka(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Dissanayake, I. N. D; Abeysinghe, NThis study explores the role of Academic Ritualistic Behaviours (ARB) in managing exam stress among Generation Z university students in Sri Lanka. Exams are often highly stress-inducing events, and this research aims to examine how ritualistic behaviours rooted in personal, cultural, generational, and psychological frameworks help students in managing exam-related stress. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six undergraduates between ages 18 to 26, till data saturation. The interview transcripts were thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework, and the analysis gave rise to three themes: (1) Personal and cultural anchors: Rituals rooted in family, tradition, and peer influence; (2) Rituals as emotional needs: Objects, music, and symbolic actions providing comfort and focus; and (3) Technology-infused rituals: Apps, digital platforms, and manifestation practices shaping modern coping. While rituals promoted reassurance and structure, overreliance sometimes heightenedanxiety when disrupted, highlighting the double-edged nature of such practices. The Findings suggest that academic ritualistic behaviours influenced by cultural heritage and digital practices contribute to resilience, focus, and emotional stability during exams, but also reveal potential risks of overreliance. They emphasise the need for educators and researchers to acknowledge both benefits and risk associated with these behaviours when addressing student wellbeing.Publication Open Access Unpacking how the Living Arrangements of Undergraduates Influence Quality of Life(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Bandara, K; Abeysekara, M; Vihangi, S; Perera, S; Jayasekara, S; Samaratunge, T; Goonetilleke, NThis study examined the connection between undergraduate students' living arrangements (private vs rented accommodation) and their Quality of Life (QoL) at the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT). All four domains of quality of life, psychological well-being, physical health, environmental factors, and social relationships were measured using an adapted version of the World Health Organisation Quality of Life: Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF). The cross-sectional studyincluded a sample of 64 individuals obtained from the campus premises between the ages of 18-25. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) revealed no statistically significant differences in QoL dimensions based on accommodation type. However, the effect sizes indicate living arrangements to be a better predictor of the environmental factors as opposed to other domains of QoL. Furthermore, a chi-square test yielded a strong association between the year of study and living arrangements among students, suggesting that the year of study may have an impact on students’ choice of accommodation. These results further demonstrate the diversity of QoL and imply that, although environmental influences are worthy of consideration, living arrangements might not be a strong factor to explain students’ well-being. While the nature of the sample (i.e., small and convenient) may have hindered the statistical significance of the study, the present findings highlight the necessity for subsequent studies to accurately uncover the impact of student life, accommodation, and other related factors onthe quality of life.Publication Open Access Exploring the Uncanny Valley Effect of Motion Capture films through Anthropomorphism and Negative Emotions(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Dionysius, K; Selvaratnam, N.DThis study was conducted with the aim of exploring whether watching a Motion capture (Mo-cap) movie can result in the Uncanny Valley (UV) effect amongst the young-adult population via the factors of Anthropomorphism and Negative Emotions (NE). Three objectives were brought forward; assess perceived anthropomorphism in Mo-cap films, examine NE induced by Mo-cap characters, and determine if both factors together elicit the UVE. The participants were divided into 3 groups, with each group having 15participants. Each group viewed a different movie – animated, Mo-cap, and real. Afterwards, participants were instructed to fill the Godspeed questionnaire Series (GQS) and the Discreet Emotions Questionnaire (DEQ) to measure Anthropomorphism and NE respectively. The Mo-cap movie was not significantly different in anthropomorphism levels but did showcase higher levels of NE within the participants. The UVE was not observed due to high levels of anthropomorphism and NE was not of significant occurrence.Publication Open Access Generational Differences and Gender Role Beliefs on Mental Health Stigma among Sri Lankan Women(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Nicholas, R. N; Selvaratnam, N.DMental health stigma (MHS) remains a key barrier to psychological well-being in Sri Lanka, where cultural norms and gender expectations heavily influence help-seeking. Against this backdrop, the present study examined how gender role beliefs and generational differences shape mental health stigma among Sri Lankan women and whether these variables interact. A total of 250 Sri Lankan women aged 18-60 fromGenerations X, Y, and Z were recruited through online data collection, with generational groups assigned based on birth year. Gender role beliefs were measured using the Gender Role Beliefs Scale – Short Version (GRBS), and stigma was assessed using the Social Stigma for Receiving Psychological Help (SSRPH). A 2x3 factorial arrangement was designed, and data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA. Results indicated that women endorsing traditional gender role beliefs reported significantly higher stigma, while the interaction between gender role beliefs and generation was not significant. The findings highlight gender role beliefs as a stronger predictor of stigma than generation, underscoring the need for belief-focused, culturally sensitive interventions in Sri Lanka.Publication Open Access Psychedelics in Practice: Science, Safety, and the Future of Healing(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Ireland, RPsychedelic-assisted therapies are re-emerging as credible options in psychological care amid a high global burden of mental ill-health and limited response to first-line treatments. Once marginal, psychedelics are now part of mainstream research and policy debate, while remaining illegal or tightly restricted in many jurisdictions. Classic and atypical compounds (e.g., psilocybin, MDMA) act via mechanisms that include 5-HT2A–mediated effects, default mode network modulation, increased global connectivity, and a timelimited neuroplasticity window that psychotherapy can harness. Evidence for clinical applications spans treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, end-of-life anxiety, and addictions. Central to positive outcomes is the therapeutic frame, including preparation, supported dosing, and structured integration, rather than medication alone. Risks and contraindications, regulatory realities, and cultural–ethical considerations (including acknowledgement of Indigenous knowledge and equity of access) will be addressed. Implications for practice will be highlighted, alongside succinct directions for future research.Publication Open Access Predictors of Professional Help-Seeking Intentions in Sri Lankan Young Adults(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Shiyam, T. S; Selvaratnam, N.DDespite a noticeable decline in mental health among youth in Sri Lanka, many remain reluctant to seek help from trained professionals. This cross-sectional study applies the theory of planned behaviour to examine the psychological determinants of professional help-seeking intentions among Sri Lankan young adults, with a focus on how its core components—attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control—contribute to intention formation. An online questionnaire consisting of the Mental Health Seeking Attitude Scale (MHSAS), Subjective Norms Scale (SNS), Perceived Behavioural Control Scale (PBCS) and Mental Help Seeking Intention Scale (MHSIS) was administered to a predominantly female, English-speaking sample of 155 participants aged between 18 – 35. A hierarchical regression analysis revealed a statistically significant model which accounted for 13.2% of the variance in professional helpseeking intentions among this sample. However, subjective norms failed to account for a significant increase in the variance explained by the model after controlling for attitudes and perceived behavioural control. These findings highlight the importance of targeting attitudes and perceived control in interventions aimed at augmenting professional help-seeking intentions among youth. Authorities shouldalso prioritize culturally tailored mental health campaigns that could empower youth while reducing the stigma around professional support.Publication Open Access Beneath the Sentence: A Deep Dive into Post-Homicidal Mentality and Coping Strategies on Sri Lanka’s Death Row Inmates(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Madanayake, C; Perera, H; Samarakoon, C; Athapaththu, T; Attanayaka, A; Weeramanthrie, Y; Sandupama, T; Selvaratnam, N.D; Ponnamperuma, LThis study explores the post-homicidal mentality and coping strategies of individuals convicted of homicide and sentenced to capital punishment in Sri Lanka, a context marked by stressful conditions of incarceration and cultural stigma. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), in-depth interviews were conducted with six male inmates at Welikada Prison to understand how they perceive and manage their acts (i.e., homicide) and extended detention under the threat of the death penalty. The results showed a variety of signs of psychological distress after a homicide, such as guilt, anxiety, disorientation, and emotional numbness. In order to deal with guilt, control intrusive memories, and adapt to prison life, participants used coping strategies, particularly religious surrender, creative engagement, and moral reframing. According to these findings, death row inmates face significant psychological difficulties, and the correctional system in Sri Lanka urgently needs culturally competent mental health services and rehabilitative frameworks. The study contributes to the limited qualitative literature on the inner experiences of death row prisoners, offering insights for policy development and clinical practices aimed at supporting psychological adaptation in highly punitive environments.Publication Open Access Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis on Sri Lankan Female Audiences Regarding Psychological Impact of Korean Dramas(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Handapangoda, C.A; Ponnamperuma, LKorean Dramas (K-Dramas) have emerged as a prominent form of entertainment, with various storylines featured in nearly all productions. However, exposure to these narratives can cultivate unrealistic expectations, potentially inducing emotional distress when viewers’ anticipations are unmet. This study aimed to explore the psychological experiences of Sri Lankan female viewers, focusing on the emotionalresponses elicited by general K-Drama consumption. A purposive sample of ten females aged 20-25, with at least six months of K-Drama viewing experience, participated in individual interviews lasting 20-40 minutes. Informed consent was obtained, and interviews were audio-recorded and followed by a debriefing. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis facilitated an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of the participants. Findings indicate that viewers engage with K-Dramas for excitement, appealing genres, and emotional processes such as catharsis. Participants also reflected on cultural differences in gender roles and romantic norms between South Korea and Sri Lanka. Overall, the study shows that K-Dramas influence emotional regulation, and personal aspirations, while highlighting the importance of critically engaging with media, knowing its psychological benefits and potential drawbacksPublication 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, TIn 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.Publication Open Access Red Flags at Work: A Qualitative Study on Gen Z’s Workplace Turn-Offs(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Gunathilake, S; Ganeshan, AAs Generation Z enters the workforce, their expectations regarding authenticity, equality and psychological safety are shaping new benchmarks for organisational culture. While global literature has begun to explore these shifts, there are limited empirical evidence on what constitutes workplace "red flags" for Gen Z in South Asia, particularly Sri Lanka. This study investigated the organisational behaviours and environments perceived as red flags by Sri Lankan Gen Z employees. An inductive qualitative approach was adopted, analysing approximately 69 anonymised responses from three Reddit threads posted in 2022, 2024 and 2025. Thematic analysis revealed six core themes: performative culture and corporate hypocrisy; lack of psychological safety and respect; exploitation and burnout norms; unfair HR practices and compensation systems; favouritism, discrimination, and lack of inclusion and organisational dishonesty. Differences were observed across sectors, with IT professionals emphasising overwork, rigid processes, and stagnant roles, while non-IT participants raised concerns about ethical breaches, gender-based microaggressions and superficial wellness initiatives. These themes were consistently evident across all three posts suggesting deeply held generational expectations. The study concludes that for Gen Z in Sri Lanka, alignment between stated organisational values and actual practices is essential.Publication Open Access Cultural Adaptation and Statistical Validation of the General Self-Efficacy Scale Tamil (GSES-T)(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Vasudevan, T; Selvaratnam, N. DThe General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), extensively validated across cultures, has not previously been available in Tamil, restricting its application in research and practice. This study, guided by Classical Test Theory (CTT), aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the GSES for Tamil-speaking populations. Adaptation followed rigorous procedures: forward–back translation, expert evaluation via the Delphi method (n = 4), and a pilot test (n = 10) to ensure cultural and linguistic relevance. Data from 204 Tamilspeaking Sri Lankans, recruited through cluster-based random sampling across multiple provinces, were analysed. Findings demonstrated strong content and consensual validity, excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .892), and a unidimensional structure explaining 50.98% of variance. The validated GSEST offers a robust tool for assessing self-efficacy, advancing culturally responsive research and supporting evidence-based interventions in Tamil-speaking communitiesPublication Open Access Contribution of the Keynote Speaker Multiconference(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) McNamara, PThis is an exciting time to be in Sri Lanka. Many opportunities are present. The complex problems will be best solved with cross-cutting answers involving perspectives from the humanities, social science, and natural science. No longer are the traditional narrow disciplines of academe sufficient. What is needed is a culture of creativity and innovation. I am excited to engage with the participants and organizers of this 2025 SICASH conference, who are at the cutting edge of this interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving in Sri Lanka and beyond.Publication Open Access Challenges and Coping Strategies of Sri Lankan Undergraduates in Non-English- Speaking Countries: A Qualitative Exploration Using Schlossberg’s Transition Theory(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Fahumudeen, H; Goonetilleke, NInternational students pursuing higher education in foreign countries are vulnerable to numerous challenges diminishing their experience. Presently, research is dominated by the perspectives of Western students and English-speaking countries; neglecting the perspectives of international students in non-English speaking countries. Through Schlossberg’s transition theory, this qualitative study explored the perspectives of South Asian, specifically Sri Lankan, students in the challenges faced and the coping strategies used – to ultimately develop recommendations improving student experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on eight undergraduates consisting of six women and two men studying in non-English-speaking countries varying from Eastern Europe to Middle Eastern nations. During Thematic Analysis three themes emerged: the role of host country language, discrimination experienced, and how challenges were navigated. Role of language emerged as a significant theme that influenced students’ daily experiences and quality of support provided. Additionally, Sri Lankan students demonstrated agency by developing and maintaining strong socialsupport systems. However, institutions must ensure that international students are provided adequate resources to navigate the challenges they face and encourage intercultural interactions.Publication Open Access Loneliness, Self-Esteem, and Maladaptive Daydreaming in University Students: The Mediating Role of Perceived Stress(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Constantine, L; Haque, SMaladaptive daydreaming (MD) is excessive, immersive daydreaming that causes significant distress. MD can disrupt well-being and academic functioning in university students, giving reason for the investigation of its risk factors among this population. Since loneliness, low self-esteem, and perceived stress are common among university students, the present study examined whether loneliness and self-esteem predicted MD individually, and whether perceived stress mediated these relationships. Using a cross-sectional study design with a convenience sample of 119 university students (71.40% female) aged 18–35, mediated regression analyses revealed that higher loneliness and lower self-esteem significantly predicted higher MD. Perceived stress partially mediated the relationship between loneliness and MD, and fully mediatedthat between self-esteem and MD. The findings indicate that university students engage in MD to compensate for unmet belongingness needs directly, and to cope with stress. Thus, interventions that target stress may reduce MD engagement and mitigate its consequences.Publication Open Access Mindscapes of the Gamer: A Phenomenological Study of Internet Gaming Disorder among Sri Lankan Adolescents(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Rupasinghe, S; Ponnamperuma, LInternet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has emerged as a significant mental health concern among adolescents, undermining psychological well-being, academic performance, and interpersonal relationships. In Sri Lanka, stringent cultural values, such as strict familial hierarchies and high expectations for academic excellence, and intense educational pressures, shape gaming experiences. This study examined adolescentgamers’ lived experiences through in-depth semi-structured interviews with seven participants recruited via snowball sampling from online gaming communities. Participants were active gamers who reported significant daily-life disruptions. Interviews (30–40 minutes) were transcribed verbatim and analysed iteratively to ensure thematic credibility. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis guided thematic exploration. Four superordinate themes emerged: Mindscapes of the Gamer; Connected Yet Fragmented; When Escape Becomes the Only Escape; and The Real Cost of Virtual Victories. This paper focuses on the Mindscapes of the Gamer theme, comprising two subthemes, Escaping Real-Life Stress and Gaming’s Effects on Thoughts and Actions, to illustrate gaming’s dual role as a refuge and a cognitive intruder. Participants described gaming as providing immediate emotional relief from academic and familial stress, yet their accounts revealed lingering mental preoccupations that disrupted concentration, decision-making, academic engagement, and self-care. Excessive gaming was also associated with academic neglect anddeterioration in self-care practices, compounding its adverse effects on mental health. Some adolescents reported enhanced self-worth and social validation, reflecting literature on digital belonging. These findings uncover a paradox in which brief relief may lead to enduring cognitive and emotional challenges. The paper underscores the need for culturally tailored interventions combining emotion-regulation training with strategies to interrupt gaming-related rumination. Focusing solely on Mindscapes of theGamer delivers in-depth psychological insights and actionable guidance for fostering resilience among adolescents in pressured environments.Publication Open Access Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Mental Health: Innovations, Challenges, and Ethical Imperatives(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Jayalath, J.GArtificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly viewed as a promising tool for improving access to and scalability of mental health services, particularly thrrough application such as Chatbot, predictive modeling and emotion recognition technology.However, its integration raises significant ethical and psychological concerns, including algorithmic bias, privacy violations, and the potential erosion of human empathy. This qualitative integrative review aimed to critically examine the dual role of AI in mental health, synthesizing evidence on its efficacy and ethical challenges. The study systematically searched Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, and PsycINFO databases, employing a structured search strategy. From an initial pool of 70 papers, 10 high-impact studies were selected based on rigorous inclusion criteria (peer-reviewed, focus on AI applications, ethical/psychological implications).Publication Open Access Effects of Childhood Physical Abuse and Social Support on Young Adult Self- Esteem(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Nayanathara, V; Selvaratnam, N. DChildhood physical abuse has been empirically linked to reduced self-esteem, reflecting its lasting impact on psychological well-being. Although social support is often considered a protective factor, research on its role in shaping self-esteem among those who have experienced childhood abuse remains inconclusive, especially among Asian populations. This study aimed to investigate the impact of childhood physicalabuse and social support on self-esteem among young adults residing in rural and suburban areas of Sri Lanka. The sample consisted of 351 Sinhala-speaking individuals (53.56% female and 46.44% male), aged between 18 and 29 years, drawn from 11 rural and suburban districts in Sri Lanka using cluster sampling.Descriptive and inferential statistics, including two-way ANOVA and a post-hoc analysis, were conducted in SPSS and Jamovi to examine main and interaction effects of childhood physical abuse and social support on self-esteem. There were significant main effects of both childhood physical abuse and social support on self-esteem. However, the interaction effect between physical abuse and social support was not significant.Post-hoc analyses indicated that moderate levels of social support mitigated some of the adverse effects of severe childhood physical abuse on self-esteem. The absence of a significant interaction suggests independent effects, warranting further investigation into related psychological outcomes for relevant authorities to make informed decisions governing child protection.Publication Open Access The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem in the Relationship Between Mindfulness and Mental Well-Being(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Weerasinghe, B.A.I.R; Rajakarunanayake, SAlthough the role played by mindfulness in developing mental well-being has received much attention, the mediatory role of self-esteem the realm of positive psychology is discussed rarely, especially in the context of non-state universities of a developing country that has face multiple unprecedented challenges in the recent past. A sample of 329 was collected using a self-administered survey questionnaire from non-state universities in Sri Lanka. Data was analyzed by using SPSS 26 and the mediation effect was computed by using PROCESS Macro. A statistically significant positive relationship was found between mindfulness and mental well-being. A partial mediation of self-esteem was found between mindfulness and wellbeing. The findings suggest academics, administrators, and policy makers to integrate more mindfulness-based interventions in associating with undergraduates to ease their academic burden and life battles whilst paying attention to build self-esteem among non-state university students.