The Psychology International Conference [PSYCIC ] 2025
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://rda.sliit.lk/handle/123456789/4384
Browse
Publication Open Access A Participatory Approach to Developing Adolescent Support Groups Focusing on Social Emotional Wellbeing: Lessons from a Community-Based Intervention Conducted in Gothamipura, Sri Lanka(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Jayatilake, P; Gunawardana, R; Goonetilleke, NAdolescent mental health remains a growing concern in underserved urban communities in Sri Lanka. This study aimed to develop a culturally relevant support group model for adolescents in Gothamipura using a participatory approach. The objectives were to create a replicable context-sensitive intervention, enhancesocial-emotional wellbeing of participating adolescents, and offer a replicable framework for developing community-based psychosocial interventions in similar settings. The methodology involved two phases. The first phase involved focused group discussions and consultations with adolescents to understand social emotional focus areas. The second phase included designing sessions, pilot testing, and multiple feedbackand impact assessment sessions. A total of 26 sessions were conducted over 12 months, leading to the development of a support group model with 12 sessions. The model focused on three core areas: emotional awareness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Session content was refined iteratively basedon facilitator observations and participant feedback. Impact assessments showed improved understanding of emotions, greater awareness of distress tolerance strategies, and increased engagement in interpersonal skills, though comprehension levels varied among participants. The structured yet adaptable framework that emerged to develop the model highlights the importance of grounding psychosocial interventions inthe lived experiences of adolescents and incorporating continuous feedback throughout the development process. While the model showed promise, limitations included the absence of pre-post quantitative evaluation and challenges in sustaining the intervention beyond facilitator-led sessions. This study contributes to existing knowledge by demonstrating how participatory methods can support the design oflocally meaningful psychosocial programs for adolescents in low-resource, and marginalized settings.Publication Open Access A Qualitative Exploration of Pet Ownership and its Perceived Impact on Mental Health and Cultural Perspectives among Young Adults in Sri Lanka(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Rodrigo, R. J; Goonethilleke, NPets have the capacity to offer unconditional love and support through companionship, positively influencing emotional, mental, and social wellbeing. Guided by the Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) framework, this qualitative study explored the views on pet ownership and mental health among young adults in Sri Lanka. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven pet owners aged 20 to 22. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Four key themes emerged: (1) Psychological impact and emotional support, (2) Responsibility and daily structure, (3) Cultural and societal contexts, and (4) Fostering social connections. The findings highlight the meaningful contributions of pet ownership to reduced stress and anxiety, increased empathy, improved emotional regulation, and a sense of routine and responsibility, with cultural and familial factors shaping experiences. Pets occasionally served as social facilitators. Overall, findings suggest that pet ownership may offer valuable support for young adults’ mental health and wellbeing in the Sri Lankan context.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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Unknown Exploring the Psychological Impact of Socially Prescribed Perfectionism among Sri Lankan Adolescents: An Interpretative Phenomenological Study(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Ekanayake, R; Ponnamperuma, LSocially prescribed perfectionism (SPP) is defined as the belief that others demand perfection from them. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to SPP due to their heightened sensitivity to external evaluations. Existing literature has consistently identified SPP as the most harmful form of perfectionism. However, there is a notable lack of research focusing specifically on SPP, both globally and in Sri Lanka. This studyaimed to explore the lived experiences of Sri Lankan adolescents with SPP by focusing on how they make sense of external expectations and the resulting psychological impact. The sample included seven adolescents aged 17 to 19 who self-identified as perfectionists experiencing unrealistic expectations from others. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling via a social media post. Data was collected through semi-structured online interviews, each lasting between 30 and 50 minutes. The interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The superordinate theme, ‘the price of never feeling enough’, and its three subthemes illustrated the psychological impact of SPP, highlighting participants’ experiences of self-doubt, strained relationships, and identity loss. This study supports global literature by identifying SPP as predominantly maladaptive, with only limited adaptive aspects. Sri Lankan adolescents appear to experience intense psychological pressure, largely driven by unrealistic expectations from significant adult figures.Publication Unknown Exploring the Role of Parental Communication Patterns in Academic Stress: A Qualitative Study of Sri Lankan University Students(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Kodagoda, P; Abeysinghe, NAcademic stress is a prevalent issue among university students, with parental communication playing a crucial role in shaping their stress experiences. While extensive research has examined academic stressors, there remains a gap in understanding how specific parental communication patterns influence students' ability to manage stress, particularly within the Sri Lankan context. This study explored how Sri Lankan university students perceived and experienced parental communication in relation to academic stress, focusing on the role of verbal encouragement, emotional understanding, and parental expectations in shaping students' stress experiences and coping mechanisms. A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted, with six undergraduates (aged 19–25) purposively sampled. Data were collected throughsemi-structured interviews and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis. Findings revealed that supportive parental communication, characterized by emotional validation and encouragement, mitigated academic stress, whereas critical or dismissive communication exacerbated stress levels. Parental expectations emerged as a significant factor influencing students’ stress. The study highlights the crucial role of parental communication in academic stress among Sri Lankan undergraduates and underscores the need for parental awareness and interventions to foster healthier communication patterns. These findings provide valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and mental health professionals in developing support mechanisms to enhance students’ academic well-being.Publication Unknown 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 Unknown 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 Unknown 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 Impact of Social Media Usage on Self-esteem and Body Image among Female Young Adults in Sri Lanka(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Kaludewalage, M; Selvaratnam, N. DSocial media has become an integral part of modern communication, with millions of users worldwide. While it facilitates connectivity and information sharing, its psychological effects, particularly on selfesteem and body image, have raised significant concerns. This study investigates the impact of social mediause on self-esteem and body image among female young adults in Sri Lanka. Using convenience sampling, the study included 251 females with ages ranging from 18 to 26. A Google form that included a demographic questionnaire, the Social Media Use Scale, the Body Image Questionnaire, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was shared through social media platforms to collect data. A one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) confirmed a statistically significant multivariate effect of social media use on both body image and self-esteem, with social media use explaining 8.5% of the variance in the combined dependent variables. Follow-up analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated a significant effect of social media use on body image and self-esteem separately, with small to moderate effect sizes. Further analysis using Welch’s t-test showed that individuals with Low social media use had significant and higher self-esteem (d= 0.459) and more positive body image (d = 0.580) compared to those with High social media use. Findings highlight that social media use has a significant effect on both self-esteem and body image, with higher social media use associated with lower self-esteem and poor body image. Future research should examine usage patterns and cultural influences.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 Job Insecurity in Sri Lanka: How Self-Efficacy Mediates its Effect on Optimism(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Ajmal, A. A; Selvaratnam, N. DJob insecurity is a significant concern globally and in Sri Lanka. It has been determined to detrimentally affect various job-related factors and the psychological health of individuals. Job insecurity may be a significant stressor that affects the optimism of youth, and optimism is crucial for mental and physical wellbeing. Accordingly, job insecurity’s negative effects may potentially be reduced by self-efficacy by fosteringbeliefs in their abilities despite job uncertainty. Consequently, self-efficacy has been identified as a potential psychological buffer. Nevertheless, empirical studies examining the mediating effect of self-efficacy between job insecurity and optimism are limited. The study aims to investigate the effect of job insecurity on optimism and the mediating role of self-efficacy, addressing the research gap in Sri Lanka. This quantitative study follows a cross-sectional survey design, treating job insecurity as the predictor variable, optimism as the outcome variable, and self-efficacy as the mediator. The final sample size included 164 Sri Lankan young career adults aged 18 to 35 who are currently working, with data collected through convenience sampling. The data was analysed using simple linear regressions and mediation analysis. The results revealed that job insecurity was a significant predictor of both self-efficacy and optimism. Similarly, self-efficacy emerged as a significant predictor of optimism. A partial mediation effect of self-efficacy was observed. These findings highlight the significance of self-efficacy in mediating the relationship between job insecurity and optimism and suggest enhancing self-efficacy as an empowering approach to diminish the adverse impacts of job insecurity.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 ''Mental Well-Being at Risk”: Are Internet Usage and Impulsivity Warning Signs?(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Siriwardene, N; Selvaratnam, N. DExcessive internet usage negatively affects the mental well-being of university students, particularly when coupled with poor self-control and impulsivity, disrupting inner harmony. While this relationship has been empirically tested in other cultural contexts, related discourse in Sri Lanka remains limited. This cross-sectional survey examined the impact of internet use and impulsivity on the mental well-being of undergraduates at state and private universities in Sri Lanka’s Western Province. The survey, disseminated via WhatsApp and Instagram, employed Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Barratt’s Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS). Data from 260 participants were cleaned and analysed using SPSS (version 25). A two-way ANOVA revealed that both internet use and impulsivity had significant, independent negative effects on mental well-being, though their interaction was not significant. These findings underscore a critical concern in higher education and call for universities to promote healthy digital habits. It is recommended that institutions implement evidence-based support systems to encourage balanced internet use that fosters both academic performance and psychological well-being.
