About
Dr. Anita Sharon Joshua is an academician, researcher, and counselling psychologist with expertise in adolescent and youth mental health. She holds a Ph.D. in Applied Psychology from the Central University of Tamil Nadu, where her doctoral research examined substance use, aggression, and suicidal ideation among higher secondary students in Kerala. Her work reflects a strong commitment to understanding psychological risk factors and promoting mental health and well-being among young people.
Dr. Anita qualified the UGC-NET in Psychology in 2018 and secured First Rank in her M.Sc. Psychology programme with Clinical Specialisation. Her research interests include adolescent and youth mental health, suicidology, substance use, social media use, and aggression. She has published in reputed national and international scholarly journals and has presented her research at national and international conferences. Her work is particularly focused on understanding mental health challenges among adolescents and young adults and developing evidence-informed approaches to mental health promotion, prevention, and early intervention.
As an educator and counselling psychologist, Dr. Anita is passionate about integrating teaching, research, and psychological practice. She has experience conducting mental health awareness programmes, psychoeducational initiatives, life-skills and emotional well-being sessions, counselling-related interventions, and student mentoring activities. She is committed to creating supportive and inclusive learning environments that promote both academic success and psychological well-being. Her approach combines academic rigour with empathy and a student-centred perspective, fostering holistic growth and development among learners.
Through her teaching, research, and professional practice, Dr. Anita remains committed to advancing psychological science and contributing to the development of resilient, healthy, and socially responsible individuals.
Social Media Addiction and Aggression among Higher Secondary Students
This study examined the relationship between social media addiction and aggression among higher secondary students in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The findings revealed that higher levels of social media addiction were associated with increased aggressive behaviour among adolescents. The research highlights the growing influence of digital media on youth mental health and underscores the importance of promoting responsible social media use. The study recommends digital literacy initiatives, parental awareness programmes, and school-based interventions to support healthy online behaviour and reduce behavioural risks among adolescents.
Substance Use and Suicidal Ideation among Adolescents in Kerala
This study explored the relationship between substance use and suicidal ideation among adolescents in Kerala. The findings indicated that adolescents who reported higher levels of substance use were also more likely to experience suicidal thoughts. The study highlights the interconnected nature of mental health challenges and risk behaviours during adolescence and emphasizes the need for early identification, awareness programmes, and preventive interventions. The findings contribute to efforts aimed at strengthening adolescent mental health services and suicide prevention initiatives within educational and community settings.
Substance Use and Aggression among Emerging Adults
This study explored the relationship between substance use and aggression among emerging adults. The findings revealed a significant positive association between substance use and aggressive behaviour, highlighting the impact of risk behaviours on individual well-being and social functioning. The study also identified higher levels of substance use among males. By drawing attention to the psychological and social consequences of substance use, the research emphasizes the need for awareness programmes, preventive strategies, and supportive interventions aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among young adults.
Connectedness to Nature and Well-being among College Students in Kerala
This study examined the relationship between connectedness to nature and well-being among college students in Kerala. The findings demonstrated that a stronger connection with nature was associated with higher levels of well-being, supporting the view that interactions with the natural environment contribute positively to psychological health. The research highlights the importance of incorporating nature-based experiences and environmental engagement into educational settings. The study offers valuable insights for promoting student well-being and underscores the role of nature connectedness as a potential resource for enhancing mental health and quality of life.
Adolescent Mental Health in Schools: A Cross-Sectional Study of Depression, Emotional Intelligence, and Fear of Missing Out in Thiruvarur, India
This study examined the prevalence of depression, emotional intelligence, and Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) among school-going adolescents in Tamil Nadu. The findings revealed that FoMO was associated with depressive symptoms, while emotional intelligence emerged as a potential protective factor. The study also highlighted the important role of family and peer support in adolescent well-being. The research provides valuable insights for educators, parents, and mental health professionals seeking to promote emotional resilience and mental health among adolescents through school- and family-based interventions.
Presentations
Substance Use and Suicidal Ideation among Adolescents – 10th INSPA International Conference, November 2020
Connectedness to Nature and Well-being among College Students – 4th International Conference, Anugraha Institute of Social Sciences, February 2020
Substance Use and Aggression among Emerging Adults – 10th INSPA International Conference, November 2020
Connectedness to Nature and Values among Emerging Adults – 7th International and 9th Indian Psychological Science Congress, November 2020
Social Networking Addiction and Aggression among Higher Secondary Students – 12th INSPA International Conference, October 2022
Adolescent Suicidal Ideation: Gender, Location, Family and Socio-Economic Disparities – 7th APSPA International Conference, March 2025
The Lived Experiences of Suicide Attempt Survivors: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies – 35th Annual Convention of the National Academy of Psychology (NAOP), May 2026
Examined the relationship between social media addiction and aggression among higher secondary students, highlighting the impact of digital engagement on adolescent behaviour and well-being.
Investigated the association between substance use and suicidal ideation among adolescents in Kerala, contributing to research on youth mental health and suicide prevention.
Studied the relationship between substance use and aggression among emerging adults, highlighting behavioural risk factors that affect individual and social well-being.
Examined the association between connectedness to nature and well-being among college students, demonstrating the role of environmental connectedness in promoting psychological health.
Explored depression, emotional intelligence, and Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) among school-going adolescents, emphasizing the role of psychosocial factors in mental health outcomes.
Research Interests
Adolescent and Youth Mental Health
Suicidology and Suicide Prevention
Substance Use and Risk Behaviours
Social Media Use and Digital Well-being
Aggression and Behavioural Problems
School and College Mental Health
Psychological Well-being
UGC-NET Qualified in Psychology (2018)
Qualified the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) in Psychology.
First Rank in M.Sc. Psychology (Clinical Specialisation)
Secured First Rank in the M.Sc. Psychology (Clinical Specialisation) programme at Kristu Jayanti College (Autonomous), Bengaluru.
Assistant Professor
School of Psychology & Behavioural Sciences
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Mysuru