Chathurika Sewwandi Kannangara | University of Bolton (original) (raw)
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Papers by Chathurika Sewwandi Kannangara
Current Psychology (New Brunswick, N.j.), 2022
The effects of Covid-19 have been felt worldwide and one population that are of increasing concer... more The effects of Covid-19 have been felt worldwide and one population that are of increasing concern are university students. University students have endured unique and drastic changes to their everyday and academic lives. It is important to understand how university students in different parts of the world have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and how it has affected their mental health? A cross-sectional study was conducted during the first wave of Covid-19, in May 2020 with 2,006 university students from the UK, Italy, Germany and Spain. Participants were recruited online and were asked to complete a series of standardised measures of psychological distress, anxiety, flourishing and wellbeing. Attitudes towards Covid-19 were measured using a new scale. The factor structure and reliability of this new scale was confirmed using this European sample. Results indicated that all university students were suffering from poor mental health, considerably below pre-pandemic norms. The...
PLOS ONE, 2022
Academic success at University is increasingly believed to be a combination of personal character... more Academic success at University is increasingly believed to be a combination of personal characteristics like grit, resilience, strength-use, self-control, mind-set and wellbeing. The authors have developed a short 12-item measure of tenacity, the Bolton Uni-Stride Scale (BUSS) which incorporates these elements. Previous work in the UK had established the reliability and validity of the BUSS. The present paper reports the findings of an International validation of BUSS across 30 countries (n = 1043). Participants completed the BUSS alongside other recognised scales. Factor analysis revealed an almost identical two-factor solution to previous work and the reliability and validity of the scale were supported using an international sample. The authors recommend however that the scale be used as a single score combining all 12 items. In the light of this, the authors suggest that the BUSS will be a useful measure to incorporate in studies of academic attainment.
Psychology in the Schools, 2021
The purpose of the study was to understand and describe the level of nonverbal creativity and its... more The purpose of the study was to understand and describe the level of nonverbal creativity and its relation to cognitive and learning styles of engineering and computing students. This might possibly provide engineering educators with knowledge of the above three factors and their adaptation to teaching and learning. The study was an exploratory-comparative study with one independent variable (engineering versus computing students) and three dependent variables [the Non-Verbal Test of Creative Thinking (Mehdi, 1973), The Group Embedded Figures Test, (Witkin et al, 1971); the Visual, Auditory, Read and Write Kinesthetic VARK Questionnaire , (Fleming, 1992) ]. The study aimed to compare the level of non-verbal creativity and influence of other attributes on the creativity of students of engineering and computing science. Additional aims were to see if there were significant differences in cognitive and learning styles of students from engineering and computing science. Data were collec...
Frontiers in Psychology, 2018
The present research looked at the importance of the concept of grit in University students based... more The present research looked at the importance of the concept of grit in University students based on a mixed-method approach. Study 1 comprised 440 University students. All were given the Grit Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, the short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, the Office of National Statistics Well-being items and the Self-Control Scale. Levels of grit were significantly higher in female students, older students and postgraduates. Grit correlated highest with self-control. Study 2 looked at 340 University students. In addition to measuring self-control, mental well-being and grit, measures of resilience and mindsets were also added. A construct validity test of the Grit Scale showed that high grit scorers had significantly higher levels of selfcontrol and mental well-being, were more resilient and were more likely to have a more growth oriented mindset. Grit varies with age and is most closely associated with the concept of self-control. The third study was a qualitative investigation with 10 successful graduates. Semi-structured interviews were coded using thematic analysis. Three broad themes emerged. The first, Passion and Perseverance, included themes of having short and long terms goals, resilience, dedication, and endurance. The second, Self-Control, included time management, self-awareness, prioritizing tasks and knowing strengths and weaknesses. The third theme identified was Positive Mindsets. This included having a positive attitude toward learning, the importance of feedback and constructive criticism and that success is not materialistic. The qualitative research has helped "unpack" concepts from the grit research and may enable University tutors to guide students better. Though these studies were only conducted in one English University, they have been stepping stones in our quest to discover what are the most important factors in determining student academic success? The development and piloting of our new Uni-Stride Scale, is the next step in this process.
Global Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, 2018
Kybernetes, 2015
We propose a method to extract the unlensed, intrinsic CMB temperature and polarization power spe... more We propose a method to extract the unlensed, intrinsic CMB temperature and polarization power spectra from the observed (i.e., lensed) spectra. Using a matrix inversion technique, we demonstrate how one can reconstruct the intrinsic CMB power spectra directly from lensed data for both flat sky and full sky analyses. The delensed spectra obtained by the technique are calibrated against the Code for Anisotropies in the Microwave Background (CAMB) using WMAP 7-year best-fit data and applied to WMAP 9-year unbinned data as well. In principle, our methodology may help in subtracting out the E-mode lensing contribution in order to obtain the intrinsic B-mode power.
Frontiers in Psychology, 2015
The present research looked at the importance of the concept of grit in University students based... more The present research looked at the importance of the concept of grit in University students based on a mixed-method approach. Study 1 comprised 440 University students. All were given the Grit Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, the short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, the Office of National Statistics Well-being items and the Self-Control Scale. Levels of grit were significantly higher in female students, older students and postgraduates. Grit correlated highest with self-control. Study 2 looked at 340 University students. In addition to measuring self-control, mental well-being and grit, measures of resilience and mindsets were also added. A construct validity test of the Grit Scale showed that high grit scorers had significantly higher levels of self-control and mental well-being, were more resilient and were more likely to have a more growth oriented mindset. Grit varies with age and is most closely associated with the concept of self-control. The third study was a qualitative investigation with 10 successful graduates. Semi-structured interviews were coded using thematic analysis. Three broad themes emerged. The first, Passion and Perseverance, included themes of having short and long terms goals, resilience, dedication, and endurance. The second, Self-Control, included time management, self-awareness, prioritizing tasks and knowing strengths and weaknesses. The third theme identified was Positive Mindsets. This included having a positive attitude toward learning, the importance of feedback and constructive criticism and that success is not materialistic. The qualitative research has helped "unpack" concepts from the grit research and may enable University tutors to guide students better. Though these studies were only conducted in one English University, they have been stepping stones in our quest to discover what are the most important factors in determining student academic success? The development and piloting of our new Uni-Stride Scale, is the next step in this process.
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider the relevance of the literature of cybernetics... more Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider the relevance of the literature of cybernetics for a positive psychology approach to dyslexia. Design/methodology/approach – A selective bibliography is presented, which reflects the exchange of ideas between the authors, two of whom work in the field of psychology, one in educational cybernetics and the other in information systems. Findings – Examination of the literature suggests that there is scope for the application of positive psychology to dyslexia. In the cybernetic literature there is little direct discussion of either positive psychology or dyslexia. However, these areas are linked by the themes of self-steering systems and of levels of learning. Cybernetics identifies systemic constraints and therapeutic approaches which can inform the use of positive psychology techniques with dyslexics. Originality/value – The paper documents the relevance of cybernetic analysis to the self-regulation carried out by dyslexics, and in so doing also enriches discourse on dyslexia in the field of psychology. The paper will be of value to those carrying out research into dyslexia, and to those who are supporting or working alongside people with dyslexia.
This is an account of personal narratives shared by several people with dyslexia. Most of these a... more This is an account of personal narratives shared by several people with dyslexia. Most of these are presented in their original quotation format to provide personal accounts of the lives of people with dyslexia. In this paper the author shares her conversations with her participants. This paper provides an original conceptual model, which is currently been tested empirically. Dyslexia affects the learning process in areas as such reading, and spelling. Conversely abilities or strengths can be seen in other areas, such as developing coping strategies to manage and overcome challenges. This research aims to adapt positive psychology techniques to support individuals with dyslexia. To develop positive psychology interventions, individuals will be helped to discover their five signature strengths. The VIA (Values in Action) Strengths Survey has been hosted in a website which has been developed in the form of a dyslexia user friendly format, such as providing the ability for respondents to change fonts and font sizes, colors and a text to speech option. This paper introduces the theoretical model of ‘How to move from Languishing Dyslexia to Thriving Dyslexia.’
Current Psychology (New Brunswick, N.j.), 2022
The effects of Covid-19 have been felt worldwide and one population that are of increasing concer... more The effects of Covid-19 have been felt worldwide and one population that are of increasing concern are university students. University students have endured unique and drastic changes to their everyday and academic lives. It is important to understand how university students in different parts of the world have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and how it has affected their mental health? A cross-sectional study was conducted during the first wave of Covid-19, in May 2020 with 2,006 university students from the UK, Italy, Germany and Spain. Participants were recruited online and were asked to complete a series of standardised measures of psychological distress, anxiety, flourishing and wellbeing. Attitudes towards Covid-19 were measured using a new scale. The factor structure and reliability of this new scale was confirmed using this European sample. Results indicated that all university students were suffering from poor mental health, considerably below pre-pandemic norms. The...
PLOS ONE, 2022
Academic success at University is increasingly believed to be a combination of personal character... more Academic success at University is increasingly believed to be a combination of personal characteristics like grit, resilience, strength-use, self-control, mind-set and wellbeing. The authors have developed a short 12-item measure of tenacity, the Bolton Uni-Stride Scale (BUSS) which incorporates these elements. Previous work in the UK had established the reliability and validity of the BUSS. The present paper reports the findings of an International validation of BUSS across 30 countries (n = 1043). Participants completed the BUSS alongside other recognised scales. Factor analysis revealed an almost identical two-factor solution to previous work and the reliability and validity of the scale were supported using an international sample. The authors recommend however that the scale be used as a single score combining all 12 items. In the light of this, the authors suggest that the BUSS will be a useful measure to incorporate in studies of academic attainment.
Psychology in the Schools, 2021
The purpose of the study was to understand and describe the level of nonverbal creativity and its... more The purpose of the study was to understand and describe the level of nonverbal creativity and its relation to cognitive and learning styles of engineering and computing students. This might possibly provide engineering educators with knowledge of the above three factors and their adaptation to teaching and learning. The study was an exploratory-comparative study with one independent variable (engineering versus computing students) and three dependent variables [the Non-Verbal Test of Creative Thinking (Mehdi, 1973), The Group Embedded Figures Test, (Witkin et al, 1971); the Visual, Auditory, Read and Write Kinesthetic VARK Questionnaire , (Fleming, 1992) ]. The study aimed to compare the level of non-verbal creativity and influence of other attributes on the creativity of students of engineering and computing science. Additional aims were to see if there were significant differences in cognitive and learning styles of students from engineering and computing science. Data were collec...
Frontiers in Psychology, 2018
The present research looked at the importance of the concept of grit in University students based... more The present research looked at the importance of the concept of grit in University students based on a mixed-method approach. Study 1 comprised 440 University students. All were given the Grit Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, the short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, the Office of National Statistics Well-being items and the Self-Control Scale. Levels of grit were significantly higher in female students, older students and postgraduates. Grit correlated highest with self-control. Study 2 looked at 340 University students. In addition to measuring self-control, mental well-being and grit, measures of resilience and mindsets were also added. A construct validity test of the Grit Scale showed that high grit scorers had significantly higher levels of selfcontrol and mental well-being, were more resilient and were more likely to have a more growth oriented mindset. Grit varies with age and is most closely associated with the concept of self-control. The third study was a qualitative investigation with 10 successful graduates. Semi-structured interviews were coded using thematic analysis. Three broad themes emerged. The first, Passion and Perseverance, included themes of having short and long terms goals, resilience, dedication, and endurance. The second, Self-Control, included time management, self-awareness, prioritizing tasks and knowing strengths and weaknesses. The third theme identified was Positive Mindsets. This included having a positive attitude toward learning, the importance of feedback and constructive criticism and that success is not materialistic. The qualitative research has helped "unpack" concepts from the grit research and may enable University tutors to guide students better. Though these studies were only conducted in one English University, they have been stepping stones in our quest to discover what are the most important factors in determining student academic success? The development and piloting of our new Uni-Stride Scale, is the next step in this process.
Global Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, 2018
Kybernetes, 2015
We propose a method to extract the unlensed, intrinsic CMB temperature and polarization power spe... more We propose a method to extract the unlensed, intrinsic CMB temperature and polarization power spectra from the observed (i.e., lensed) spectra. Using a matrix inversion technique, we demonstrate how one can reconstruct the intrinsic CMB power spectra directly from lensed data for both flat sky and full sky analyses. The delensed spectra obtained by the technique are calibrated against the Code for Anisotropies in the Microwave Background (CAMB) using WMAP 7-year best-fit data and applied to WMAP 9-year unbinned data as well. In principle, our methodology may help in subtracting out the E-mode lensing contribution in order to obtain the intrinsic B-mode power.
Frontiers in Psychology, 2015
The present research looked at the importance of the concept of grit in University students based... more The present research looked at the importance of the concept of grit in University students based on a mixed-method approach. Study 1 comprised 440 University students. All were given the Grit Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, the short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, the Office of National Statistics Well-being items and the Self-Control Scale. Levels of grit were significantly higher in female students, older students and postgraduates. Grit correlated highest with self-control. Study 2 looked at 340 University students. In addition to measuring self-control, mental well-being and grit, measures of resilience and mindsets were also added. A construct validity test of the Grit Scale showed that high grit scorers had significantly higher levels of self-control and mental well-being, were more resilient and were more likely to have a more growth oriented mindset. Grit varies with age and is most closely associated with the concept of self-control. The third study was a qualitative investigation with 10 successful graduates. Semi-structured interviews were coded using thematic analysis. Three broad themes emerged. The first, Passion and Perseverance, included themes of having short and long terms goals, resilience, dedication, and endurance. The second, Self-Control, included time management, self-awareness, prioritizing tasks and knowing strengths and weaknesses. The third theme identified was Positive Mindsets. This included having a positive attitude toward learning, the importance of feedback and constructive criticism and that success is not materialistic. The qualitative research has helped "unpack" concepts from the grit research and may enable University tutors to guide students better. Though these studies were only conducted in one English University, they have been stepping stones in our quest to discover what are the most important factors in determining student academic success? The development and piloting of our new Uni-Stride Scale, is the next step in this process.
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider the relevance of the literature of cybernetics... more Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider the relevance of the literature of cybernetics for a positive psychology approach to dyslexia. Design/methodology/approach – A selective bibliography is presented, which reflects the exchange of ideas between the authors, two of whom work in the field of psychology, one in educational cybernetics and the other in information systems. Findings – Examination of the literature suggests that there is scope for the application of positive psychology to dyslexia. In the cybernetic literature there is little direct discussion of either positive psychology or dyslexia. However, these areas are linked by the themes of self-steering systems and of levels of learning. Cybernetics identifies systemic constraints and therapeutic approaches which can inform the use of positive psychology techniques with dyslexics. Originality/value – The paper documents the relevance of cybernetic analysis to the self-regulation carried out by dyslexics, and in so doing also enriches discourse on dyslexia in the field of psychology. The paper will be of value to those carrying out research into dyslexia, and to those who are supporting or working alongside people with dyslexia.
This is an account of personal narratives shared by several people with dyslexia. Most of these a... more This is an account of personal narratives shared by several people with dyslexia. Most of these are presented in their original quotation format to provide personal accounts of the lives of people with dyslexia. In this paper the author shares her conversations with her participants. This paper provides an original conceptual model, which is currently been tested empirically. Dyslexia affects the learning process in areas as such reading, and spelling. Conversely abilities or strengths can be seen in other areas, such as developing coping strategies to manage and overcome challenges. This research aims to adapt positive psychology techniques to support individuals with dyslexia. To develop positive psychology interventions, individuals will be helped to discover their five signature strengths. The VIA (Values in Action) Strengths Survey has been hosted in a website which has been developed in the form of a dyslexia user friendly format, such as providing the ability for respondents to change fonts and font sizes, colors and a text to speech option. This paper introduces the theoretical model of ‘How to move from Languishing Dyslexia to Thriving Dyslexia.’