Sonali De - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Sonali De

Children

Poverty increases vulnerability towards somatisation and influences the sense of mastery and well... more Poverty increases vulnerability towards somatisation and influences the sense of mastery and well-being. The present study on adolescents living in relative poverty in a high-income group country (Israel) and a low-middle-income group country (India) explored the nature of somatisation tendency (ST) and its relationship with potency and perception of poverty (PP). Potency, a buffer against stress-induced negative health effects, was hypothesized to be negatively related to ST and mediate the link between PP and ST. Purposive sampling was used to collect questionnaire-based data from community youth (12–16 years) of two metropolitan cities—Kolkata (India, N = 200) and Tel-Aviv f(Israel, N = 208). The nature of ST, PP and potency was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and correlation-regression statistics and mediation analysis were used to understand the relationship among them. A clinically significant level of ST was reported by both Indian and Israeli youth expe...

Psychological Studies, Nov 9, 2022

Contemporary India is part of a global community where modernization, urbanization including cons... more Contemporary India is part of a global community where modernization, urbanization including consumerism is on the rise; but not leaving behind its historic cultural essence. Old scriptures, myths, folklore, literature, cultural proverbs as well as media, apparently have a noteworthy role in shaping the perspectives of Indian people. The current study was done in parts of urban Bengal to explore the influence of these forces, from socio-political, psychological as well as philosophical registers, in shaping the self-image and identity of contemporary women. 50 participants were interviewed using a semi-structured in-depth interview method and data were analyzed following qualitative analytical methods keeping the cultural-relational-social context in perspective. The method of pluralism in the qualitative analysis was followed using three data analysis methods—Grounded theory, Interpretative Phenomenological Approach, and Narrative analysis. Analyses revealed intriguing social-crafting of concepts of gender and identities of women, through idealization and internalization of traits and notions, incessantly presented through celebrated literature, myths, folklore, proverbs, and media. Furthermore, the analysis showed how the deeprooted paradox, inherent in Bengal’s cultural discourse, is internalized even by educated urban women and infuses a sense of lack, vulnerability, self-loathing, blame, and stigma in their identity. On the contrary, it was also observed in a few instances that optimum use of media and global knowledge led to the construction of a new-age ‘individual’ and ‘subjective’ discourse. Notes New-age poet from Bengal, known for questioning social structure and indicating at systemic oppression. Feminist poet from Bengal. Film director from Bengal with International fame—known for making non-binary gender concepts frequent representations in Bengali movies. Protagonist of ‘Chokher Bali’ novel of tagore—self-willed, outspoken widow character. Prafulla—protagonist of ‘Debi Chaudhurani’ novel of Bankim Chandra—escaped housewife turned dacoit-head—Indian version of Robinhood. Protagonist of ‘Ghare Baire’ novel of Tagore—got romantically involved with husband’s friend—was not happy with apparent successful marriage. Protagonist of ‘Chokher Bali’ novel of tagore—prototype submissive housewife—was presented in contrast to Binodini—accepted husband after his illicit romantic affair outside marriage. Protagonist detective character in writings of Satyajit Ray—intelligent, smart prototype of educated Bengalee men—remained single to avoid distractions in life. Protagonist in Shivpurana and Manasamangal folk-tales—the archetypal wife image who brought her husband back to life from death, by travelling to yamaloka alive and convincing Yama. Goddess and negative protagonist in Manasamangal—self-willed female-god, wronged by father and step-mother—killed Lakkhindar (husband of Behula) to force his father in becoming a disciple of her. All these authors are known for writing rebellious texts for women, questioning the years old societal structure and systemic oppression. Famous bengali poet known for questioning societal structure as well as role of media. Film director from bengal—disciple of Rituporno ghosh—famous for unveiling systemic oppression through his movies. IPS officer from Bengal—fought contemporary political conspiracy to unveil truth about park street rape case of 2012.

Four hundred advertisements published in Bengali periodicals in four different time periods, 1947... more Four hundred advertisements published in Bengali periodicals in four different time periods, 1947–48, 1977–72, 1991–92 and 2004–05, were content analysed to determine whether adver-tising appeals concerning cultural values had changed during these years. Jewellery, cosmetics, garments and banking were the four categories of products/services used in the study. In view of the repetitive appearance of advertisements in the periodicals and the multiplicity of products and available periodicals, a multistage sampling was adopted. Content analysis was done manually by three coders following the procedure laid down by Krippendroff (1980). Findings suggest that advertising trends relating to traditional values and focus on the collective (a cultural tradition), had changed over the years. Traditional values were replaced by trends of modernisation and west-ernisation and priority to the individual over the collective. The reasons and implications of these findings have been discussed.

Psychology: Volume 3, 2019

Consumption is one of the key processes in the emerging materialist culture. Keeping in view the ... more Consumption is one of the key processes in the emerging materialist culture. Keeping in view the fact that consumer forms the central axis in modern economy, this chapter focusses on the interface between commodity, social values, and the consumer. It begins with an analysis of the meaning of the notion of consumption and explication of the construction of the identity of Indian consumer. Then it brings out the dynamics of marketing strategies of branding and product identity. In particular, the present analysis highlights how the media constructs the meaning and uses symbolism for product promotion. The relation of materialism and commodity fetish is also discussed. Finally, the chapter highlights some of the initiatives exhibiting the process of cultural resistance to uncontrolled consumption in the context of Indian value system.

International Journal of Psychology, 2016

Why do so many women still die in pregnancy or childbirth? WHO has summarized the lack of access ... more Why do so many women still die in pregnancy or childbirth? WHO has summarized the lack of access and utilization of essential obstetric services as crucial factor underlying maternal deaths. Uptake of institutional birth or aided birth during delivery is the single most important factor in the fight against maternal mortality and morbidity. Yet, in many parts of the developing world the majority of births are still conducted at home with family members or with a traditional birth attendant. The medical causes do not seem to be the only factors that affect maternal mortality. There are various socio-cultural and psychological factors that affect maternal mortality. Maternal deaths are indicative of condition of the women in the society and have long term implication for the development of the country. In this review paper the reasons for uptake of home-delivery are discussed and there is an urgent need to be more sensitive to the psychological reasons behind their uptake of unaided d...

The last two decades has witnessed noticeable changes in the concept of marriage. For many years ... more The last two decades has witnessed noticeable changes in the concept of marriage. For many years academic psychologists had not been interested in research on marital relationship. The changes in various aspects of society influence the basic determinants of marriage incessantly. Thus, the outcome is the interest in researchers escalating in the aspects of love and marriage day by day.Though, it is widely believed that love is the fundamental base of marriage but it is also true that marriage is a socially, ritually recognized union and legal contract between spouses that establishes rights and obligations between them. In The History of Human Marriage (1922), Edvard Westermarck defined marriage as "a more or less durable connection between male and female lasting beyond the mere act of propagation till after the birth of the offspring." Later he rejected his earlier definition and defined marriage from different viewpoint in 'The Future of Marriage in Western Civiliza...

Psychology in Modern India, 2021

During the past century, the modern psychology, originating in the Euro-American region, was tran... more During the past century, the modern psychology, originating in the Euro-American region, was transplanted in India during the British colonial period. With the expansion of higher education in the country, psychology has grown and diversified as an academic discipline and profession. The expansion, however, has primarily followed the paradigm and practices of the Western academic ethos and the pre-modern roots of rich psychological science in India remained neglected. The attention to social problems faced by the country and disillusionment with Western-centric understanding has led to realizing the need to develop relevant knowledge resource, decolonization of the mind-set, and creative use of indigenous knowledge. This has led to move toward broadening of academic engagements in terms of methodology and building Indian psychology rooted in classical Indian thought systems. In general, a culturally contextualized approach toward the discipline is being promoted. To this end, concerted effort and systemic changes are required.

Psychological Studies, 2015

This study intended to explore the subsistence of body image dissatisfaction among young female u... more This study intended to explore the subsistence of body image dissatisfaction among young female university students, their locus of control and their metacognitive knowledge about their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with their body. Thirty female university students (age ranged 21–24 years) participated in the study. Assessment through a screening information schedule confirmed all participants being of normal-weight category (BMI 18.5 to 24.9) on the BMI scale without any present or past diagnosis of eating disorder. The results demonstrated prevalence of body dissatisfaction among majority of participants, who were also seen to have less metacognitive awareness than the rest.

Psychological Studies, 2014

This study examined the degree of body image satisfaction and its relationship with physical self... more This study examined the degree of body image satisfaction and its relationship with physical self concept among adolescents and young adults (n = 120) with normal-weight. Analysis of data indicated that majority of the participants were dissatisfied with their body image, with highest dissatisfaction in adult males. In contrast the adolescents with body image dissatisfaction significantly differed from those who were satisfied regarding their views about physical self. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Psychological Studies, 2011

Advertisements (n = 400) published in Bengali periodicals in four different time periods, 1947–48... more Advertisements (n = 400) published in Bengali periodicals in four different time periods, 1947–48, 1971–72, 1991–92 &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; 2008–09 drawn following a multistage sampling were analyzed to see the pattern of change in concepts associated with products. They included four categories of products/ services : Jewellery, cosmetics, garments and banking. The analysis of advertisements indicated that diverse values are associated with products that

Indian Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2009

Research with Baddeley's Working Memory Model has identified a host of task-related and emot... more Research with Baddeley's Working Memory Model has identified a host of task-related and emotional factors that interfere with executive functioning of working memory. Substantial research evidences have established that poor working memory skills impair children's ...

Four hundred advertisements published in Bengali periodicals in four different time periods, 1947... more Four hundred advertisements published in Bengali periodicals in four different time periods, 1947–48, 1977–72, 1991–92 and 2004–05, were content analysed to determine whether advertising appeals concerning cultural values had changed during these years. Jewellery, cosmetics, garments and banking were the four categories of products/services used in the study. In view of the repetitive appearance of advertisements in the periodicals and the multiplicity of products and available periodicals, a multistage sampling was adopted. Content analysis was done manually by three coders following the procedure laid down by Krippendroff (1980). Findings suggest that advertising trends relating to traditional values and focus on the collective (a cultural tradition), had changed over the years. Traditional values were replaced by trends of modernisation and westernisation and priority to the individual over the collective. The reasons and implications of these findings have been discussed.

Psychology: Volume 3, 2019

Psychology in Modern India Historical, Methodological, and Future Perspectives, 2021

Psychology and Developing Societies

The contemporary Indian society apparently seems to be at a juncture where it claims more number ... more The contemporary Indian society apparently seems to be at a juncture where it claims more number of women to be educated and independent but, on the other hand, the incidents of vicious mental, social and corporeal violations of women are at peak. Amidst all the ongoing blazing talks and movements, this study is a small attempt of delving into the tale of being women, which may help in cognising the discourse which might be at the core of this double-bind social picture. For this purpose, 30 Bengali (Indian) married women were selected through purposive sampling technique for interview, all of whom were within the age range of 18–40 years. Participants had minimum school-level education and belonged to lower middle to upper middle socio-economic status. They were reportedly free from any mental or physical handicap. The data gathered through open-ended semi-structured in-depth interviews were analysed using thematic analysis procedure. Analytical readings of findings explored a soci...

Culture serves as a major force shaping the way people conceptualize self, experience happiness o... more Culture serves as a major force shaping the way people conceptualize self, experience happiness or distress, and organize life goals. The present paper starts with conceptualization of self in folk tradition, and attempts to analyse how it stands in disparity to the Western construal of the Subject based on its own ontological assumptions. Mainstream Psychology conceived of a Subject constituted following the Western conceptualization with its aura of jargons. Thus over the years of its development Psychology cognized a universal ahistorical- acontextual Subject that ensured the foreclosure of the (ab)original one. Going beyond such monocentrisim we can well imagine of an emancipated Subject looking through the mirror of the folk rendition. Our folk culture is accustomed to an oral tradition, which has been primitivised by the modern western epistemological validation. Oral traditions are embedded in the life of the aboriginal societies, connecting the narrator and listeners in collective experience and uniting the past with the present. Stories are told or sung and passed through generations as local knowledge are connected to lived ‘native’ experiences, and have their own authenticity with culturally codified meaning for such narratives. Hence subjectivity gets constituted with its unique character premised on folk traditions. Psychology in the process of defining and categorizing its Subject adopted a universal frame keeping the subjectivity outside its realm, which has ample evidence in the history of the development of the discipline. We can argue that Psychology could have taken a much different form had these been incorporated in its framework.

Abstract This study intended to explore the subsistence of body image dissatisfaction among young... more Abstract This study intended to explore the subsistence of
body image dissatisfaction among young female university
students, their locus of control and their metacognitive knowledge
about their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with their body.
Thirty female university students (age ranged 21–24 years)
participated in the study. Assessment through a screening information
schedule confirmed all participants being of
normal-weight category (BMI 18.5 to 24.9) on the BMI scale
without any present or past diagnosis of eating disorder. The
results demonstrated prevalence of body dissatisfaction
among majority of participants, who were also

This study examined the degree of body image satisfaction and its relationship with physical self... more This study examined the degree of body image
satisfaction and its relationship with physical self concept
among adolescents and young adults (n=120) with normalweight.
Analysis of data indicated that majority of the participants
were dissatisfied with their body image, with highest
dissatisfaction in adult males. In contrast the adolescents with
body image dissatisfaction significantly differed from those
who were satisfied regarding their views about physical self.
Implications of the findings are discussed.

Children

Psychological Studies, Nov 9, 2022

Psychology: Volume 3, 2019

International Journal of Psychology, 2016

Psychology in Modern India, 2021

Psychological Studies, 2015

Psychological Studies, 2014

Psychological Studies, 2011

Indian Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2009

Four hundred advertisements published in Bengali periodicals in four different time periods, 1947... more Four hundred advertisements published in Bengali periodicals in four different time periods, 1947–48, 1977–72, 1991–92 and 2004–05, were content analysed to determine whether advertising appeals concerning cultural values had changed during these years. Jewellery, cosmetics, garments and banking were the four categories of products/services used in the study. In view of the repetitive appearance of advertisements in the periodicals and the multiplicity of products and available periodicals, a multistage sampling was adopted. Content analysis was done manually by three coders following the procedure laid down by Krippendroff (1980). Findings suggest that advertising trends relating to traditional values and focus on the collective (a cultural tradition), had changed over the years. Traditional values were replaced by trends of modernisation and westernisation and priority to the individual over the collective. The reasons and implications of these findings have been discussed.

Psychology: Volume 3, 2019

Psychology in Modern India Historical, Methodological, and Future Perspectives, 2021

Psychology and Developing Societies

This study examined the degree of body image satisfaction and its relationship with physical self... more This study examined the degree of body image
satisfaction and its relationship with physical self concept
among adolescents and young adults (n=120) with normalweight.
Analysis of data indicated that majority of the participants
were dissatisfied with their body image, with highest
dissatisfaction in adult males. In contrast the adolescents with
body image dissatisfaction significantly differed from those
who were satisfied regarding their views about physical self.
Implications of the findings are discussed.