The MIndWell Lab is a research laboratory located within the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology (DECP) at the University of Dhaka. Led by Associate Professor Dr. Azharul Islam, the lab primarily conducts research on autobiographical memory, identity, and mental health. The research projects undertaken by the lab explore how psychosocial and cultural factors influence the construction of autobiographical memories, as well as how individuals with mental health issues recall their personal life experiences. Additionally, ongoing projects investigate how autobiographical memories shape our narrative identity, which in turn can influence our mental health. The lab employs both qualitative and quantitative research methods, and uses statistical software such as SPSS, JASP, and R Studio for data analysis.
The purpose of creating the MIndWell Lab is to support Dhaka University's mission of conducting high-impact research in mental health and well-being. It is the first lab within the DECP to focus on the complex interplay of autobiographical memory, identity, and mental health. Given the lack of organized research labs that emphasize mental health in the country, the MIndWell Lab aims to bridge that gap by mobilizing a critical mass of qualified researchers in the field, securing competitive research grants, and publishing high-impact articles. Ultimately, the lab aims to contribute towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the area of mental health and well-being.
Autobiographical memory is crucial to our sense of self and identity, and it can significantly affect our mental health and well-being. Exposure to traumatic incidents can also impact our psychological functioning and potentially lead to the development of mental health disorders. The MIndWell Lab's focus on autobiographical memory and mental health is significant because it deepens our understanding of how our cultural and religious backgrounds shape our conceptual self, and how this affects our ability to recollect personal life experiences. By gathering and examining people's life narratives, the lab can gain useful insights into how individuals interpret and make sense of their lives. Such research can ultimately contribute to the development and refinement of narrative therapies.
Mental health is recognized as a major health issue in many countries, including Bangladesh. Research has shown that people across the world have suffered from different types of affective disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and stress, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the situation has somewhat improved after the discovery of the COVID-19 vaccine and the opening of borders, mental health issues remain a major concern, especially for those who have lost close relatives during the pandemic. In this context, the MIndWell Lab offers a unique opportunity to explore mental health in Bangladesh and the region, opening up new avenues for collaborative research in the domain. Research undertaken in this lab could contribute to developing culturally sensitive interventions and policies aimed at promoting mental health and well-being not just in Bangladesh, but also in the wider region.
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S/N |
Title of the project |
Funding* |
Expected completion time |
Research students and Degree |
Status |
|
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1 |
Living with the Covid-19 pandemic: Exploring risk and protective factors associated with stress, anxiety, and depression among Bangladeshi adults |
DUCG |
June 2022 |
Papia Mahbuba MS |
Completed Paper published |
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|
2 |
Why do the older Bangladeshis recall more negative autobiographical memories? |
NRCDU |
July 2023 |
Farjana Yesmin MPhil |
Data collection ongoing |
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|
3 |
Understanding the Causes of Rape: A Psychosocial Analysis of the Convicted Perpetrators |
DUCG |
March 2023 |
Fariha Jahan, Co-researcher |
Completed Paper under preparation |
|
|
4 |
Exploring attitudes toward gender norms through narrative identity among Bangladeshi Youths |
UGC |
July 2023 |
Jannatul Ferdous & Md. Mamun MS |
Data collection in progress |
|
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5 |
Efficacy of Memory Specificity Training in reducing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder |
UGC |
August 2023 |
Raju Akon MPhil |
Ethical application submitted |
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6 |
Psychological assessment tools in Bangla: Evaluation of the quality of development and cultural validation |
Self-funded |
June 2023 |
Raisa Jerin MPhil |
Data collection completed |
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7 |
Examining Maternal Reminiscing Styles among Bangladeshi Parents and their Association with Child Mastery Motivation |
DU |
December 2024 |
Maria Zaman MPhil |
Application submitted |
|
|
8 |
Validation of attitude towards gender norms scale for Bangladeshi adults |
NST |
June 2023 |
Farzana Shirin MS |
Data collection in progress |
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9 |
Generational Identity and Psychological Well-being: A intergenerational study on Bangladeshi adults |
NST |
June 2023 |
Farhana Shifa MS |
Data collection in progress |
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10 |
Trauma and Narrative Identity of the Flood Survivors in Bangladesh |
NST |
June 2023 |
Jarina Akter Akhi MS |
Data collection in progress |
Note. DUCG=Dhaka University Centennial Grant, NRCDU=Neuroscience Research Centre of Dhaka University, UGC=University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, NST=National Science and Technology, GoB