This textbook provides a focused and comprehensive overview of applied social psychology and its interconnections with social policy and selected laws in India. The book takes an interdisciplinary lens to view specific laws - The JJ Act(2016), the POCSO Act(2012), the MH Act(2017), the RPwD Act(2016), and the DV Act.(2005), to analyse social policy questions, the research evidence from behavioral and psychological sciences and learning for professionals in psychology as well as law.

The book examines social psychological research on trauma, risk, and resilience to provide readers with a focused discussion of their administrative/implementation and therapeutic implications. The book consolidates updated research evidence from several disciplines, including the questions and debates from the Indian context. Several assignments at the end of each chapter help to delve deeper into the topics. The chapters close with implications for psychology, social work, law and public policy professionals regarding capacity building and trauma-informed care. The book is a valuable guide for students, professionals and practitioners working at the intersections of psychology, behavioural sciences, social work, law, and public policy in India.

Autorentext

Shilpa Ashok Pandit is an Associate Professor at the School of Arts and Sciences, Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. She has worked in applied social psychology for over two decades, particularly in health. Earlier, she worked as an UNDP(India) officer to the MoRD and closely observed the intersections of public policy and law. She also travelled to more than 30 Panchayats in 15 states to ground her insights. Her research interests include the implementation of the MH and the RPwD Act, the discourse around mental health and media with law, training and capacity building of lay counselors for mental health, risks, vulnerability as well as resilience, flourishing among adolescents and youth. She is interested in using technology for mental health and inclusive education. She has co-founded an NGO - Dreampath Foundation, based in Karnataka that works with adolescents and youth towards education, career and life skills.