Roy, A., Rani, S. & Viswanathan, P. (2026). Students with Mental Health Conditions in Higher Education: Challenges, Support, and Reasonable Accommodation. Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40737-026-00530-1

Policies across countries are striving to support the mental health needs of young adults and promote inclusive higher education. There is a lack of evidence on the challenges faced by Students with Mental Health Conditions (SwMHC) and the available support at Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs). This study aimed to explore the challenges faced by SwMHC in higher education, available support, and the utilization of institutional support services. A qualitative phenomenological approach and purposeful sampling were used to understand the experiences of SwMHC. Ten participants were interviewed online, by telephone, or face-to-face, based on their preference. Most participants were diagnosed with a mental illness, and three participants were diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental condition. Data were collected between August 2024 and June 2025 and transcribed and coded simultaneously. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti version 25. Qualitative data analysis gave rise to 435 codes,10 categories, and three themes: (a) sailing through a sea of challenges; (b) supports to stay afloat; and (c) portrait of an inclusive and supportive institution. SwMHC face multiple academic and social challenges in HEIs. Institutional support services play a major role in creating an enabling and supportive environment for SwMHC. The study findings can inform institutional practices and educational policies.
 

Paul, F., Ali, A., Ganie, A., Saikia, P., Hujuri, L., & Kalyani, V. (2026). The dual effects of pornography addiction: a comprehensive review of its effects on psychological well-being, interpersonal relationships, and management strategies. Journal of Sexual and Mental Health, 24, e03326005. https://doi.org/10.5603/jsmh.109260

This paper explores the psychological and interpersonal consequences of pornography addiction and management strategies, highlighting its growing prevalence due to advancements in technology and internet accessibility. With an estimated 12% of the internet comprising pornographic material, individuals increasingly engage with such content, contributing to significant behavioral patterns. We performed a traditional narrative review of articles published in the last 10 years, and some papers of particular interest were also included in the review. Pornography addiction is linked to emotional distress, mood disorders, and diminished emotional connection in personal relationships, often leading to social isolation. Additionally, it is associated with heightened sexual aggression and risky behaviors, affecting psychological wellbeing. The paper also acknowledges pornography’s paradoxical role, whereby it may induce both anxiety and inspiration. It also emphasizes the need for structured treatment interventions to help individuals regain control, restore psychological balance, and build healthier coping strategies. Examining these dual effects, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how pornography addiction impacts mental health and interpersonal dynamics.
 

Verma S, Palit M, Murry SD, Mittal M. (2026). Exploring intimate partner violence and mental health outcomes among lesbian and bisexual college women in India: A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.71124

This study estimates the prevalence of various forms of intimate partner violence (IPV) and examines their associations with depressive and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among lesbian and bisexual women (LBW) in India. Methods: This cross-sectional online survey included 53 self-identified LBW college women in India. Participants were recruited through social media platforms, instant messaging applications, and student listservs. Interested participants were invited to complete an online survey assessing IPV experiences and symptoms of depression and PTSD. Results: Overall, 58.5% of participants reported experiencing at least one form of IPV. Psychological IPV was most prevalent (49.1%), followed by digital IPV (34%), physical IPV (28.3%), injuries (26.4%), and sexual IPV (26.4%). Approximately 26.4% of participants met the threshold for probable depression and 30% for probable PTSD. Correlational analyses revealed significant associations between various forms of IPV and symptoms of depression and PTSD. Negative binomial regression analyses indicated that experiencing IPV, particularly psychological and digital IPV, was associated with higher levels of depressive and PTSD symptoms. Conclusion: This exploratory study observed substantial IPV prevalence among lesbian and bisexual college women in India, highlighting its impact on mental health symptoms. Targeted interventions designed to address both IPV and its associated mental health consequences can potentially enhance help-seeking behavior within this vulnerable population.
 

Faculty Coordinator: Dr. Divya Dubey, Lecturer, Assistant Director (CVPS), JIBS