Affiliated to the University of Rajasthan Approved under Section 2(f) and 12(B) of UGC Act, 1956
A Christian Minority Educational Institution under Section 2(g) of NCMEI Act, 2004
This is a year of new beginnings since it marks the inception of the Department of Psychology. The Department has been established with the vision to ensure that undergraduates attain reasonable grounding in psychological theories, approaches and applications in order to further the motto of academic excellence at St. Xavier’s College, Jaipur.
The Department of Psychology currently offers a Bachelor of Arts (Honours, Pass Course and Subsidiary) program at the undergraduate level. The Department aims to encourage a community of diverse scholars and teachers to come together and further the learnings about psychological theories, principles, and systems in order to facilitate their use of the science of psychology to understand the world and its people. The pursuit of this department is to help students understand the value of evidence-based practices in understanding, predicting, controlling and solving problems in a complex, diverse and information-rich world. Critical thinking is through the courses offered and the pedagogies adopted in the department. Emphasis is also laid on the application of theoretical conceptions to improve understanding of the world through rigorous and ethical research.
Teaching at St. Xavier’s College, Jaipur aims to inspire and support students in their journey of learning and success. Besides classroom teaching, home assignments, seminars, research papers and class presentations, the department looks forward to organizing conferences, seminars, workshops, webinars, symposiums and guest lectures to augur the expansion of knowledge. The students are also encouraged to initiate research and academic writing as well as to transform into better decision makers across life’s opportunities.
The Department of Psychology envisions to be an internationally recognized leader in the field of psychology education, research, and professional services.
The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering
his attitudes. – William James
As the Head of the Department of Psychology, which was established in 2020, I take immense pride in witnessing the remarkable growth and accomplishments we have achieved together in such a short time. Since inception, our journey has been marked by commitment, innovation, and a shared passion for comprehending the complexity of the human mind and behaviour.
Dedication to excellence in education, research, and community engagement forms the basis of our department’s philosophy. We commit to upholding the highest standards of instruction, fostering critical thinking, and valuing diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of our work. By promoting empathy and cultural awareness, our students are able to navigate the complexities of society and contribute positively to their communities.
In addition, our department endeavours to go beyond classroom boundaries and having a positive influence on the larger community. We organise multiple webinars and guest lectures delivered by subject- and field-specific experts as part of our on-going efforts to improve academic experience. The International Level Quiz Competition – InQuiztive, one of our signature events, invites students to demonstrate their academic prowess and capacity for critical thought in a competitive and exciting setting. We also host the Department Fest: InPsych – Well Being of the Living Being to celebrate the intersection of academia and culture that offers a venue for artistic expression, original thought, and cross-cultural interaction. Workshop on projective traits provide a valuable opportunity for individuals to learn from experts in the field and empowers our students with the right tools to become successful mental health professionals Our commitment to community engagement and social responsibility is reflected through our Outreach Programs on crucial topics such as menstrual health and hygiene, gender equity, and support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Through meaningful community engagement initiatives, we aspire to translate our knowledge into action and serve as catalysts for change. By addressing prevalent psychological challenges and nurturing empathy in our students, we aim to create a ripple effect of positive transformation that extends far beyond our classrooms.
I am confident that we will remain at the forefront of psychological education, research, and application.
Ms Nupur Chauhan is a highly regarded academician and esteemed psychologist, currently heading the Department of Psychology at St. Xavier's College, Jaipur. Her academic journey is a testament to her dedication to the field of psychology, having completed a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Psychology, a Master's degree in Psychology, and an M.Phil. Furthermore, she has achieved the distinction of qualifying the National Eligibility Test (NET) with Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and submitted her thesis, embodying a relentless pursuit of knowledge and excellence in research.
Throughout her illustrious career, she has achieved significant recognition for her exceptional pedagogical techniques and innovative contributions to psychology education. Committed to advancing the understanding of psychology, her research interests encompass positive psychology, cognitive psychology research methodology and psychological statistics. She has published research impactful papers on Mobile Phone Dependence, Mental Health Care Act 2017, Job Satisfaction, Bhagavad Gita, and Emotional Intelligence in renowned national and international indexed journals. Her research enriches the fields of psychology and mental health, inspiring further exploration and understanding. She actively engages in academic forums, workshops, and public speaking engagements to foster greater mental health awareness and well-being in society.
With a vision to drive pioneering research in psychology and bridge the gap between theory and practice, she remains an inspirational force, empowering the next generation of psychologists.
Ms Priya Sahrawat is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, St. Xavier’s College, Jaipur. She has recently submitted her PhD thesis on Death Anxiety and the factors affecting it. Her areas of research interest include clinical and positive psychology. She is UGC-NET qualified and OBE certified. She has published several papers on the topics of religiosity, narcissism, work-life balance, job satisfaction and life satisfaction in reputed journals. She has also conducted workshops and seminars on related topics. She has been actively involved in various research projects and has presented her work at both national and international conferences. After completing her Masters in Psychology, she also worked at a Cognitive Research Centre and devised techniques to help children with learning difficulties. She has volunteered with various NGOs and community organizations to promote awareness and empowerment among marginalized communities. In addition to her academic pursuits, Priya is a passionate advocate for gender equality and social justice. Her dedication to research and academia is an inspiration to many. She is also an avid reader and enjoys exploring new cultures through literature.
Ms Sanbrita Acharya completed her masters in Clinical Psychology from National Forensic Sciences University in 2022. She is a lifetime associate member of the Clinical Psychology Society of India (CPSI) and has the Anubhav Associate Counsellor’s Number: AAC -00701/2022. She follows Humanistic and Existential therapeutic approaches, but she is also trained in CBT and SFBT.
Ms Acharya is passionate about working in areas of mental health and wellbeing with a keen interest in art and its influence on wellbeing. She is a certified Art Therapist and a certified Psychological First Aid provider. She has helped develop the Suicide Gatekeepers Model - ARISE model which is followed by The Bright Side Foundation.
She strives to provide a safe space to process childhood trauma, dysfunctional family dynamics, relationship concerns, manage depression and anxiety, decision-making and problem-solving, and life transitions, among other psychosocial concerns. She works best in the areas of depression, anxiety disorders, stress management, self-esteem, personal growth, relationship counselling, general life balance, mood disorders, adjusting to change/life transitions, practicing mindfulness, loneliness, dysfunctional families, and childhood trauma.
Ms Acharya joined the college in 2023 and is contributing significantly as a Counsellor for students and staff.