Ms. Kirtideepa Subhadarsani, a research scholar at the Centre for Health Psychology, University of Hyderabad (UoH), along with her supervisor Dr. Chivukula Usha, presented a research paper titled “The Moderating Role of Self Reliance in Relationship Between Support and Psychosocial Distress of ICU Patient’s Family Members: A Process Analysis” at the 6th APSPA International Conference 2024. This prestigious event, organized by the Asia Pacific School Psychology Association (APSPA), took place from November 28 to November 30, 2024, at Assumption University of Thailand (AU)’s Suvarnabhumi Campus in Bangkok.
The research emphasized that social and emotional support from family and friends and shared responsibility, may reduce the stress levels of a family caregiver of an ICU patient. Additionally, self-reliance, as a key personality factor, plays a crucial role in moderating the relationship between the support they get and distress they feel. In ICU scenario caregivers who are more self-reliant may be better at seeking, interpreting, and utilizing support, leading to a greater reduction in distress.
Fostering self-reliance has significant implications for stress management, resilience, and overall well-being. This highlights the need for targeted interventions, such as problem-solving training and emotional regulation techniques, to enhance self-reliance. Support systems should also be designed to encourage independent coping while providing necessary assistance, particularly in high-stress environments like caregiving. By promoting self-reliance, individuals can develop long-term resilience, reducing burnout and enhancing their ability to navigate future challenges with confidence and adaptability.
Ms. Kirtideepa Subhadarsani gratefully acknowledges the Institution of Eminence (IoE), University of Hyderabad, for generously funding her participation in this conference, which enabled her to contribute to the global discourse on health psychology and wellbeing.