Ms. Prachi Pandey, a research scholar at the Centre for Health Psychology, University of Hyderabad, along with her supervisor Dr. Meera Padhy, presented a research paper titled “Mindfulness and Social Support: A Dual Approach to Enhance Wellbeing in Chronic Disease Management” 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 paper was awarded the Best Paper Award, a recognition of the valuable contribution it made to the field.
The research emphasized the integration of mindfulness practices into support programs for chronic disease management, suggesting that mindfulness can significantly amplify the positive outcomes of social support. It also highlighted that, while social support is crucial, it may not be sufficient on its own to bring about optimal wellbeing outcomes. Mindfulness offers an additional layer of support that can help individuals manage stress, improve emotional regulation, and foster a sense of empowerment in managing their health.
In the context of India, where chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular issues are on the rise, this dual approach could have profound implications. By incorporating mindfulness into existing support frameworks, healthcare systems can offer more holistic and effective interventions. It can help address not just the physical but also the psychological aspects of chronic disease management, which is critical in a country where mental health awareness is still developing and chronic disease management is often limited to medical treatments alone.
Ms. Prachi Pandey 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.