Journal of Indian Health Psychology (Vol. 20, No. 1, January, 2026)

Description

Editorial
This issue of the Journal of Indian Health Psychology has eight articles that focus on the various aspects of health-related behaviours. The research articles in the current issue are based on either quantitative or qualitative methods.
The first article by Nishchay Kohli and Omisha Sangeet explored the influence of marital status on cognitive functioning among elderly women. The findings revealed that married elderly women have higher cognitive functioning than their widowed counterparts, suggesting that the presence of spouse can prevent cognitive declines in elderly females. In the next article, Abhirami, Annalakshmi, and Senthil examined risk and protective factors among individuals with type 2 diabetes. The study identified dietary challenges, emotional burden, lifestyle barriers, and lack of social support as key risks, while diet regulation, exercise, emotional well-being, and self-regulated management emerged as protective factors supporting better diabetes control. The following article by Jaya A. T. and Chandana D. Karathully investigated psychosocial correlates of pain catastrophizing among chronic pain patients. The findings indicated that factors such as comorbidity, health locus of control, and social support significantly influenced levels of catastrophizing, underscoring the importance of psychosocial dimensions in pain experiences. In the next article, Himanshu Gurung and Archana Yadav’s thematic review on psychological interventions and mental skills training in combat sports highlighted the positive impact of techniques such as relaxation, imagery, and self-talk on athletes’ performance, emotional regulation, and mental toughness, while also noting gaps in sport-specific frameworks and clarity regarding the timing and application of interventions. Grace Lalkhawngaihi and colleagues examined adjustment stress and acculturative strategies among migrant students in Delhi. The results demonstrated that higher adjustment stress was associated with fewer adaptive strategies such as separation and marginalization; on the other hand, lower stress levels were linked to greater integration, indicating the role of stress in shaping acculturative outcomes. The article by Ananya Iyer and D. Chao explored the psychological health of working mothers in the Indian context. The review highlighted major concerns such as stress, burnout, loneliness, and low self-esteem arising from dual role demands, emphasising the need for supportive policies and shared caregiving structures to enhance well-being. In the last article of the current issue, Deepti Hooda and NovRattan Sharma investigated the relationship between civic engagement and flourishing among youth. The findings revealed significant positive associations between civic engagement and flourishing among youth, reinforcing the developmental benefits of active civic participation, thereby enabling them to flourish. Collectively, the articles in this issue highlight the multifaceted nature of psychological health and behaviour across the lifespan and contexts. By addressing themes ranging from chronic illness and ageing to youth development and social roles, the issue contributes valuable knowledge for research, practice, and policy aimed at promoting well-being and adaptive functioning.
The journal provides a platform for empirical research, comprehensive critical reviews and intervention-oriented articles in the field of health psychology and for application in a wide range of contexts. Editors express gratitude to all the authors for their research contributions. Editors are also grateful to the referees and members of the editorial board for their valuable inputs and suggestions. The journal aims to sensitise the readers about health-related issues and promotion strategies that would help pave the path towards healthy and flourishing individuals and communities.

Editors