Special Session on ‘Frontlines of Psychological Defense’ organized in Punjabi University, Patiala
Patiala, November 24, 2022: The Universal Human Values Cell (UHVC), Punjabi University, in collaboration with Dept of Defense and Strategic Studies, Punjabi University, Patiala, organized a special session on 'Frontlines of Psychological Defense' on November 24, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM IST in the Seminar Hall, Dept of Defense and Strategic Studies, Punjabi University, Patiala. The distinguished speaker on this occasion was Dr Tarika Sandhu, from Dept of Psychology, Punjabi University, Patiala.
Addressing an interactive group of over 70 students, the concept of Defense Mechanisms in psychology was used to understand their role in becoming a hindrance to living a value-rich life. Clear differentiation of the spectrum of defense mechanisms from immature to mature was done through real life events and illustrations. The participants were motivated, and guided with specific strategies for enhanced use of adaptive mature defenses. On similar lines, the role of defense analysts while negotiating conflicts by bringing out the humane elements in the forefront, and by highlighting tolerance modeling, was discussed through the examples from the Gulf war as well as the Ukraine conflict. The focus was brought on the significance of honesty, care, courage, trust, and fairness while dealing with experiences at the self as well as occupational level. The performance of students on the quiz on defense mechanisms, and the active discussion that followed, indicated the positive impact of the interaction. The students wished to be enlisted as student members of UHVC, and requested for series of similar interactions. Dr Kewal Krishan, Head, dept of defense and strategic studies, highlighted the significance of the current interaction for the benefit of students who were aspiring for army selections’ process. Dr Harpreet Kaur, coordinator, UHVC, brought out the role of students in spreading the message of value based living in the community. Dr Inderjeet Singh, Dept of Defense and Strategic studies extended the vote of thanks.