Center for Public Mental Health (CPMH) Faculty of Psychology UGM conducts Online Lectures (KulOn) with the topic “A to Z of Mental Disorders and Suicidal Behavior”. The topic was shared by two speakers, namely Nurul Kusuma Hidayati, M.Psi., Psychologist and Wirdatul Anisa, M.Psi., Psychologist. The topic of KulOn this time was delivered in the form of a QnA, namely answering questions that had previously been submitted by the audience without any lengthy presentation before of material from the resource persons.

However, before starting to answer the questions that have been submitted, Nurul again reminded the participants who attended KulOn about the four pillars of support, “So, when we talk about mental health, we are talking about the four pillars of support, and they are active and endeavored”.

Apart from reminding about the four pillars of support, Nurul also reminded about one of the protective factors that can be developed and pursued is mental health literacy. The higher mental health literacy, the higher the ability to understand oneself so that they are more sensitive and can make early detection of mental health disorders. “The very minimal mental health literacy in society has caused such a large gap in handling,” said Nurul.

After explaining several things related to mental disorders and suicidal behavior, the resource persons began to answer the incoming questions one by one. One of them is about why individuals can have the desire to commit suicide and Wirdatul answered by analogy with a pillar that supports a burden. “Individuals who have suicidal thoughts are like having a big burden, but the pillars that support that burden are fragile,” explained Wirdatul.

Wirdatul explained several factors that made the pillars that support fragile, such as social factors, having a traumatic experience, having a single or comorbid mental disorder diagnosis, substance and alcohol abuse, inability and reluctance to ask for help, and a person’s level of religiosity.

At the end of the session, it was closed with a question about how to have simple tips to be mindful, so you don’t easily get distracted and think about committing suicide again. “Have routines and notes. Make yourself as an individual who needs notes so that what is done is done in a systematic manner,” replied Nurul.

“Thoughts are wild, and a person may experience sudden negative thoughts. Once a negative thought appears, it will provoke other negative thoughts to appear. Therefore, writing and keeping notes is one way to organize and tidy up those (wild) thoughts and minimize multitasking activities, “added Wirdatul.

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Friday (20/5) the Faculty of Psychology UGM with the Centre for Public Mental Health (CPMH) held an online lecture that raised the topic “PFA in School Settings and the Flow of Referrals”. Unlike previous online lectures, this time the topic of online lectures was only delivered by Nurul Kusuma Hidayati, M.Psi., Psychologist. “This is the umpteenth time (PFA) theme that we are trying to share. Now, this time we will be specific in the discussion in the school setting,” said Nurul at the beginning of the event.

Psychological First Aid (PFA) or can be referred to as Psychological First Aid (PPP) is the most basic psychological help. Usually, this assistance is given to individuals who are experiencing a traumatic event. “Psychological first aid is very important for us to apply, to be able to apply it, let’s study together, understand it further and in more detail so that we can apply it properly, “explained Nurul.

So, what does the PFA have to do with schools? This was answered by Nurul’s explanation who said that most of those who had mood disorders were school age. “There’s no need to wait until it gets worse, because as long as we can prevent it as early as possible, why not?”.

When the school is successful in carrying out PFA, the school can build resilience and increase the protective factor for students. In terms of performance, both academically and socially students will also increase. Therefore, a school environment is needed that is safe, fun, mutually supportive, and provides self-awareness about the importance of mental health.

“We always emphasize in every PFA material that is distributed, that PFA can be done by anyone. Across ages, across jobs, across skills, across structures, anyone,” said Nurul. So, from gardeners to school cafeteria moms, PFA can be as simple as giving a genuine smile as a connection to PFA.

“With or without training in mental health, teachers, school principals, TU employees can perform this psychological first aid”. However, there are important things that need to be known in the practice of PPP in schools. These things include, practical and not forced, carried out with the aim of knowing the conditions and needs of students, helping students to get basic needs, listening without asking to tell stories, and helping students connect with needed help.

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The UGM Psychology Doctoral Study Program and the Centre for Life-Span Development (CLSD) held a series of events “Intensive Course: Multi and Mixed Method Research”. Held for 3 days from 12 April 2022 to 14 April 2022, this event aims to introduce various aspects of mixed and multiple research methodology. Inviting competent speakers, this event carries the concept of delivering material in the initial session and practice in the next session.

On the first day, the event started at 07.30 WIB with an initial discussion, namely “Overview: Multi and Mixed Method Research”. Then continued with the discussion “Design and Data Collection in Mixed Method Research (Concept)” which was discussed by Pradytia Putri Pertiwi, Ph.D.

“Well, before I start the material, I want to invite ladies and gentlemen, as well as the participants here to share their experiences or tell stories about whether they have used two methods in the research they conducted?”, asked Pradytia. There are participants who claim to have done two methods, namely interviews and questionnaires. There are also those who use a questionnaire as the main data collection and data deepening using open data.

On the second day, the topic discussed was “Design and Data Collection in Multi-Method (Concept) Research. The topic was discussed by Prof. Dr. Avin Fadilla Helmi, M.Sc., and started at 09.30 WIB. Through this topic, Avin explained that mixed methods are the process of collecting, analysing data, integrating data, and drawing conclusions quantitatively and qualitatively in one study.

“So, in terms of time it was simultaneously. Collection and analysis of qualitative data. Quantitative also collects and analyses data”, explained Avin regarding parallel convergent design. As for the explanatory sequential design, there are things that must be considered regarding the use. Things that need to be considered are quantitative research and problems, knowing important variables and measurement access, and having access to respondents for stage 2. From data collection stage 2, the researcher develops new questions.

Finally, present as the third day speaker in this series of events was Andrian Liem, M.Psi., Ph.D who delivered “The Concept of Data Analysis in Multi Research and Mixed Methods: From Analysis to Synthesis”. Andrian’s trial started at 12.30 WIB and was held online.

Before delivering the material, Andrian invites participants to share ideas about the possibilities that have been or will be faced when conducting research. The idea was expressed through filling out an anonymous google form link

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The Expertise Group of the Faculty of Psychology UGM and the Doctoral Study Program in Psychology held a series of events “Intensive Course on the Development of Advanced Research in the Field of Science”. The series of events ended on Friday (7/4) with the specialization of Psychometrics as a closing after previously starting on March 29, 2022. This session presented Haryanta, M.A., Wahyu Widhiarso, M.A., and Bambang Sumintono, Ph.D as speakers.

In the first session, Wahyu discussed the topic “Knowing Competing Models in Research”. Wahyu explained that the model approximates something that cannot be observed directly. “So, because the pattern does not appear directly, the pattern cannot be directly understood, the shape is still foreign, the shape is still latent, so we need a model,” explained Wahyu.

Then Wahyu also explained several key words that can be used to understand the model, namely simplification of something complex, prioritizing important elements, loading assumptions, having a chance to be blamed, can be used to predict, and restricting things irrelevant,

The second session, presented with the topic “Knowing Many Facets Analysis in Rasch Modelling”, Bambang conveyed how to introduce multi rater analysis. “That performance assessment is always inseparable from errors and biases,” explained Bambang. In addition, Bambang also said that when conducting a multirater test, you can use the classic test-theory approach, namely cohen kappa, fleiss kappa, and generalizibility theory.

Finally, with the topic “Development of Problem Analysis in Competency Assessment”, Haryanta explained about the application of psychometric science in the real world, especially the world of assessment. “There are two things that we really must realize that learning, psychometrics, psychology, and its implications for the real world have experienced a tremendous shift. In my opinion, this is urgent and needs to be anticipated and dealt with immediately,” said Haryanta.

The first thing that shifted was expressed by Haryanta regarding the changing trend, where everyone who studied psychology while taking a bachelor’s program studied psychodiagnostics. However, currently the discussion is getting wider, including using games as an assessment process. Another thing that has also shifted is the competency test which is more focused than the potential test and various kinds of changes in basic things in psychology that are expressed by Haryanta.

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Thursday (6/4) the Intensive Course on the Development of Advanced Research in the Field of Science continues with the topic of specialization in the Psychology of Change & Organizational Development. Starting at 08.00 WIB online, this session was attended by three competent speakers, namely Dr. Sumaryono, M.Sc., Rizqi Nur’aini A’yuninnisa, M.Sc., and Ridwan Saptoto, M.A.

Sumaryono discussed “Psychology Safety: Concepts and Implementation in Leadership” in the first session. “The topic of psychological safety cannot be separated from the current issues,” said Sumaryono. Through this topic, Sumaryono also explained the components of psychological safety which consisted of innovative thinking, risk behavior, and respect behavior. In addition, the psychological safety concept has a work climate that is comfortable admitting mistakes, learning from failure, everyone openly shares ideas, and better innovation and decision making.

Furthermore, in session two, Rizqi presented with the topic “Resources at Work” which explained that there are four types of resources at work, namely object resources, conditions resources, personal characteristics, and energies. Resources at work are important because they can affect one’s performance at work, one’s well-being, and mental health conditions.

“Apparently, these resources not only affect us at work, but also affect our conditions at home or our conditions in life in general,” said Rizqi. Therefore, according to Rizqi, what individuals do at work in a fulfilling manner can bring positive things to life. Thus, working to live, not living to work, can be applied. In addition, Rizqi also gave several ideas for future research on resources in working through the topics presented.

Finally, as a closing session, Ridwan was present who discussed the topic “Common Method Bias: A New (Shift Up) Standard in Survey Research”. Through this topic, Ridwan wants to introduce a new method that is currently not widely known in Indonesia. “So, it is necessary to discuss it so that in the future friends who write articles can improve the quality of their articles and increase the acceptance rate in leading international journals,” explained Ridwan.

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Still in the series of the Intensive Course for the Development of Advanced Research in the Field of Science, the Doctoral Study Program in Psychology together with the Expertise Group of the Faculty of Psychology UGM resumed the event on Monday (4/4). The areas of specialization in Mental, Neural, and Behavioral are the opening specialization areas in the second half by inviting speakers who have their respective focus of discussion.

At the beginning of the session, Supra Wimbarti, M.Sc., Ph.D was present as the first speaker with the topic “Personality in the Context of Mental, Neural, and Behavioral”. In the context of Mental, Neural, and Behavioral, personality is a unique variation of human evolution that is presented as a pattern of dispositional trait development, character adaptation, and integrative life in complex and different cultures. In more detail, according to neuroscience, understanding human personality cannot be done without understanding the brain.

“There are two biological sources of personality. The two sources are proximal and distal,” explained Supra. The proximal biological source is the biological source of personality which consists of various stable functions of the neural system. While distal is a biological source of personality which is influenced by heredity and environment.

Furthermore, the second speaker in this session was Sri Kusrohmaniah, M.Sc., Ph.D. Sri brought a discussion on “Topics and Research Methods in the Mental, Neural, and Behavioral Fields”. Through the discussion that was delivered, Sri started with a discussion about Biopsychology as a scientific study of behavior in the context of psychology. In summary, biopsychology studies behavior through which knowledge from neuroscience and others is gathered. “There are other names, some call it psychobiology, behavioral biology or behavioral neuroscience,” explained Sri.

Finally, as the closing speaker at the Mental, Neural, and Behavioral session, was present Galang Lufityanto, M.Psi., Ph.D who delivered a discussion on “Adaptability to Change”. Through this topic, Galang introduced a Biopsychometric Test called Galang-Satrio Adaptability Test or GSAT which aims to measure an individual’s ability to adapt to pressure and change, which is known as agile. The principle used by the GSAT is a psychophysical measurement that plays a role in understanding a person’s tendencies when faced with challenging tasks and a constantly changing environment.

The big topic that was brought up on the second day of Wednesday (30/3) was the field of specialization in Social Psychology by presenting various speakers who were experts in their fields. Starting at 08.00 online, the first session of this event was started by the presentation of material from Prof. Dr. Faturochman, M.A with the topic “Social Psychological Research related to the Pandemic”. The current pandemic, COVID-19 is a pandemic that has never happened before, is contagious, the victims continue to grow, and there is no cure. The impact of the pandemic is not only on health, but also on social, economic, and psychological impacts that will provide changes in the present and in the future.

“Why are Asian people more successful in tackling COVID-19?” asked Fatur on the sidelines of delivering the material. According to Fatur, this is because Asians are more united in tackling the pandemic by following instructions and developing science to understand COVID-19. This is also supported by the findings found by Fatur, namely that respondents consider that instructions and coercion in relation to handling outbreaks are important and can be implemented, but respondents agree more with the instructions. Another thing that was also found was that respondents considered independent and joint efforts to be important for protection efforts, but joint efforts were considered more important than their own efforts.

The second session, continued by Prof. Dr. Tina Afiatin, M.Si who delivered material about “Flourishing Family”. “Flourishing is about individuals who are physically and mentally healthy and can function well in their personal and social lives due to collaborative activities between family members,” explained Tina. Therefore, the flourishing family can be interpreted as a family that can help solve existing challenges and problems.

In the last session, present as resource persons, namely Prof. Koentjoro, M.B.Sc., Ph.D who delivered about “Social Change and Social Psychology from the Industrial Revolution, Pandemic, to Chimerica”. “Our world is always changing and these changes result in changes that require us to adjust and adapt,” explained Koentjoro at the beginning of the presentation of the material. In addition, Koentjoro also conveyed 5 Aja from Sunan Kalijaga to deal with rapid changes, namely don’t be nervous, don’t be surprised, don’t be amused, don’t get excited, and don’t be dumb.

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As an effort to develop science, especially psychology, the Doctoral Study Program in Psychology together with the Expertise Group of the Faculty of Psychology UGM held the “Intensive Course on the Development of Advanced Research in the Field of Science”. The activity was held for several days, starting from 29-31 March 2022 and 4-7 April 2022. Held online, the organization of this activity was divided into fields of specialization in Psychology. The first day on March 29, 2022, was opened with a Specialization in Developmental Psychology and closed on April 7, 2022, with a Specialization in Psychometrics.

In the field of Developmental Psychology specialization, the Intensive Advanced Course for Research in the Field of Science was attended by 3 competent speakers, namely Elga Adriana, M.Ed., Ph.D., Indra Yohanes Killing, M.A., Ph.D., and Dr. Arum Febriani, M.A. The three speakers brought different themes according to their respective expertise.

Present as the first resource person at 08.00, Elga delivered material on “Overview of Current Issues and Research in Developmental Psychology”. Divided into 4 sessions, Elga discussed research on infants, research on early childhood, research on sexuality in adolescents, and research on children with special needs. “What are the stages of development that interest you in your research?” asked Elga at the beginning of the session

Then, the event was continued by the second resource person, namely Indra with a discussion on “Research on Vulnerable Children and Adolescents”. On the same theme, Indra also explained about the photovoice method which aims to raise voices that are rarely heard. “What if the results are blurry? So, it’s not used? Yes, it’s not like that, it’s more about the essence,” explained Indra. According to Indra, the obstacle in explaining the use of photovoice media is when explaining to participants because they just do what is really exemplified.

Finally, Arum was present as the closing speaker on the first day of the Intensive Advanced Development Research Course in Developmental Psychology. According to Arum, the subject of elderly is not much in demand because of the difficulty level in accessing information. “Make these elderly people useful for society, not a burden,” said Arum through the material he brought, namely “Relations between Generations and Development of the Elderly. There are 3 factors that determine success in aging, consisting of healthy aging, active aging, and productive aging.”

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The Faculty of Psychology UGM in collaboration with the Center for Public Mental Health (CPMH) held the last online lecture session in 2021 with the topic “Sexual Grooming Alert”. This time the topic was delivered by Nurul Kusuma Hidayati, M.Psi., Psychologist and Wirdatul Anis, M.Psi., Psychologist. “Before we know much about sexual grooming, actually grooming has a positive meaning, namely preparing so that the results will be more prepared or better,” said Nurul at the beginning of the session.

However, the term grooming has become a sad thing because over time it has become a term that must be wary of. According to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, grooming can be interpreted as a person’s efforts to build relationships, trust, and emotional relationships with children and adolescents which can later become a means to manipulate, exploit, and abuse. “If you look at the definition, there is a keyword like “preparing”. That is, indeed, everything that is done to prepare children or teenagers or someone to be a target, “explained Nurul.

Thus, sexual grooming is indeed a start to prepare someone to be ready to accept sexual harassment behavior. Therefore, it is not uncommon for victims of sexual harassment to feel okay and confused about why other people think that they are victims of sexual harassment cases. The feeling of being okay and something wrong not happened that is felt by victims of sexual harassment is an extreme effect caused by sexual grooming.

Sexual grooming doesn’t mean it can’t be prevented. There are many things that can be done that aim to keep those around us from sexual grooming. First and foremost is the awareness of parents regarding the potential dangers including education about sexuality. “In times like this, parents cannot continue to keep their children sterile. What parents can do today is to strengthen their sex education. So that children know that when there are teachings that are contrary to those conveyed by their parents, the children will be open in conveying it,” explained Wirdatul.

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The Doctoral Program in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology UGM held an Intensive Course on Advanced Statistical Analysis in Research in the Social Sciences. This intensive course activity is held for 5 days starting on August 30, 2021, until September 3, 2021. This course activity was opened by the Head of the Psychological Science Doctoral Program, namely Rahmat Hidayat, S.Psi., M.Sc., Ph. D

“Just to introduce this intensive course is a form of learning in the 2020 Psychology Doctoral Program curriculum where learning activities are carried out in a modular manner,” said Rahmat through his opening remarks. In addition, Rahmat also said that this intensive course was a refresher activity on statistics, especially for Psychology Doctoral Program students and Psychology Doctoral candidates who still needed to refresh their statistical material.

This intensive course activity begins with the material “Mediator Analysis” delivered by Haidar Buldan Thantowi, M.A., Ph. D. Haidar presents several examples of research titles using the mediator analysis model. “This mediation is one of the analyzes that I think is quite interesting and provides an opportunity for us to test more complicated hypotheses,” said Haidar.

In general, especially at the undergraduate level, they are often taught about the analysis between two variables. While mediation recognizes that the relationship between variables is not as simple as one variable with another variable. In this intensive course, Haidar not only delivered material, but also directly taught course participants how to analyze mediators using SPSS and Jamovi applications.

The activity which lasted for 5 days consisted of several topics, including “Moderator Analysis”, “Longitudinal Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Structural Equation Modeling, and various other interesting materials. In addition, these materials were delivered by various competent speakers in their fields, such as Prof. Dr. Faturochman, M.A., Galang Lufityanto, M.Psi., Ph.D., Wahyu Jati Anggoro, M.A., Wahyu Widhiarso, M.A., Muhammad Dwirifqi K.P, M.Si., Helly P. Soetjipto, M.A., and Prof. Dr. Saifuddin Azwar, M.A.

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