Journal of Counselling and Family Therapy

Biological Dynamics of Stress Responses: Understanding Fight, Flight, and Freeze Behaviour in Humans

2026-05-30T08:35:54+00:00

Human responses to threat are regulated by integrated biological systems that support rapid adaptation and survival. This study examines the biological dynamics of the fight, flight, and freeze responses, focusing on neural, autonomic, and endocrine mechanisms. The paper reviews the roles of the amygdala in threat perception, the hypothalamus in activating physiological responses, and the prefrontal cortex in behavioural regulation. It further explains the involvement of the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, highlighting the functions of adrenaline and cortisol in stress activation. A conceptual proportional model is presented to illustrate the distribution of fight, flight, and freeze responses in contemporary psychological contexts. The study also discusses the cognitive and emotional effects of prolonged stress, including its influence on attention, memory, and emotional regulation. Additionally, the role of neuroplasticity in modifying stress responses through psychological interventions is highlighted. The findings provide a structured understanding of stress-related behaviour and offer implications for counselling psychology and therapeutic practice.

Influence of Social Networking Platforms on Psychological Well-Being Among B.Sc. Nursing Students

2026-06-01T09:31:36+00:00

Social media has become an integral part of daily life, particularly among students. Nursing students frequently utilize social media for academic and communication purposes. While it offers advantages such as knowledge enhancement and connectivity, excessive use may negatively affect mental health. The study aimed to assess the impact of social media usage on mental health among B.Sc. nursing students. A quantitative descriptive design was adopted among 76 students. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed a high impact on knowledge (3.82±0.86), a moderate impact on relaxation (3.50±0.74), connectivity (3.43±1.04), and concentration (3.16±0.90), and a low impact on addiction (2.41±0.85). The study concludes that social media has both positive and negative effects and emphasizes balanced usage. In the modern educational environment, social media platforms are increasingly used for academic collaboration, communication, entertainment, and professional networking. Nursing students, in particular, rely on digital platforms to access educational videos, clinical demonstrations, online discussions, and health-related information. The increased accessibility of smartphones and internet services has made social media usage a regular part of students’ daily routines. Although these platforms support learning and peer interaction, excessive exposure may contribute to stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and reduced concentration. Mental health among nursing students is a major concern because of demanding academic schedules and clinical responsibilities. Therefore, understanding the influence of social media on mental well-being is important for developing awareness regarding responsible digital behavior. The present study was conducted among B.Sc. nursing students to assess the impact of social media usage on different dimensions of mental health, including concentration, addiction, relaxation, knowledge, and connectivity. A quantitative descriptive research design was used with convenient sampling techniques. The results indicated that social media positively improved knowledge and connectivity while moderately affecting concentration and relaxation. Addiction levels remained comparatively low among the participants. The study highlights the need for balanced social media usage and suggests educational interventions that promote healthy digital habits among nursing students.

Gaps in India’s Fight Against Sexual Abuse: A Narrative Review

2026-06-20T08:53:29+00:00

Sexual abuse remains a significant public health and human rights concern in India, with far-reaching psychological, physical, social, and legal consequences. Despite legislative reforms and policy initiatives, the burden of sexual violence continues to be substantial, with considerable underreporting and systemic gaps in prevention and response. This narrative review aims to synthesise existing evidence on sexual abuse in India, focusing on prevalence, institutional challenges, legal frameworks, survivor outcomes, and prevention strategies. The review integrates multidisciplinary evidence from peer-reviewed literature, government reports, and international organisational publications. Findings indicate that sexual abuse is highly prevalent, with a significant proportion of perpetrators known to victims, particularly in cases involving women and children. Persistent challenges include underreporting, delayed legal processes, victim-blaming, inadequate support systems, and limited trauma-informed care across institutions. Survivors experience complex and long-term psychological, behavioural, and physical consequences, underscoring the need for comprehensive rehabilitation services. Although India has implemented several initiatives, including legal frameworks such as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and various government schemes, gaps remain in accessibility, awareness, and implementation. The review highlights the importance of a multisectoral approach that incorporates prevention, early intervention, survivor-centred care, and systemic reforms. Strengthening institutional capacity, promoting community awareness, and ensuring effective policy execution are essential to address the ongoing challenges and improve outcomes for survivors.