Journal of Psychiatry

Creating gender sensitivity amongst adolescents in India- Role of peer moderators names

2^nd International Conference on Adolescent Medicine and Child Psychology

October 06-07, 2016 London, UK

Samir Parikh, Kamna Chhibber and Roshni Sondhi

Fortis Healthcare, India

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Psychiatry

Abstract:

The influence of peers is known to play an especially significant role during the phase of adolescence. The concept of gender sensitivity begins to be internalized at an early age, which subsequently develops based on the gender stereotypes and the gender role ideologies vicariously inculcated from oneâ??s peers. This paper is based on the premise that children and adolescents tend to be highly receptive to training from their peers. Given the significance attached to the role of peer influence, this paper uses an example of a unique platform wherein, adolescents who are trained in gender sensitivity skills through intensive and interactive workshops, subsequently serve as Pro-social Peer Moderators and become role models for their peers, to propagate gender sensitivity amongst them. As the findings demonstrate the significance of the role of peer moderators, the paper also serves as a foundation for further research in the direction of promoting gender sensitivity as a skill that could empower adolescents with the ability to think critically in order to challenge widely held stereotypes and to foster positive attitudes and empathy towards others. Further, the potential implications towards developing such models of peer influence to propagate life skills amongst adolescents are indicated.

Biography :

Samir Parikh is a Consultant Psychiatrist and the Director of Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Fortis Healthcare. He has done his graduation (MBBS) and Post-graduation (DPM and MD-Psychiatry) from Civil hospital Ahmedabad. He is leading the largest team of Mental Health Professionals in the private sector in India offering comprehensive services in mental health and various academic programs and community, school and corporate sector mental health programs conducted. He is a very renowned speaker at national and international forums on mental health issues. He has played a key role in enhancing the image of mental health in the country.

Email: drsamir.parikh@gmail.com