Role of Psychologists and Psychological theories in Mental wellness of pupils in the context of National Education Policy-2020

Abstract

In view of increasing cases of mental health disorders among students especially the young ones, there is a need to incorporate psychological support into the education systems. This need is recognized by the National Education Policy 2020 through adoption of student centered education that includes the social, emotional, and psychological aspects of the student. This paper seeks to understand psychologists or theories of psychology that would support the enhancement of students’ mental wellness under NEP 2020. Further, we explore the different theories of psychology including cognitive behaviorism, humanism, and social-cultural that help in identifying the students’ psychological needs. Understanding of these theories assists educators to design a positive emotionally supportive climate conductive to the growth of emotional security, social skills, and intellectual abilities. Drawing from the literature in psychology, we present a discussion into integration of psychological principles in curriculum development, instruction and students’ evaluation. It also looks at some of the threats that may inhibit organizational setups within the education sector from implementing mental health service delivery and ways of increasing successful implementation. The study implies that, for the realization of the NEP 2020 goals of a balanced education system with regards to mental wellness of the learners, collective efforts of educators, psychologists, parents and policy makers should be encouraged.