From the Editor-in-Chief: Introducing the Inaugural Issue

Greetings from SGT University! With great enthusiasm we present the inaugural issue of the ‘Journal of Contemporary Behavioural and Social Research’ (JCBSR). This biannual peer-reviewed interdisciplinary journal of the Faculty of Behavioural Sciences (FBSC) of SGT University, published with Medknow Wolters Kluwer is dedicated to furthering nuanced, interdisciplinary inquiry into modern life’s behavioural and social dimensions. In an increasingly interconnected world, tackling significant challenges requires the combined expertise of multiple disciplines. The journal provides an interdisciplinary platform for scholarly understanding across psychology, sociology, political science, economics, education, media studies, gender studies, law, and related fields. It aims to integrate multiple perspectives with strong and innovative methodologies, fostering policy-relevant insights to address socially meaningful issues on local and global levels. This journal emerges at a time when the need for evidence-based, socially engaged scholarship is more pressing than ever, as individuals and communities grapple with rapid societal changes, complex psychosocial challenges and evolving cultural dynamics. The inaugural issue sets the tone for our mission to foster dialogue across disciplines, bridge theory and practice and highlight research that resonates with real-world relevance. The contributions included here reflect the diversity of subject matter and methods. Two papers extend the conversation on childhood and developmental challenges – One examines children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, emphasising inclusive support frameworks; the other explores the neurological aspects of ADHD by integrating behavioural science and cognitive neuroscience. The journal also presents valuable contributions on training programs for parents of children with epilepsy, highlighting the psychosocial burdens faced by families and the potential of guided interventions to improve outcomes for both children and caregivers. In another study, the current issue delves into the emotionally charged and socially layered domains of infertility and adoption. The research provides insight into the psychological impacts of involuntary childlessness and the narratives of hope in the process of child adoption. The theme of grief and therapeutic intervention is highlighted with equal depth in a case study, exploring individuals’ loss and how therapeutic modalities can facilitate healing. An especially timely addition to this issue is a study on Emo-Aid, a brief emotional support intervention designed to reduce psychological distress. With computer vision applications, exploratory research studied facial action and personality traits, illustrating how subtle expressions influence interpersonal perception and human behaviour. The research on intercultural sensitivity and attitudes towards refugees is another topic of urgent global relevance that is included in this issue. The findings challenge us to cultivate more empathetic and inclusive societies. Continuing this, another review article on the theme of exploration of identity and conflict critically examines the Kashmir dispute through the lens of intersecting nationalisms – religious, secular and ethnic. Adding another dimension to our understanding of contemporary challenges, an article in this issue focuses on youth culture and the pressing concerns around sexual health. Taken together, these contributions emphasise the journal’s central conviction: Behavioural and social research must be contemporary not only in time but in relevance, responsiveness and reach. As we launch this new platform, we extend our deepest gratitude to the esteemed editorial board and distinguished advisory board, featuring prominent researchers from worldwide. We especially acknowledge the contribution of our managing editor, Dr. Mehreen Fatima, Assistant Professor, FBSC, SGT University. We extend our sincere thanks to the authors of the Letters to the Editor - ‘Breaking the Silence Around Adultism: Reimagining Adult-Child Relationships’ and ‘When Pride Becomes Immoral: The Case of Honor-Based Violence’. Their influential commentaries enrich this inaugural issue by sparking critical dialogue on often overlooked but deeply relevant social concerns. We are equally grateful to all contributing authors, dedicated reviewers and engaged readers for their invaluable role in shaping the vision and quality of JCBSR. The journal aims to publish high-quality original research, review articles and case studies that demonstrate the value of interdisciplinary approaches. We invite readers to engage with this issue as partners in a shared journey of understanding and transformation. We encourage researchers from all relevant fields to contribute to this groundbreaking platform and help shape the future of behavioural and social sciences!