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Dr Sweta Shyam Matonkar is an Assistant Professor of Psychology with over eight years of experience in teaching and research. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Karnatak University, Dharwad, and is UGC-NET qualified. She secured the first rank in the M.A. Psychology programme at Goa University and received the Dr Ambedkar National Merit Award and the Manohar Parrikar Goa Scholars Scheme for her academic excellence and doctoral research.
Her teaching areas include Personality Development, Relationship Psychology, Health Psychology, Psychological Assessment, Research Methodology, and Qualitative Research. She adopts an experiential teaching approach that connects psychological theory with practical and community-based learning.
Her research interests include LGBTQ+ mental health, psychological well-being, interpersonal support, sex trafficking, women’s health, and social psychology. She has published in peer-reviewed and UGC-CARE-listed journals, contributed a book chapter, and presented her research at national and international conferences. Through her academic work, she promotes mental health awareness, inclusive education, and evidence-based psychological practice.
- CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
• 2026: Presented “Interpersonal Support as a Buffer between Internalized Homophobia and Psychological Well-Being among Sexual Minorities in Goa, India” at a Research Presentation Competition. Level: State
• 2026: Presented “Perceived Social Support & Psychological Well-Being among Victims of Sex Trafficking” at a two-day international conference. Level: International
• 2026: Presented “The Impact of Social Media on Political Engagement & Trust in Institutions among College Students in Goa” at a one-day national conference. Level: National
• 2026: Presented “Menopausal Symptoms, Interpersonal Relationships, and Quality of Life among Menopausal Women” at a two-day international conference. Level: International
• 2024: Presented “Navigating Electoral Misinformation: Media Accountability & Fake News in India’s Democratic Landscape” at a one-day national seminar. Level: National
• 2018: Presented “The Coping Strategies Utilized among Emergency Service Employees in Goa” at the 5th International Conference on Stress Management. Level: International
- PUBLICATIONS
• 2026: “Perceived Social Support & Psychological Well-Being among Victims of Sex Trafficking”. International Journal of Asia Pacific School Psychology (IJAPSP). ISSN: 2697-654X
• 2026: “The Impact of Social Media on Political Engagement and Trust in Institutions among College Students in Goa”. Lyceum India Journal of Social Sciences. ISSN: 3048-6513
• 2026: “Menopausal Symptoms, Interpersonal Relationships, and Quality of Life among Menopausal Women”. Sanskruti International Multidisciplinary Research Journal. ISSN: 3048-6513
• 2023: “Interpersonal Support and Psychological Well-Being among Minority Sexually Oriented Individuals”. Education and Society. ISSN: 2278-6864 | Listing: UGC CARE
• 2022: “Internalized Homophobia among Minority Sexually Oriented Individuals”. Indian Journal of Psychology. ISSN: 0019-5553 | Listing: UGC CARE
• 2019: “A Study on Coping Strategies and Quality of Life among Emergency Service Employees in Goa”. IAHRW International Journal of Social Sciences Review. ISSN: 2347-3797 (Online)
- BOOK / CHAPTERS
• 2025: “Changing Social Status of LGBTQ in India”. In The Theory of India: 40 Essays on Contemporary India. Austin Macauley Publishers. ISBN: 978-93-5911-162-9
- SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS & CONFERENCES ATTENDED
• 2026: Presented a research paper at the two-day International Conference on “Safe and Friendly Schools in the Asia Pacific Region”, organised by Kristu Jayanti University and the Asia Pacific School Psychology Association, Bengaluru.
• 2026: Presented a research paper at the two-day International Conference on “Healing Psychology for Mental Health Crisis”.
• 2018: Presented a research paper at the 5th International Conference on Stress Management, organised by ISMA and GTAM HBS, Hyderabad.
• 2026: Presented a research paper at the one-day National Conference on “Intersecting Perspectives: Contemporary Political Issues & Global Challenges in Focus”.
• 2024: Presented a research paper at the one-day National Seminar on “Indian Democratic Prospect: Understanding Development & Socio-Political Responsibility”.
• 2026: Participated in a Research Presentation Competition at Rosary College of Commerce & Arts, Goa.
- WORKSHOPS CONDUCTED
• 2025: “Legal Framework and Disability Rights”.
• 2024: “Understanding Adolescent Mental Health: The Way Ahead”.
• 2022: “Mental Health in an Unequal World”.
• 2022: “Preventing Child Sexual Abuse & Sex Trafficking”.
• “Aspects of Adolescent Life”.
• Webinar on “Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD)”.
• 30-hour course: “Introduction to Art Therapy: The Role of Art in Self-Discovery and Growth”.
• 30-hour value-added course: “Mental Health among Deaf and Blind Individuals: Training & Interventions”.
• “Thriving Beyond PCOS: From Challenges to Triumphs”.
• “Ashtanga Yoga”.
• “Dealing with Exam Anxiety & Stress”.
• “Gender & Sexual Orientation—The LGBTQ+ Community”.
• “Stress Management through Breathwork Techniques”.
• Induction programme on “Deafblindness: Interventions & Services by CARITAS”.
• Interactive session on suicide prevention.
• “Mental Health & Student Development Activities”.
• “Psychological Well-Being through Mandala Art Therapy”.
• “Mindfulness and Gratitude Walk”.
• Educational Visits to Caritas, Saligao, Kripa Foundation, Anjuna, Owl House, Aldona & Chaitanya Institute for Mental Health, Thivim.
- NATIONAL & STATE LEVEL ACHIEVEMENTS
• 2012–13: Received the Dr. Ambedkar National Merit Award under the Dr. Ambedkar National Merit Award Scheme.
• 2017: Secured First Rank in M.A. Psychology at Goa University.
• 2018–19: Received financial assistance for Ph.D. studies under the Manohar Parrikar Goa Scholars Scheme, Government of Goa.
