Studying Psychology to Heal Trauma: Sofiya Synychych’s Journey
Sofiya Synychych, a senior psychology major at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, has a fascinating story to share. Born in Ukraine, Synychych experienced firsthand the trauma that war inflicts on families. Her parents moved to Michigan to escape the war with Russia, and Synychych joined them there once the situation escalated. It was during these difficult times that her interest in psychology began to take root.
Now, at university, Synychych is determined to find ways to alleviate the anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experienced by individuals who have gone through war. She has embarked on an innovative project in collaboration with faculty members to develop a virtual reality experience that can provide soothing relief.
The inspiration for her research stems from her own experiences and those of her family. Even though they are now physically far away from the war, the psychological effects still linger. Synychych seeks to understand why some people can rebound from traumatic incidents while others struggle to cope.
However, her passion for the field of psychology goes beyond her personal experiences. When she moved to Michigan, she noticed cultural differences between herself and her American classmates. Synychych observed that Ukrainians, like herself, tend to separate personal opinions from their feelings towards individuals. This fueled her desire to understand human behavior at a deeper level, prompting her to pursue a career in psychology.
As a dedicated video game player, Synychych conducted an experiment on herself by exposing herself to her own fears through video games. This experiment served as an impetus for her involvement in a project that integrates virtual reality and psychology. In collaboration with her peers and professors, she developed a rock-stacking meditation activity using virtual reality technology.
During the spring semester, Synychych took her research a step further by working on an application that simulates snorkeling. She actively participated in the design and development of the app, ensuring it includes meditative activities like breathing exercises and body scans to relieve tension.
After the completion of the app, Synychych plans to evaluate its effectiveness by measuring stress levels before and after usage. She will present her findings at the University’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression Fair, showcasing her dedication and remarkable progress.
Associate Professor Greg Page, director of the psychology program, commended Synychych’s commitment and the refinement she has brought to her project. This inspiring journey demonstrates the potential of psychology in helping individuals overcome trauma and bridging cultural gaps for a more empathetic society.
FAQ
1. Who is Sofiya Synychych?
Sofiya Synychych is a senior psychology major at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
2. What is her research project about?
Her research project aims to alleviate the anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experienced by individuals who have gone through war by developing a virtual reality experience.
3. What inspired her research?
Her own experiences and those of her family, who had to escape the war in Ukraine and move to Michigan.
4. Why did Sofiya decide to pursue a career in psychology?
Moving to Michigan made her aware of cultural differences and fueled her desire to understand human behavior at a deeper level.
5. What experiment did she conduct on herself?
She exposed herself to her own fears through video games, which prompted her involvement in a project that integrates virtual reality and psychology.
6. What specific activities did she develop using virtual reality technology?
She developed a rock-stacking meditation activity and worked on an application that simulates snorkeling, which includes meditative activities like breathing exercises and body scans.
7. How does she plan to evaluate the effectiveness of the app?
She plans to measure stress levels before and after using the app.
8. Where will she present her findings?
She will present her findings at the University’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression Fair.
Key Terms and Definitions
– Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A mental health condition triggered by a traumatic event, causing symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
– Virtual reality: A computer-generated simulation that immerses users in a virtual environment, typically experienced through a head-mounted display.
– Empathetic society: A society characterized by understanding, compassion, and the ability to share and relate to the feelings of others.
Suggested Related Links
– University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
– Psychology Today
– American Psychological Association
The source of the article is from the blog karacasanime.com.ve