Sidra Afzal

Dr Sidra Afzal

Lecturer in Psychology at Sunderland University

What area does your research focus on?

My research is focuses on indigenous manifestation of Postnatal blues and depression in Pakistani women. I am interested in male psychology, masculinity, and toxic masculinity. How being socialised as men in different cultures can affect the mental health of males. i.e., in what ways the stereotypical mindsets and behaviours expected of men in patriarchal cultures are related to adverse effects on men themselves?

What are the other key aspects of your role?

I am teacher and module leader of introduction to mental health, mental health and illness, Sunderland and the TNE provisions. I am also module lead on Patient Engagement & Reflective Practice, and Biological Psychology and Addiction (online). Furthermore, I am providing undergraduate and postgraduate dissertation supervision along with other administrative responsibilities.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I really like to read self-help books, biographies, and autobiographies. I prefer to provide fresh homemade food to my family; therefore, I keep looking for and trying new ways to prepare and present food. I dropped fine arts in college to pursue psychology, and today I paint psychological concepts to satisfy the amateur artist in me.

What do you think you could particularly offer mentoring support with?

I want to support individuals dealing with an array of personal issues that can directly or indirectly affect their academic performance, including lack of confidence, poor self-esteem, procrastination, and difficulties in understanding and accepting the existence of cultural differences.