Dr Madhu Karnat S
Assistant Professor & Program Director
About
Dr. Madhu Karnat S is a psychologist, educator, researcher, and founding faculty member of the School of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, RV University, Mysuru Campus. He currently serves as Program Director for the B.Sc. Psychology (Hons.) programme and is actively involved in teaching, research, academic leadership, curriculum development, and student mentorship. He holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Mysore, with doctoral research focusing on sexual self-concept, knowledge, dysfunctional beliefs, and shyness among young adults. He also holds an M.Sc. in Psychological Counselling and a B.A. in Criminology & Forensic Science, Psychology and Sociology.
With professional experience spanning academia, clinical psychology, community mental health, employee wellbeing, and services for persons with special needs, Dr. Madhu brings an interdisciplinary and practice-oriented perspective to psychology education. His professional experience includes serving as a Clinical Psychologist at Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute and as a Well-Being Officer with the Karnataka State Police, where his work focused on promoting psychological wellbeing among police personnel.
His research interests include Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, applications of Indian & Forensic Psychology, mental health, wellbeing, technology-enabled psychological interventions, and contemporary behavioural issues. He has published research articles and book chapters in peer-reviewed and indexed publications and has contributed to research examining digital behaviour, personality, mental health, employee wellbeing, sexuality, and psychological wellbeing.
Dr. Madhu has also served as a recognised Ph.D. supervisor, academic coordinator, Board of Studies member, examiner, and external research evaluator. He has successfully contributed to funded research, including an ICSSR-funded project of ₹18 lakh focusing on enhancing the mental and physical wellbeing of Bangalore City Police Officers through a holistic and technology-enabled programme.
At RV University, his academic vision emphasises research-informed teaching, experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the meaningful integration of technology with psychology and behavioural sciences. He is committed to developing psychologically informed, socially responsible, and research-oriented graduates equipped to address emerging challenges in mental health and human behaviour.
This research examines the association between nomophobia and personality dimensions among smartphone users. The study addresses emerging psychological concerns related to smartphone dependence and digital behaviour, contributing to a better understanding of individual differences associated with problematic smartphone use.
This research explores the relationship between selfie-taking behaviour, body image and personality. It examines contemporary patterns of digital self-representation and their psychological dimensions, contributing to a deeper understanding of how digital practices intersect with self-perception and personality.
This work examines the role of emerging technological innovations in transforming mental healthcare, with particular emphasis on the Indian context. It explores the potential of technology to improve accessibility, delivery and effectiveness of mental health services while highlighting the evolving relationship between technology and psychological care.
This ICSSR-funded research project focuses on enhancing the mental and physical wellbeing of Bangalore City Police Officers through a holistic and technology-enabled programme. The project integrates psychological wellbeing and technology-based approaches to address occupational challenges and promote sustainable health and wellbeing among police personnel.
This research explores the relationship between mother phubbing and psychological wellbeing, with particular focus on the mediating role of loneliness. The work contributes to understanding how technology-mediated family interactions may influence psychological wellbeing and interpersonal experiences.
This research examines the relationship between sexual knowledge and sexual self-concept among young adults. The study contributes to understanding psychological aspects of sexuality, self-perception and sexual wellbeing among young adults.
This research examines the role of employee wellness programmes and perceived organisational support in enhancing organisational performance. It highlights the importance of employee wellbeing and supportive organisational environments in promoting positive workplace outcomes.
This work examines employee job satisfaction, work-life balance and health during the pandemic. It contributes to understanding the psychological and organisational challenges experienced by employees during periods of significant workplace and societal disruption.
This research investigates the relationship between sexual self-concept and shyness among young adults. The work contributes to understanding the psychological dimensions of sexuality, self-perception and interpersonal functioning during young adulthood.
This research examines the relationship between sexual dysfunctional beliefs and shyness among young adults. The study contributes to psychological research on sexuality, beliefs and interpersonal behaviour, particularly in understanding factors associated with shyness.
Research focuses on Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and the applications of Indian and Forensic Psychology.
Research in Indian Psychology examines the application of Indian psychological perspectives to contemporary psychological and wellbeing-related concerns.
Research in Forensic Psychology focuses on the application of psychological principles to crime, criminal behaviour, victims, and legal contexts.
Current research also includes digital behaviour, technology and mental health, employee wellbeing, and police wellbeing.
Research Interests
Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, application of Indian & Forensic Psychology, digital behaviour and technology-enabled mental health interventions
Recognised for outstanding contributions to police wellbeing and awarded an Appreciation Certificate following recognition by the Director General and Inspector General of Police, Karnataka State, and the Superintendent of Police, Belagavi District.
Serving as General Secretary of the All India Association for Psychology (R), contributing to the professional development and advancement of psychology.
Dr Madhu Karnat S
Assistant Professor & Program Director
Ph.D.School of Psychology & Behavioural Sciences
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mkarnats@rvu.edu.in -
Bengaluru
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