ICSP2025 - SPEAKERS

Effects of Food Visual Imagery on Perceived Tastiness and Attitudinal Responses

In everyday life, we are surrounded by various food images, and among the many food choices available, people often rely on visual cues to assess the tastiness of food. “Visual tastiness” has gradually become a key factor in food evaluation. Food imagery can be divided into static and dynamic types. Dynamic imagery refers to the perception of “movement” within a static image, making it more lively and vivid compared to static imagery. Although the design of food advertisements often involves choosing the type of “visual imagery” to use, there is still a lack of research on this concept in the academic field. This study examined the effect of visual imagery of food in advertisements on perceived tastiness and downstream attitudinal responses. Additionally, it integrates consistency theory to explore how the cuteness types of spokescharacters (baby cuteness vs. whimsical cuteness) and contextual backgrounds (static vs. dynamic) moderate the effect of food visual imagery on perceived tastiness. The results contribute to food advertising, visual imagery, cuteness types, and contextual background, offering clear marketing guidelines for brands. It also aids consumers in making rational judgments and reducing biases from visual cues, leading to better purchase decisions.
Hsuan-Yi Chou is Professor of Institute of Marketing Communication, National Sun Yat-sen University. His research areas include advertising effects, e-commerce, consumer behavior, and political communication.

Spirituality with Connection Between Body, Mind and Soul

Spirituality often explores the deep connections between the body, mind, and soul, emphasizing the idea that these elements are interrelated and contribute to overall well-being. The body is our physical vessel, experiencing the world through sensations, movements, and emotions. The mind encompasses our thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions. It shapes our reality and influences how we interpret experiences. The soul is often seen as the essence of who we are, representing our true self, purpose, and connection to something greater.
The interplay between body, mind, and soul is crucial for holistic well-being. For instance, stress (mind) can manifest physically (body), while a strong sense of purpose (soul) can enhance mental clarity (mind) and physical health (body). Spirituality encourages us to explore and nurture these connections, fostering a balanced and harmonious life.
Overall, embracing spirituality involves recognizing and cultivating the relationship between our body, mind, and soul, leading to a more integrated and fulfilling existence.
I was born in middle class family in a poor village of India. My father is teacher of physics and my mother is housewife. My sister is an oral surgeon and my brother is studying Mechanical Engg. I have completed my primary education with excellent academics followed by higher secondary education from NVS (An Indian Govt initiative with free education policy for intellectual children from rural background). Later, I got selected in one of the toughest entrance exam of INDIA i.e. IITJEE and completed my graduation in Petroleum Engineering. Finally I Got Selected in India’s top National Oil company i.e. ONGC Ltd and currently serving as senior Reservoir Engineer. I am an instrument player, a sports person and a researcher with innovative approach. My Spiritual inclination is from childhood and I got this environment in my village, where we all use to worship our Devi in a well-organized manner.

Realizing the Power of Spirituality in Transformative Education

In a world defined by interconnected crises—ranging from escalating climate change and widespread violence to systemic social injustices and a growing mental health crisis—education must adapt to meet these challenges. This presentation introduces a spirituality-based pedagogical framework that is centered on four essential pillars: pedagogies of connection, consciousness, compassion, and courage.

Pedagogies of connection highlight the importance of building meaningful relationships with oneself, others, and the natural world, recognizing that interdependence is fundamental to collective healing and sustainability. Pedagogies of consciousness encourage critical awareness, reflective thinking, and mindfulness, empowering students to engage deeply with the complexities of the present while envisioning transformative futures. Pedagogies of compassion focus on cultivating empathy and care, equipping students to address inequities and harm with humanity and understanding. Finally, pedagogies of courage inspire learners to confront fear, embrace vulnerability, and take principled action in the face of uncertainty and injustice.

These pedagogies position spirituality as a foundation for cultivating holistic well-being, resilience, and collective responsibility. The presentation offers concrete strategies such as contemplative practices, restorative circles, and community engagement projects, demonstrating how this framework can empower learners to lead with integrity and foster global healing and equity.
Dr. Sam Museus is Vice Chair and Professor of Ethnic Studies at the University of California, San Diego. He also serves as the Founding Director of the National Institute for Transformation and Equity (NITE). Prior to joining UCSD, he taught at Indiana University—Bloomington, the University of Denver, the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and the University of Massachusetts—Boston.
 
Museus has produced over 300 academic publications and invited/conference presentations focused on diversity and equity, social movements and activism, institutional environments and change, and educational outcomes. He has published in a wide range of academic journals and produced 10 books.
 
Museus has appeared in several national and international media outlets, such as NPR and the Boston Globe. Over the years, He has received several national awards in recognition of the impact of his scholarship and advocacy. He also consults with colleges and universities across the nation that seek to cultivate more equitable campus environments.

Choosing Love and Loving Acts During End-of-Life and Palliative Care:
​Spiritual Practices that Soften Illness Suffering

The importance of love in the healing process, even at the end of life, is a complex notion that health professionals need not trivialize. Love lets family members appear to be who they are as we work together to soften illness suffering. Specific clinical practices encourage family members and ourselves to choose love at the end of one’s life. Clinical practices that bring forth love include challenging constraining illness beliefs; speaking the unspeakable; and small acts of kindness. Clinical examples will highlight the practices that bring forth love. Sometimes other disciplines can misunderstand our clinical practices and negate compassion and love.
Dr. Wright is an international speaker, author/blogger, and consultant in family therapy and family nursing. She is also Professor Emeritus of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.

In presentations, she offers her 45 years of clinical practice experience and her practice based research of how best to assist families to soften their suffering when experiencing serious illness or end-of-life and how to promote family healing.

Dr. Wright is the author of 12 books and numerous chapters and articles. Her most recent book is: Suffering and Spirituality: The Path to Illness Healing.

Dr. Wright has received several honours and awards for her distinguished contributions and leadership in family therapy and family nursing. Most recently, she was honored as a recipient of the prestigious Order of Canada, July, 2022 and Investiture, October, 2024.
Dr Wright has presented in over 30 countries. She resides in Calgary, Canada when not travelling.

The Voices In My Head: A Spiritual Medium’s Unbelievable Journey to Heal & Awaken

HEAD AWAKENING—SPIRIT SPEAKS: Join me as I share my spiritual awakening story, which began with hearing a voice outside of my head—and included a long and painful “shamanic illness” —but eventually resulted in my identification as a spiritual medium. Today, I refer to the voice I hear as “Spirit”, and Spirit communicates with me regularly through dreams and while meditating.

HEART CRACKING OPEN—VOICE HEARING & A PLEA FOR A MORE COMPASSIONATE NARRATIVE: Through a cross-cultural lens, I advocate for drawing on multiplicity of mind theory and upholding the dignity of voice hearers while exploring this rich phenomena.

EMBODYING—CHANNELING TO HEAL: The heart of my talk will delve into my relationship with Spirit, including how it has evolved as I’ve healed from my own trauma. And I will share powerful insights from Spirit from four categories: meditation techniques, personal teachings, interpersonal teachings, and existential teachings.

MY THROAT WALKING ME HOME—USING MY VOICE TO HELP OTHERS: In closing, I will reflect on how deep gratitude for the gift of mediumship has transformed everything about my relationship with myself and with life—and ignited a powerful desire to use my voice to be in service to others.
Sunshine Grace is a storyteller and emerging spiritual medium who speaks from the heart about the intersection between mental health + spirituality. She refers to the voice she hears as “Spirit”, and Spirit communicates with her regularly in her dreams and while meditating. Although Sunshine’s initial awakening was very destabilizing, she now considers her gifts of clairaudience, claircognizance, channeling, and “teaching dreams” as both a blessing and a tremendous responsibility to stay rooted in sincerity while helping others through her voice.

Understanding the important implications mystical experiences have for human welfare and philosophy, Sunshine uses her passion and humor to share profound teachings from Spirit to help others heal and awaken.

Sunshine has a master’s degree in research psychology and enjoys learning about filmmaking, big history, and physics. When not creating short films for her YouTube channel or strolling nature trails, you can find Sunshine dancing the Texas two-step with friends!

The Effectiveness of Enlightenment Therapy (Psychological and Spiritual Energy) in
​Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

This presentation explores the methodology and effectiveness of Enlightenment Therapy (Psychological and Spiritual Energy) in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Developed since 2017, this integrative therapeutic approach enhances psychological and spiritual well-being by fostering self-awareness and connection with God. Key techniques include meditation, invoking the divine names of Allah, and accessing divine light to regulate thoughts and emotions. The session will present documented case studies demonstrating significant improvements in reducing obsessive symptoms and enhancing patients' self-confidence and quality of life. Attendees will gain insights into the therapy’s practical applications, its success in addressing various psychological disorders, and its role as a complementary therapeutic approach. Recommendations will be provided for further research and professional training in this emerging field.
Dr. Ahmed bin Ali Al-Mashani is a distinguished psychotherapist, writer, and researcher with extensive experience in psychological counseling and human development. He is the founder of the Center for Enlightenment Therapy (Psychological and Spiritual Energy) and has pioneered the development of Enlightenment Therapy since 2017. His therapeutic approach integrates spiritual and psychological techniques to treat conditions such as OCD, depression, and phobias. Dr. Al-Mashani has presented his work at numerous national and international conferences, achieving significant recognition for his contributions to the field. He is dedicated to raising awareness of complementary psychotherapy approaches and empowering individuals to achieve psychological and spiritual balance.

The Hero’s Journey Narrative in Young People’s Meaning-Making and Identity
​Reconstruction Following Childhood Adversity

Childhood adversity has been linked with several maladaptive outcomes. However, many survivors exhibit resilience in their post-traumatic growth. One indicator of resilience is the ability to make meaning from negative experience. Since childhood trauma can significantly disrupt one’s sense of self, survivors must reconstruct their identity to incorporate the new meaning derived from such adversity. This trajectory of self transformation through hardship parallels the “Hero’s Journey” narrative described by Campbell (1949) as an archetypal blueprint for collective human’s experience. The monomyth details a hero as someone who: (a) answers the call to embark on a challenging journey; (b) overcomes their fears and obstacles; and (c) returns with acquired resources and wisdom. Similarly, trauma survivors: (a) recognise the need to re-appraise previously held beliefs about self; (b) work through their personal challenges; and (c) successfully arrive at the new sense of meaning and purpose. Since the period of youth is critical to identity formation, this task may also be especially crucial for adolescents and young adults. Consistently, our rapid review provides supporting evidence for the Hero's Journey narrative in young childhood trauma survivors across different cultures and types of adversities. Implications and limitations of the study will be discussed.
Natnicha Boonyananthis a PhD researcher at the School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin. She holds a master’s degree in psychological science from University College Dublin, as well as dual bachelor’s degrees in psychological science from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, and the University of Queensland, Australia. She is also a wellness practitioner, guiding people through modalities such as yoga, meditation, and sound healing. Her research interest lies in human resilience through self processes. Her vision is to bridge psychological knowledge with spiritual teachings to provide integrated solutions for individuals' healing and transformation.

Research and Evaluation of Interventional Counseling Practices with a Spiritual Perspective

Counseling is a concept that has existed for a long time. We have sought through the ages to understand ourselves, offer counsel and develop our potential, become aware of opportunities and, in general, help ourselves in ways associated with formal guidance practice. In most communities, there has been, and there still is, a deeply embedded conviction that, under proper conditions, people can help others with their problems. Some people help others find ways of dealing with, solving, or transcending problems. The need for counseling has become paramount in order to promote the well-being of the child. Effective counseling should help to improve the self-image of young people and facilitate achievement in life tasks. Counseling should empower girls and boys to participate fully in, and benefit from, the economic and social development of the nation.
Ven. Prof. (Dr.). Gannu Praveen Kumar is currently working as Professor, HOD and Principal in Sahasra Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, India since April 2014 with total 25 years of rich academic, research and administrative experience. He has published in both National and International journals to his credit. He is honored with several awards like “GEM OF INDIA” (1999), “EDUCATIONIST OF THE YEAR” (2023), “CHANGE MAKER OF THE YEAR” (2024), “BEST PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR” (2024) and “AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES” (2024). He is bestowed as best academician in Vaagdevi college of Pharmacy in 2002. He visited foreign countries like USA, London, Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, Spain, Japan, Colombo, Vietnam, Hong kong and Bali as invited speaker. His present inter-professional collaborative research focuses on psychology and the trouble shooting of challenges in developing clinically effective dosage forms. He is very passionate in making motivational and message oriented you tube videos.

A Hole in the Soul: Shame, Emptiness, and the Performance of Self

This presentation uses a psychodynamic approach to explore the concepts of shame, emptiness, and the performance of identity. It examines how early life experiences lay the foundation for either an integrated or fractured sense of self. Adverse childhood experiences often give rise to feelings of shame and emptiness, driving the urge to perform one's identity rather than authentically embody it. The presentation highlights the tension between authenticity and performance and considers how individuals navigate these dynamics in relationships with themselves and others.
Dr. Jacqui Linder is a clinical psychologist and the Vice President Academic of City University in Canada. She specializes in the treatment of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and works extensively in the field of human trafficking. An internationally recognized expert, she has delivered presentations at the Canadian Police College, Interpol, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). For over 15 years, she has lectured on psychological trauma across Canada, the USA, France, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Hungary, the UK, Guyana, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Japan, Thailand, and Mexico. Her professional affiliations include the College of Alberta Psychologists, the Psychological Association of Alberta, the College of Psychologists of Ontario, the American Psychological Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and the European Society for Trauma and Dissociation.
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A Sense of Purpose as a Coping Resource

In recent years, research has increasingly highlighted the importance of meaningfulness and a sense of purpose to life satisfaction and overall well-being. This presentation focuses specifically on a sense of purpose, which is considered a key element of meaningfulness. Preliminary findings from a systematic literature review are presented to bring clarity to the concept of a sense of purpose, it's relations to spirituality and role as a coping resource.
These insights set the stage for further research, as well as practical implications for developing interventions to foster a sense of purpose to enhance resilience in the face of crisis and transition.
Nordman is doctoral researcher on theology and religious studies at the University of Helsinki, with a background in religious education and mental health counseling.
Her work focuses on understanding and promoting meaningfulness and purpose as resources for individuals and organizations.

Women of Nusantara: From Interviews to Stage

At last year’s Conference, I presented my journey from academic to creative writing as I struggled to write "Women of Nusantara: Their Seen and Unseen Worlds," a play based on my research on spiritual beliefs. While both are methods of sharing findings, the academic writer does not often have the freedom offered to the creative writer, and that is a tool that must be wielded with caution. Thus, I sought feedback from the conference participants. I also shared that I had received a 2025 Fulbright Scholar grant to complete and produce the play with UCSI University in Kuala Lumpur, the original location of the research, even though I had only just begun writing it. Luckily, I received much guidance and encouragement to proceed with my plan. Thanks to the conference feedback and to the personalized mentorship provided to me through my creative writing graduate program, I completed the play before arriving in Malaysia in January 2025, and we are currently preparing to showcase it. This session will discuss the ethical issues, challenges, frustrations, and rewards involved in this new endeavor, as experienced along the journey. A short reading from the play will be presented, if time allows.
With a PhD in Human Development and four decades of teaching experience, Gina Zanolini Morrison has spent nearly 30 years at Wilkes University, Pennsylvania, USA, where she serves as a tenured Professor of Global Cultures. Much of that time has been devoted to developing curricula in diversity studies, intercultural communication, women's studies, and global cultures. Having been a frequent visitor to Southeast Asia, her most recent research focuses on the spiritual beliefs of working women in the region. Currently, she and her Malaysian-born husband are in Malaysia while she completes a Fulbright grant to showcase a play that she has written on the research findings.

Precious Pain: Turning Life’s Wounds into Wisdom

What if your pain was not a weakness, but a wisdom-keeper? A messenger carrying secrets to your deepest healing and freedom? For too long, we've been conditioned to push pain away, to suppress its whispers, and to deny its presence.

But what if, instead, we chose to listen? To honor pain's presence, and to explore its hidden teachings? By doing so, we may just discover that pain is not an enemy, but a catalyst for growth, transformation, and self-discovery.

In this journey, we'll explore the transformative power of pain, and how it can be a doorway to emotional liberation. We'll examine the ways in which our relationship with pain shapes our experience, and we'll uncover practical tools for embracing pain as a guide on our path to wholeness. Join me on this journey, and discover the wisdom that lies within your pain.
Preet is a holistic therapist and gifted channeler, renowned for her profound wisdom on life's intricacies. With a unique ability to peel back the layers of reality, Preet guides individuals through a transformative journey of self-discovery. Her insightful approach reveals the interconnectedness of all things, illuminating the path to inner harmony and balance. Through her work, Preet empowers others to awaken to their full potential, nurturing a deeper understanding of the world and our place within it.

The Assamese Vaishnavite Culture, Satriya Tradition and Well-being

This study aims to understand the relationship among the specific Vaishnavite cultural heritage of Assam, India, the dance-drama tradition kwon as "Satriya" and Wellbeing of an Individual. The study was focused on the Majuli Island of Assam which was considered to be the largest river island of the world and also the hub of Assamese Vaishnavite culture and Satriya tradition. Unfortunately, this largest river island is suffering from serious threats of land erosion every year during floods. This cultural heritage and the Satriya tradition are practised not only as a spiritual/religious practise but also as a means to elevate the mental health of the people. The Satriya rituals and festivals play an important role in coping with the devastating aftereffects of floods.
Dr. Chandita Baruah is a Psychologist by profession. Dr. Baruah is currently working as the Head and Assistant Professor (Senior) in the Department of Psychology, Assam Don Bosco University. Dr. Baruah is a psychologist with more than ten years of experience in the field. She is actively involved in Counselling services at different platforms including Individual Counselling, Peer Counselling, Community Counselling, and online counselling services. Her area of interest includes Addiction and Trauma Counselling, Neuropsychology/Biopsychology and Psychological Research.

African Women and Spirituality

African Women and Spirituality explores the realm of possibility and gives voice to African women spiritual strength. While collections on spirituality and religion lay thickly on shelves and continue to invade the internet, information on African women and their spirituality is scant. Spirituality, as I understand it and as my grandmothers, mothers, and aunts had practiced it, was neither spoken about nor written.  Indeed, the Embu rural women, spirituality was not affiliated with a particular religion but was an everyday ritual.  It was a way of being, of connecting with the land, the universe and creation. It was a state that was rooted in who they were as women, as people. It was manifested in their everyday activities and relations. Thus, everyday manifestations of spirituality formed the theoretical foundation of their spiritual rootedness. The questions that give shape to this presentation include:  What is the nature of African women's spirituality? What informs their spirituality? Finally, in the contemporary world, how do we sustain our spirituality? Beginning with a brief historical account of African women's spirituality, the presentation continues with some personal observations of the author, along with some contributions from the author's research on the Embu rural women of Kenya. Further insights on women's spirituality have been gained through interviews given by North American women[1]. In the conclusion, I explore the potential of African women's spirituality to inform and enhance education, learning, and human relations.

The women who participated in this conversation come from different ethnical, cultural as well as racial backgrounds.  The following backgrounds were represented (African, South Asian, South Asian-Philippines, Aboriginal-Metis, European and African American).
Njoki Wane, PhD, is a professor at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, and an accomplished educator, author, researcher, and educational leader. An award-winning teacher, Professor Wane was the recipient of many awards, the most recent ones being: The Legend Award (2023) by OISE Alumni; Black History Champion & leadership Excellence Award (2023) presented by CETI, HHS, NICS & SC (all community organizations); Excellence Award in Education; awarded by JunCtion Community Organization (2022); Excellence Award in Community Engagement in Toronto (2020); The Gown: African Scholars Award, African Alumni Association, University of Toronto (2018) The President of Toronto Teaching Award (2017). She is well published (23 books, co-edited and single authored) with her most recent edited book being Education, Colonial Sickness: Anti-Colonial African Indigenous Project. Her forthcoming books are: Black Canadian Principles of Feminist Theorizing: Historical Spirals of Spiritual Healing (sole author); Womanisms, Decolonizing Feminisms and the dialectics of Black women’s experiences (co-edited); Toil, For Laughter, Black Women and Work (co-edited) In My Sister’s House: Black Feminisms in Canada and Beyond (co-edited); And Sometimes, There Are Tears: Black Women & Wellness (co-edited); At the Helm: Black Women in Leadership (co-edited).

Post traumatic growth in Australian Special forces Soldiers

This presentation will examine the role of combat and others factors that act as the initial catalyst for Australian special forces soldiers developing a a Post Traumatic Stress response. The discussion will then proceed into examining the potential for promoting Post traumatic Growth (PTG) following a PTSD diagnosis. A definition of PTG will be provided and pathways to post traumatic growth detailed. These include the following – (1) changes to spiritual/religious beliefs, (2) modifications to intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships, and (3) increasing focus on both experiential and existential themes of life. The presentation will highlight how PTG can be promoted in other treatment groups beyond special operations soldiers.

Mindfulness and Well-being from Buddhism Perspective

Venerable Associate Professor Dr. Phra Panyavajarapundit (Ph.D in Buddhist Studies and Pali VII) is the Deputy Rector for Academic Affairs of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Thailand. ‘Wisdom is the light of the world’ exemplifies the ethos of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU). The university was established by King Chulalongkorn in 1887 for the higher education of Buddhist monks, novices and laypeople, emphasizing Buddhist Studies and serving as an academic center of excellence integrating Buddhist philosophical research with modern sciences for the good and sustainable development of people, societies and the environment.

Critical Thinking and Right View: Harmonizing the Psyche for Hopeful Possibilities

Living a purposeful life, and being resilient when life throws curveballs, Dr. Low has dealt with steep learning curves in career transitions across 5 continents (APAC, EMEA and USA) for nearly three decades. Having co-authored the book publication, "Coach Passport: A World of Possibilities” to share clear pathways that effectively empower us to realize the mind is actually the forerunner to our living realities, her current interests are in transformative research topics at the intersection of Buddhism, Psychology, Insight Meditation and Leadership. She strategically pivoted from education, coaching and training development to organization development consultancy and cross-cultural entrepreneurial worlds then back to sharing cumulative experiential knowledge through volunteer mentoring. Her recent inter-disciplinary research on Shaping
Insight Leadership Models and Development Pathways for the Digital Age of Experiences has uncovered unique angles to the inter-generational divide that pose a fresh set of challenges and intriguing opportunities for bridging mind and spiritual perspectives.

Aung Pyae Shan is an undergraduate student of Humanities at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. Due to his keen interest in the intersecting studies of psychology and spirituality, he is constantly seeking to expand his understanding of the human experience. He believes that integrating psychological insights with spiritual perspectives offers a more holistic approach to well-being.

His strengths lie in his ability to actively engage with new information and his commitment to lifelong learning. He values the importance of attentive listening, which allows him to truly connect with and understand diverse viewpoints. An active continuous learner, Aung Pyae is excited at opportunities to contribute to enriching discussions at international conferences.