: pkhanna@jgu.edu.in

Research Interests

Applied Positive Psychology, Student wellbeing, Social-emotional learning

Prof. (Dr.) Pulkit Khanna

Professor and Dean

B.A.(H) and M.A. (Panjab University, Chandigarh);
Ph.D. (IIT Delhi)

Professor (Dr.) Pulkit Khanna serves as the Dean at the Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences (JIBS). With a keen focus on shaping the institute’s vision, she plays a crucial role in devising and implementing strategic initiatives at JIBS. Dr. Khanna brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to her role that blends teaching, training, and industry exposure.

 

Dr. Khanna’s responsibilities extend to overseeing the development of cutting-edge curricula, ensuring that JIBS remains at the forefront of advancements in behavioural science education and translate research into impact focused community outreach initiatives. Driven by a passion for interdisciplinary research, she also actively collaborates with faculty, students, and scholars, fostering a dynamic and collaborative academic environment.

 

As a leader in the field, Dr. Khanna is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of behavioural science research, contributing significantly to JIBS’s reputation as an institute of knowledge and innovation. Dr. Khanna also stands as one of the founding members of the National Positive Psychology Association and is an active member of its Executive Committee. Her research focuses on enhancing student well-being and investigating indigenous practices that foster positive psychological constructs and nurture positive behavioural change.

 

In addition to her responsibilities as Dean, Dr. Khanna holds the position of Professor (Psychology) at the institute. A scholar of exceptional merit, she earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from the renowned Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-Delhi). Dr. Khanna’s academic prowess is further augmented by her certification in Positive Psychology (Research, Education, and Application in Community Health) from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS, Bangalore).

Research Experience

Dr. Khanna’s research centers on psychological interventions aimed at nurturing human flourishing, with a specific emphasis on educational contexts. She has received invitations to present her work at esteemed forums, such as the International Positive Psychology Association and the Templeton Foundation-funded ‘Science for Monks’ among others. She has published in well-recognized international peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes. Her supervision work comprises doctoral and graduate thesis on topics including post-traumatic growth, psycho-spiritual interventions for students, and traditional education systems.

Teaching Experience

Before joining JGU, Dr. Khanna taught and co-taught various courses, including Introduction to Psychology, Positive Psychology, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Human Resource Management, and Applied Positive Psychology, to both undergraduate and graduate students. She currently offers  popular elective courses on Emotional Literacy, Consumer Psychology and Positive Psychology, catering to students from diverse fields within the university.

In addition to her teaching commitments, she frequently receives invitations as a resource person for training sessions aimed at school leaders, educators, and professionals from esteemed public and private sector organizations.

Publications

Journal Publications

  1. Khanna, P.,Singh, K. & Proctor, C. (2021). Exploring the Impact of a Character Strengths Intervention on Well-Being in Indian Classrooms. School Mental Health. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-021-09450-w
  2. Khanna,P. & Singh, K.(2021). Stress management training and gratitude journaling in the classroom: an initial investigation in Indian context. Current Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-020-01242-w
  3. Khanna, P., & Singh, K. (2019). Do All Positive Psychology Exercises Work for Everyone? Replication of Seligman et al.’s (2005) Interventions among Adolescents. Psychological Studies, 64, 1 -10.
  4. Khanna, P., & Singh, K. (2016). Effect of gratitude educational intervention on well-being indicators among North Indian adolescents. Contemporary School Psychology, 20(4), 305-14.
  5. Singh, K.,Khanna, P., Khosla, M., Rapelly. M., & Soni, A. (2016).Revalidation of the Sat-Chit-Ananda Scale, Journal of Religion and Health, doi: 10.1007/s10943-016-0328-2.
  6. Singh, K., Mitra, S., & Khanna, P. (2016). Psychometric Properties of Hindi Version of Peace of Mind, Harmony in Life and Sat-Chit-Ananda Scales. Indian Journal of Clinical Psychology, 43(1), 58-64.
  7. Khanna, P., & Singh, K. (2015). Perceived factors affecting well-being among North Indian adolescents, Journal of Indian Association of Child & Adolescent Mental Health, 11(3), 175-205.
  8. Khanna, P., Singh K., Singla, S. & Verma, V. (2013).  Relationship between Triguna theory & well-being indicators. International Journal of Yoga Philosophy, Psychology and Parapsychology, 1(2), 69-74.

Book Chapters

  1. Khanna, P., Singh, K., Dua, S. (2023). Buddhist Practices Enhancing Positive Life: Mindfulness and Beyond. In: Singh, K., Saxena, G. (eds) Religious and Spiritual Practices in India. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-2397-7_7
  2. Khanna P., Singh K., Dua S. (2022) Role of Gratitude in Positive Adolescent Development. In: Patra S. (eds) Adolescence in India. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-9881-1_19
  3. Khanna, P. (2021). Criminal Psychology Through a Positive Psychology Lens: From a Deficit to Asset Perspective (in Eds. S. P. Sahni, P. Bhadra) Criminal Psychology and the Criminal Justice System in India and Beyond (pp 255-271). Springer Nature, Singapore.
  4. Singh K., Khanna P., Kaur J. (2021) India, Quality of Life. In: Maggino F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research.Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-69909-7_1422-3
  5. Khanna, P., & Singh, K. (2019).  Applications of Positive Psychology in Indian School Setting. In Singh & S. Sigroha (Eds.)Translational Research and Applied Psychology in India. Sage Publications.