Mental health is alarming in the digital age!

Prof. David Baron from Stanford and Western University, the 'Guest of Honor' of the 8th International Positive Psychology Congress organized by Üsküdar University this year, was also awarded an 'Honorary Doctorate'. 

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: “A global increase in narcissism is being experienced. This has become a pandemic rather than an epidemic. The increase in narcissism, especially among young people, means an increase in crime and violence.” 

Prof. David Baron: “When people connect, they heal, develop, and become stronger.” 

Prof. Güngör: “Positive psychology is not about looking at everything superficially well. The real issue is to ask, ‘what should we do for the positive?’ A smiling face is important, but there must be deep thought behind those smiles.”

Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak: “It is said that we are living in a storm, but this is not a storm; it is a climate change. A storm passes, and you continue your life from where you left off. But with climate change, you have to build a new life.”
 

The 8th International Positive Psychology Congress, traditionally organized by Üsküdar University, commenced at the Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall of Üsküdar University Central Campus.

The 8th International Positive Psychology Congress, organized this year by Üsküdar University in partnership with NPİSTANBUL Hastanesi, NP Etiler and NP Feneryolu Medical Center, the Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Association, and the Positive Psychology Institute, is hosting expert names working in this field. This year's theme for the two-day congress was determined as "The Search for Meaning in a Digitalizing World: Social Isolation or Longevity?"

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan made the opening

At the opening of the congress, President of Üsküdar University and Congress President Prof. Nevzat Tarhan delivered noteworthy messages, both academically and globally, in his opening conference titled "The Search for Meaning in a Digitalizing World". Prof. Tarhan began his speech by sharing an important development: “The World Congress of Positive Psychology will be held in Turkey in July 2027. Last year it was in Australia. This time, it will be organized in our country under the leadership of Üsküdar University and in cooperation with Ibn Haldun University. I wanted to share this good news with you.”

“The 21st century must be the Century of Wisdom”

Prof. Tarhan, drawing attention to the major transformations in human history, stated that today marks a new turning point, saying, “The Neolithic period, the Agricultural period, the Industrial Revolution, and the Information Age in the 20th century… So what will the 21st century be? With artificial intelligence, I believe this century must be the ‘Century of Wisdom.’ The path to this lies through positive psychology.”

Prof. Tarhan stated that the concept of “meaning” was at the center of his speech, saying, “It is no coincidence that our topic is ‘The Search for Meaning in a Digitalizing World.’ If we attribute the right meaning to crises and pains, we can manage them. If we attribute the wrong meaning, pains do not resolve, they continue. One of the most important methods in this meaning-attribution process is positive psychology.”

Positive psychology education yielded concrete results

Prof. Tarhan stated that they integrated positive psychology into the university's education system, saying, “After our university was founded, in 2013, we made positive psychology a compulsory course for all students. We took measurements before and after the course. We received feedback from our students such as ‘my relationship with my friend improved,’ ‘I quit substance abuse,’ and ‘my relationship with my father improved.’”

Prof. Tarhan also touched upon projects developed with inspiration from positive psychology, stating, “We have approximately 5,000 international students. We observed that students from different countries grouped among themselves and social contact remained limited. Upon this, we launched the ‘Target Friendship Project from Positive Psychology.’ This is a kind of peer mentoring model. We support it as a scientific research project every year, and we have published its results.”

Positive psychology turns zero into a plus…

Prof. Tarhan also explained the difference between classical psychology and positive psychology, stating, “Classical psychology brings the negative to zero, correcting pathology. Positive psychology, on the other hand, turns zero into a plus. It increases the quality of life and well-being.” Comparing this approach to developments in medicine, Prof. Tarhan said, “Today, in medicine, there is an understanding of ‘tissue-respecting medicine.’ Minimal methods are preferred instead of unnecessary interventions. The equivalent of this in psychiatry is positive psychotherapy.”

In his speech, Prof. Tarhan emphasized that in the age of digitalization, humanity's search for meaning has gained even more importance, and positive psychology is a fundamental approach that both increases individuals' psychological resilience and improves their quality of life in this process.

Where is humanity heading?

Prof. Tarhan emphasized the importance of approaches that center on an individual's strengths, stating, “There is a character strengths inventory (VIA). We routinely apply this, also drawing on the work of Howard Gardner. When you strengthen a person's positive aspects, they can largely solve their negative aspects themselves. This approach offers much more effective guidance.” Recalling that they invited Gardner to the congress in 2023, Prof. Tarhan said, “When I asked him, ‘Technology makes our lives easier, but where is humanity heading?’, he replied, ‘People will be smarter, but I cannot say they will be more human.’ This was a very meaningful warning.”

Intelligence became cheaper, character became more expensive

Prof. Tarhan, touching upon the effects of technological developments on human character, recalled Elon Musk's words, stating, “Today, it is said that ‘intelligence has become cheaper, but character has become more expensive.’ Indeed, finding people of character is becoming more difficult. As people gain more opportunities, their repressed aspects and greed can emerge.”

“If we don't work on empathy, evil increases!”

Prof. Tarhan stated that there is a global increase in narcissism today, saying, “This has now become a pandemic rather than an epidemic. The increase in narcissism, especially among young people, means an increase in crime and violence. Their biggest organ is their ego. They see themselves as special, important, superior; their sense of entitlement is only for themselves. They always want the world to revolve around their own interests. For example, a narcissistic child takes a toy gun with plastic bullets, shoots it at a lady passing by, records it on camera, and watches it with pleasure. Now, such a person needs to be taught empathy. We need to work on empathy by asking, ‘What would you feel if that were your sibling, your mother?’ If we don't work on empathy, evil increases. If you fill a room with all evils, the door is opened by a lack of empathy. Positive Psychology teaches this.”

“We are experiencing a global empathy deficit”

Prof. Tarhan also touched upon conflicts in the world, stating, “There is also a lack of empathy behind the events taking place from Gaza to Iran. However, humanity is developing, and we should not despair. We are in an age of communication, and the greatest enemy of evil is good people taking a stand.”

The future of psychiatry is personalized treatment…

Prof. Tarhan also touched upon studies in the field of health, stating, “In our hospital, we have been pioneers in Turkey for the personalized treatment approach. We apply treatment by identifying the brain correlates of psychiatric diseases using neuroscience-based and evidence-based methods. We also conduct pharmacogenetic studies in our own laboratories.”

“This is a shedding of skin, the pains of childbirth…”

At the end of his speech, Prof. Tarhan emphasized the importance of hope, concluding his words with, “Let's not despair by looking at the wars in the world. This process is a shedding of skin, the pains of childbirth. Humanity is progressing towards betterment. We should see this as ‘developmental trauma’ and focus on post-traumatic growth.”

Prof. Nazife Güngör: “At the beginning of every century, the world experiences a kind of chaos”

Üsküdar University Rector Prof. Nazife Güngör, in her speech delivered as part of the opening remarks, stated that human history has passed through similar chaotic processes at the beginning of every century, emphasizing that the 21st century is also witnessing a new process of dissolution and transformation on a global scale. Prof. Güngör drew attention to historical cycles by saying, “At the beginning of every century, the world experiences a kind of chaos. Centuries often begin with pain and crisis.”

The one who creates chaos also finds the solution!

Despite all these developments, Prof. Güngör emphasized that one should not despair, saying, “Humanity always creates chaotic situations but also finds its own solutions. Because humans are thinking beings. They create problems but also bring questioning for a better world. That is why we should attach importance to academia. As humanity, we must attach importance to reading, thinking, questioning, critical thinking, and never give up on it. If there is evil, there is definitely good. If things are going bad, things can also go good. But this going good depends on human intention.”

“Hopelessness does not exist in human history”

Prof. Güngör, reminding that human history is full of struggles, stated, “There have always been tragedies and chaos in human history, but a way out has always been found. Therefore, we should read a lot, think, question, and strengthen our critical perspective. A more humane future can only be possible this way.”

“A smiling face is important, but there must be deep thought behind it”

Prof. Güngör also touched upon the importance of positive psychology, stating, “Positive psychology is not about looking at everything superficially well. The real issue is to ask, ‘what should we do for the positive?’ A smiling face is important, but there must be deep thought behind those smiles. While looking with joy, we must also maintain a questioning, critical mind.”

Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak: “We are living in a very special period”

Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak, Dean of Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, stated that today's world is “one of the most special and fragile periods” in human history, emphasizing that digitalization is not only a technological transformation but also a process that radically changes humanity's world of meaning.

Prof. Kaynak said, “Frankly, we are all living in a very special period. We are intertwined with disruptive technologies that have entered our lives very quickly. Digitalization is not just a factor affecting our ways of doing business or social media; it is also a traumatic period that changes the meaningful content of our lives, forcing us to adapt to a new reality environment. We are in an era where much of what we previously knew has lost its validity.”

“This is not a storm, it's climate change”

Emphasizing that the ongoing transformation should not be considered a temporary crisis, Prof. Kaynak said, “It is said that we are living in a storm, but this is not a storm; it is a climate change. A storm passes, and you continue your life from where you left off. But with climate change, you have to build a new life. We are precisely in such a period.”

Prof. Kaynak stated that Üsküdar University defines itself not only as a “brain base” but also as an “emotion base,” saying, “Under the leadership of our esteemed Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, we are trying to understand human psychology and emotions. We reflect this approach to all areas of philosophy, history, and human sciences.”

“How will we remain good people in this age?”

Prof. Kaynak stated that positive psychology is not merely about positive thinking, saying, “In this environment where we are changing physically and spiritually, how will we remain human? Moreover, how will we remain ‘good people’? As individuals radiating positive energy, how will we stand firm amidst these negativities and how will we share this positivity with our surroundings? How will we build a new life? The real issue is the answer to these questions.”

Asst. Prof. Fatma Turan: “We will create beautiful memories here”

Congress General Secretary Asst. Prof. Fatma Turan stated that the congress would be home to unforgettable memories for two days, saying, “We will create beautiful memories here. For two days, each of us will gain different experiences and achievements.”

Dr. Turan stated that the congress is not limited to academic content but also has an aspect that strengthens social ties, saying, “I hope this will be a very valuable congress where we can add positives to our own lives and accumulate beautiful memories, together with our social connections and the topics we will address.”

Opening recital by Prof. Haydar Sur… 

The opening concert was given by Prof. Haydar Sur, Dean of Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine. Prof. Sur played the oud and performed beloved pieces.

Honorary doctorate awarded to Prof. David Baron, 'Guest of Honor' of the Congress

At the congress, Prof. David Baron from Stanford and Western University (Western University of Health Sciences), the 'Guest of Honor' and known for his international work in psychiatry and sports science, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate.

As part of the ceremony, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan robed Dr. Baron and presented him with the Honorary Doctorate certificate. Prof. Tarhan also gifted him an English book set consisting of his own works.

During the ceremony, senate members were invited to the stage for a group photo.

Lifestyle psychiatry and its six basic pillars

Later in the ceremony, Prof. David Baron delivered an opening conference and discussed “The Role of Social Isolation and Loneliness on Quality of Life from the Perspective of Positive Lifestyle Psychiatry.” Baron, making comprehensive evaluations regarding lifestyle psychiatry, the power of social connections, and positive mental health, emphasized that the modern understanding of psychiatry requires a holistic approach aimed at improving quality of life, not just focusing on illness.

Baron stated that the lifestyle psychiatry approach is built upon six basic pillars: physical activity, nutrition, sleep, avoidance of harmful substances, social relationships, and stress management, saying, “Finding activities that make you happy and establishing a sustainable lifestyle is fundamental to mental health.”

“Social isolation is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day…”

Baron, drawing attention to social isolation being a serious public health problem, stated, “Humans are social beings. Forming connections is a person's most fundamental need. Social isolation carries a health risk equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.” 

Positive psychology and mental health vision

Prof. Baron stated that the positive psychology approach creates a new paradigm in mental health, saying, “Mental health is not merely the absence of illness; it is about enjoying life, finding meaning, and being able to develop.”

Baron, while addressing the importance of medications in psychiatry, nevertheless emphasized that the therapeutic relationship between the patient and physician is often more decisive. 

A person who connects heals, develops, and becomes stronger…  

Baron also touched upon the work of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), stating that the focus should not only be on treating illnesses but on individuals achieving a “state of well-being.” Concluding his speech by drawing attention to the critical importance of social connections, Baron said, “Preventing social isolation is the most fundamental way to improve quality of life. When people connect, they heal, develop, and become stronger.”

Experts in their fields gave conferences

On the other hand, within the scope of the congress, Prof. Tayfun Doğan gave a conference titled “Neuroscience of Human Relationships: The Social Brain”, Prof. Mehmet Zihni Sungur “Relationships in the Context of Well-being”, and Assoc. Prof. Sevda Yeşim Özdemir “Genetic Factors in Longevity and the Biology of Loneliness”.
Workshops were held

Also at the congress, Assoc. Prof. Aslı Kartol and Psychologist Counselor Rümeysa Özel conducted workshops titled “Positive Psychology Based Case Formulation: Strengths-Focused Intervention Design”, Dr. Psychologist Ebru Sinici “Being Friends with Time: Digital Loneliness, Meaning, and Longevity”, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Elvin Akı Konuk “Raising Resilient Children”, Asst. Prof. Gamze Alçekiç Yaman “From Pixel to Heart: Connecting in Digital Loneliness”, Prof. Gül Eryılmaz “Reconnecting: Building Connections with Strengths”, Clinical Psychologist Mehmet Büyükçorak “Building Psychological Flexibility”, Okan Tiring “Positive Psychology and Adler: Purpose Through Art” and Dr. Hakan Karaman “Sexual Well-being and Basic Approaches in Therapy”. 

What's on the second day of the congress?

On Sunday, April 26, the second day of the congress, Asst. Prof. Mert Sinan Bingöl will give a conference titled “How Can We Escape the Spiral of Meaning and Meaninglessness?”, Prof. Emine Nilüfer Pembecioğlu “Reality Break in the Digital World”, and Specialist Psychologist Counselor Deniz Altınay “Social Isolation in Sociometry Theory”. At the congress, Prof. Sefa Bulut, Assoc. Prof. Besra Taş Bolat, and Asst. Prof. Hatice Deniz Özdemir will each deliver a speech in the panel titled “Separating Without Destroying, Without Being Destroyed: Constructive Divorce”. Also at the congress, Prof. Sırrı Akbaba will give a conference titled “Virtues in Turkish-Islamic Culture”, Assoc. Prof. Çiğdem Yavuz Güler “Intimacy, Loving, and Loneliness”, Asst. Prof. Abdurrahman Kendirci “The Role of Meaning in Mental Healing”, and Asst. Prof. Fatma Turan “Social Isolation or Social Connection?”