Associate Professor
Dr. Md. Azharul Islam
Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology
Faculty of Biological Sciences
Research profiles & links
Social
Biography
I am an Associate Professor of Counselling Psychology within the Educational and Counselling Psychology Department. My research focuses on the interplay between autobiographical memory, identity development, and mental health.
| Degree Name | Group/Major Subject | Board/Institute | Country | Passing Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. | Psychology | Monash University | Malaysia | 2021 |
| M.Phil. | Counselling Psychology | University of Dhaka | Bangladesh | 2017 |
| Masters | Health Psychology | University of Westminster | United Kingdom | 2013 |
| Masters | Counselling Psychology | University of Dhaka | Bangladesh | 2011 |
| Bachelor | Psychology | University of Dhaka | Bangladesh | 2010 |
| Title | Organization | Location | From Date | To Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Professor | University of Dhaka | Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology | Mar 2022 | Present |
| Assistant Professor | University of Dhaka | Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology | Jul 2017 | Mar 2022 |
| Lecturer | University of Dhaka | Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology | Mar 2014 | Jul 2017 |
Research Interest
| Subject | Description | Research Interest (Goal, Target Indicator) |
|---|---|---|
| Autobiographical memory, narrative identity and well-being | My research focuses on autobiographical memory and narrative identity, exploring how personally experienced events shape behaviors, set goals, maintain relationships, and foster personal growth. By examining how individuals construct life stories from these memories, I aim to understand how these narratives influence mental health and well-being. This research highlights the universal significance of autobiographical memory and narrative identity as tools for assessing various dimensions of mental health. |
Project/Research Supervision
| Level of Study | Title | Supervisor | Co-Supervisor(s) | Name of Student(s) | Area of Research | Current Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.Phil | Examining Maternal Reminiscing Styles among Bangladeshi Parents and their Association with Child Mastery Motivation | Dr. Md. Azharul Islam | Maria Zaman | This research examines the maternal reminiscing styles of Bangladeshi parents and their association with child mastery motivation. Using a mixed-method design, the study aims to inform parenting interventions and promote positive child development. |
Current Year | |
| M.Phil | Efficacy of Memory Specificity Training in reducing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder | Dr. Md. Azharul Islam | Md. Asadujjaman Raju | This research investigates the effectiveness of Memory Specificity Training (MeST) in reducing OCD symptoms among Bangladeshi adults. By employing a two-matched group experimental design, the study aims to determine if MeST can enhance treatment outcomes for OCD patients. |
Current Year | |
| M.Phil | Development, adaptation, and validation of psychometric tools in Bangladesh: A systematic review | Dr. Md. Azharul Islam | Dr. Shamsul Haque, Professor, Department of Psychology, Monash University, Malaysia | Raisa Jerin | This study evaluates the development and validation of psychometric tools in the Bangla language over the past four decades, aiming to address knowledge gaps and improve measurement accuracy. It will also propose guidelines for non-English speaking researchers and create an online database of assessed tools for easy access and reference. |
Current Year |
| M.Phil | Cultural Life Scripts of Bangladeshi People and its correlation with Psychological Well-being | Dr. Md. Azharul Islam | Dr. Shamsul Haque, Professor, Monash University, Malaysia | Farjana Yasmin | This research explores the cultural life scripts (CLS) of Bangladeshi adults and their correlation with psychological distress and life satisfaction. Involving 600 participants from various regions of Bangladesh, the study aims to understand the CLS and individual life stories (ILS) within Bangladeshi culture and their impact on psychological wellbeing. |
Current Year |
| Masters | Knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of recovered COVID-19 patients after tested negative. | Dr. Md. Azharul Islam | Sharia Nasrin Tamanna | Mental health during Covid-19 pandemic |
2021 | |
| Masters | Knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of recovered COVID-19 patients during the treatment period. | Dr. Md. Azharul Islam | Jannatul ferdosh Tania | Mental health during Covid-19 pandemic |
2021 | |
| Masters | Knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of recovered COVID-19 patients before getting the infection. | Dr. Md. Azharul Islam | Ashiqur Rahman | Mental health during Covid-19 pandemic |
2021 | |
| Masters | Behavioural risk and protective factors associated with the Covid-19 treatment. A qualitative study with recovered covid-19 patients. | Dr. Md. Azharul Islam | Khandoker Murad Hasan Sowrov | Mental health during Covid-19 pandemic |
2021 | |
| Masters | Risk and protective factors associated with stress, anxiety, and depression among Bangladeshi adults after one year of Covid-19 pandemic. | Dr. Md. Azharul Islam | Papia Mahbuba | Mental health during Covid-19 pandemic |
2021 | |
| Masters | Association of loneliness and internet addiction among the university students | Dr. Md. Azharul Islam | Md Rashed Ibn Noor | Mental health and wellbeing of young adults. |
2017 | |
| Masters | Problematic Internet Use and Psychological Distress: Mediating Role of Purposive Internet Use | Dr. Md. Azharul Islam | Nandini Rahman | Mental health and wellbeing of young adults. |
2017 | |
| Masters | Investigating Factors Associated with Problematic Internet Use among Dhaka University Students | Dr. Md. Azharul Islam | Khadiza Khatun | Mental health and wellbeing of young adults. |
2017 | |
| Masters | Internet Addiction and Psychological Distress: Exploring mediating role of Hopelessness | Dr. Md. Azharul Islam | Hasney Jannat | Mental health and wellbeing of young adults. |
2017 | |
| Masters | The Role of Community Connectedness on the Internet Addiction and Depression among University Students | Dr. Md. Azharul Islam | Tammat Binte Mizan | Mental health and wellbeing of young adults. |
2016 | |
| Masters | Adaptation of the Relationship Assessment Scale for Use in Bangladesh | Dr. Md. Azharul Islam | Tamanna Chowdhury | Psychometric tool development, adaptation, and validation for the use in Bangla speaking population. |
2016 | |
| Masters | Development of Bangla Non-judgmental Attitude Scale: Assessing Preliminary Findings | Dr. Md Azharul Islam | Md. Mehedi Hasan | Psychometric tool development, adaptation, and validation for the use in Bangla speaking population. |
2016 | |
| Masters | Adaptation and Validation of the Comprehensive Child Maltreatment Scale (CCMS) for Adults in Bengali Language | Dr. Md. Azharul Islam | Jannatul Ferdous | Psychometric tool development, adaptation, and validation for the use in Bangla speaking population. |
2016 | |
| Masters | Relationship of Sleep with Psychological Well-being and Academic Performance | Dr. Md. Azharul Islam | Sharmin Sultana | Mental health and wellbeing of young adults. |
2015 | |
| Masters | Effect of Counselling on the Academic Performance of University Students | Dr. Md. Azharul Islam | Md. Firoj Alom | Testing efficacy and effectiveness of therapeutic intervention in Bangladesh. |
2015 |
Project/Research Work
| Subject | Project Name | Source of Fund | From Date | To Date | Collaboration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mental Health | Developing a Culturally Grounded Intervention to Disrupt Intergenerational Transmission of Child Abuse Among Bangladeshi Adults | University Grants Commission | 30-04-2025 | 30-04-2026 | |
| Psychology | The Impact of the July 2024 Mass Uprising on Younger and Older Adults in Bangladesh | Centre for Advanced Studies and Research in Biological Sciences University of Dhaka | 01-09-2024 | 30-09-2025 | |
| Psychology | Examining Maternal Reminiscing Styles among Bangladeshi Parents and their Association with Child Mastery Motivation | Biotechnology Research Centre | 20-03-2024 | 15-07-2024 | |
| Mental health | Exploring narrative identity and mental health of female sex workers in Bangladesh | Centre for Advanced Studies and Research in Biological Sciences | 16-10-2023 | 20-07-2024 | |
| Clinical Mental health | Efficacy of Memory Specificity Training in reducing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder | University Grants Commission, Bangladesh | 08-05-2023 | 30-08-2024 | |
| Attitudes toward gender norms | Exploring attitudes toward gender norms through narrative identity among the Bangladeshi youths | University Grants Commission, Bangladesh | 24-03-2023 | 20-07-2024 | |
| Mental health | Living with the Covid-19 pandemic: Exploring risk and protective factors associated with stress, anxiety, and depression among Bangladeshi adults | Centennial Research Grant, Dhaka University | 24-04-2022 | 23-03-2023 | |
| Autobiographical memory | Why do the older Bangladeshis recall more negative autobiographical memories? | Neuroscience Research Centre of Dhaka University (NRCDU) | 30-03-2022 | 30-06-2024 | |
| Psychology | Understanding the Causes of Rape: Psycho-Social Analysis of the Convicted Perpetrators | Centennial Research Grant, Dhaka University | 02-06-2021 | 31-03-2023 | |
| Psychology | Adaptation and validation of the Comprehensive Child Maltreatment Scale (CCMS) into Bangla language | Centre for Advanced Studies and Research in Biological Sciences University of Dhaka | 04-08-2016 | 29-08-2017 | |
| Psychology | Exploring psychosocial factors associated with academic performance among university students | Biotechnology Research Centre | 15-02-2015 | 28-08-2016 |
Invited Talk
| SL | Invited Talk |
|---|---|
| No invited talk is found | |
| SL | Collaboration & Membership Name | Type | Membership Year | Expire Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The International Association For Cross-Cultural Psychology (IACCP) | General Member | 2024 | 2026 |
| 2 | Bangladesh Educational and Counselling Psychology Society (BECPS) | General Secretary | 2016 | 2025 |
| 3 | American Psychological Association (APA) | Member | 2021 | 2022 |
| Book | |
|---|---|
| 1 |
Azharul Islam
Hoichoi.
Dhaka: Adarsha, 2019 .
|
| 2 |
Azharul Islam
Monoshondhi: Mindful ways of dealing with stress.
Dhaka: Adarsha, 2017 .
|
| 3 |
Azharul Islam
Manashik Prashanti ar Marjadapurno Jiboner Jadukathi (Magic Wand for Dignified Life).
Dhaka: Adarsha, 2016 .
|
| Journal Article | |
| 1 |
Azharul Islam, Mahjabeen Haque and Mohammad Salim Chowdhury : Threats and deprivations as predictors of IPV perpetration: a cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample of Bangladeshi young adults,
BMJ Open (impact factor:2.3) , 2026
.
|
| 2 |
Azharul Islam, Md Reza A Rabby, Md. Mokaddes Ali and Shamsul Haque : Beyond Redemption: Prevention, Protection, and Narrative Identity Construction among Bangladeshi Street-Based Female Sex Workers,
Culture & Psychology (impact factor:0.9) , 2026
.
|
| 3 |
Nusrat Jahan, Musfiqul Anwar Siraji and Azharul Islam : Elevated depression and anxiety in urban and female secondary school students in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic: a pilot study,
Dhaka University Journal of Biological Sciences , vol.35 , no.1 , pp.83-93 , 2026
.
|
| 4 |
Fariha Jahan, Azharul Islam, Md. Jahidul Islam Sojib and Nasrin Sultana Shila : Attitudes and Perceptions about Rape: Evaluating the Standpoint of the Convicted Perpetrators,
Perspectives in Social Science , vol.19 Centre for Advanced Research in Social Sciences , pp.105-124 , 2025
.
|
| 5 |
Taiaba Akter Ima and Azharul Islam : Relationship between internet addiction and depression among young adults in Dhaka, Bangladesh,
Dhaka University Journal of Biological Sciences , vol.34 , no.1 University of Dhaka , pp.85-95 , 2025
.
|
| 6 |
Helal Uddin, Azharul Islam, Lutfun Nahar Lata, Shamsun Nahar, M. Zakir Hossin and Jalal Uddin : Associations of threat and deprivation-related childhood exposures with children’s mental health and flourishing: The moderating role of family resilience,
Children and Youth Services Review (impact factor:2.4) , vol.166 Elsevier , pp.107912 , 2024
.
|
| 7 |
Azharul Islam, Musfiqul Anwar Siraji, Salowa Salam Shaoli, Raisa Jerin, SM Fazle Elahi, Tanvir Ahmed, Nusrat Jahan, Sharmin Sultana, Md Firoj Alom, Md Parvez Sazzad Pintu, Reeva Mir, Prianka Shankar Das and Shamsul Haque : Psychometric Assessment of the Bangla Version of General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12),
Psychological Test Adaptation and Development (impact factor:1.1) , vol.5 Hogrefe , pp.303–315 , 2024
.
|
| 8 |
Azharul Islam, Musfiqul Anwar Siraji, Mahjabeen Haque and Mohammad Salim Chowdhury : Development of a multidomain gender norm attitude scale for youth in Bangladesh,
Preventive Medicine Reports (impact factor:2.4) , vol.45 , pp.102848 , 2024
.
|
| 9 |
Md Omar Faruk, Muhammad Kamruzzaman Mozumder, Mohammad Kadir, Azharul Islam, Tarun Kanti Gayen and John Martin : Bangladesh needs to put a stop to malpractice in mental health-care services,
The Lancet Psychiatry (impact factor:30.8) , vol.11 , no.8 The Lancet , pp.P588-589 , 2024
.
|
| 10 |
Md. Reza- A- Rabby, Mehrin Mostafa Mumu, Shamsul Haque and Azharul Islam : Necrophilia among hospital morgue staff in Bangladesh: Two case studies from media reports,
Bangladesh Psychological Studies , vol.33 Centre for Psycho-Social Research and Training , pp.39-44 , 2023
.
|
| 11 |
Azharul Islam, Papia Mahbuba, Tanvir Ahmed and Shamsul Haque : Modifiable and nonmodifiable factors associated with anxiety, depression, and stress after one year of the COVID-19 pandemic,
Plos ONE (impact factor:5.6) , vol.18 , no.3 , 2023
.
|
| 12 |
Azharul Islam, Elizabeth Sheppard, Martin A Conway and Shamsul Haque : Autobiographical memory of war veterans: A mixed-studies systematic review,
Memory Studies (impact factor:2.713) , vol.14 , no.2 , pp.214-239 , 2021
.
|
| 13 |
Jannatul Ferdous, Kishor Roy and Azharul Islam : Adaptation of Comprehensive Child Maltreatment Scale (CCMS) for Adults in Bangladeshi Context,
Bangladesh Psychological Studies , vol.30 , pp.25-38 , 2020
.
|
| 14 |
Azharul Islam, Shaheen Islam, Shamsul Haque and Salowa SalamShaoli : Validating the Bangla version of the Dimensions of Mastery Questionnaire (DMQ-18) for preschoolers,
Asian Journal of Psychiatry (impact factor:3.543) , vol.44 , pp.143-149 , 2019
.
|
| 15 |
Tammat Binte Mizan and Azharul Islam : Factors Influencing Perceived Community Connectedness among University Students,
Dhaka University Journal of Biological Sciences , vol.26 , no.2 , pp.133-140 , 2017
.
|
| 16 |
Taslima Afreen, Azharul Islam and Mehtab Khanam : Reliability and Validity of the Bangla Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire,
Bangladesh Psychological Studies , vol.27 , pp.101-113 , 2017
.
|
| 17 |
Azharul Islam, Sayeda Amina Efat, Ayesha Binte Yousuf and Shaheen Islam : DEPRESSION OF MARRIED WOMEN: EXPLORING THE ROLE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS, MARITAL SATISFACTION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING,
Dhaka University Journal of Biological Sciences , vol.25 , no.2 , pp.113-121 , 2016
.
|
| 18 |
Tamanna Chowdhury Jhinuk, Azharul Islam and Syed Tanveer Rahman : Adaptation of the Relationship Assessment Scale for Use in Bangladesh,
Bangladesh Psychological Studies , vol.26 , pp.25-32 , 2016
.
|
| 19 |
Azharul Islam and Muhammad Zakir Hossin : Prevalence and risk factors of problematic internet use and the associated psychological distress among graduate students of Bangladesh,
Asian Journal of Gambling Issues and Public Health , vol.6 , no.11 , 2016
.
|
| 20 |
Azharul Islam and Saleh Siddique : Validation of the Bangla Mindful Attention Awareness Scale,
Asian Journal of Psychiatry (impact factor:3.543) , vol.24 , pp.10-16 , 2016
.
|
| 21 |
Azharul Islam and Adiba Akter : Health Related Quality of Life and Self Esteem of Substance Users in Bangladesh,
Dhaka University Journal of Biological Sciences , vol.24 , no.2 , pp.199-207 , 2015
.
|
| 22 |
Azharul Islam and Adiba Akter : Exploring Health Related Quality of Life of British Bangladeshis living in Tower Hamlets,
Bangladesh Psychological Studies , vol.25 , pp.1-10 , 2015
.
|
| 23 |
Azharul Islam and Tony Towell : Cat and Dog Companionship and Well-being: A Systematic Review,
International Journal of Applied Psychology , vol.3 , no.6 , pp.149-155 , 2013
.
|
| 24 |
Azharul Islam and Shamsul Haque : Construction and Validation of a Generational Identity Scale on Bangladeshi Older Adults,
Frontiers in Psychology (impact factor:2.990) , vol.12 , 2021
.
|
| 25 |
Azharul Islam and Shamsul Haque : Probing the self-defining period in memories of the Bangladesh independence war generation,
Memory (impact factor:2.09) , vol.29 , no.10 Routledge Taylor and Francis Group , pp.1-12 , 2021
.
|
| 26 |
Azharul Islam and Shamsul Haque : Living-in-history effect in the dating of important autobiographical memories,
Memory & Cognition (impact factor:2.272) Springer Nature , 2021
.
|
| 27 |
Azharul Islam, Hossin MZ, Billah M, Haque M and Uddin J : Is there a gradient in the association between internet addiction and health?,
PlOS ONE (impact factor:3.24) , vol.17 , no.3 Public Library of Science , pp.1-17 , 2022
.
|
| Conference Proceedings | |
| 1 |
Azharul Islam and Shamsul Haque "Generational identity vs. life transition: What matters more in organizing autobiographical memories?."
XVII International Congress of the IACCP 2024
Bali, Indonesia: IACCP, 2024
.
|
| 2 |
Azharul Islam and Shamsul Haque "Investigating the role of transition and identity in the organization of autobiographical memories."
3rd Malaysian International Psychology Conference
Penang, Malaysia: 2019
.
|
| 3 |
Azharul Islam and Shamsul Haque "Development of a generational identity scale for elderly population."
Malaysian Psychology Student Assembly 2018
Johor, Malaysia: 2018
.
|
| 4 |
Azharul Islam and Shamsul Haque "Factors Contributing to Problematic Internet Use: A Study on College Students."
Malaysian Psychology Student Assembly 2017
Perak, Malaysia: 2017
.
|
| Award Type | Title | Year | Country | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International | Monash Merit Scholarship | 2017 | Malaysia | Monash University Merit Scholarship to pursue PhD research in Psychology at the Monash University Malaysia campus. |
| International | The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Gold Award for Young People | 2012 | United Kingdom | The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for young people initiated in Bangladesh in 2008. I was in the first batch of that programme. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Foundation, Bangladesh facilitates the award programme here in Bangladesh. |
| International | Vice-Chancellor Scholarship | 2012 | United Kingdom | Vice-Chancellor Scholarship from the University of Westminster of UK in 2012. The scholarship covers full tuition waiver, monthly stipend and flight to and from London for one year full-time study in Health Psychology MSc programme. |
| International | The Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award for young people | 2010 | United Kingdom | The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for young people initiated in Bangladesh in 2008. I was in the first batch of that programme. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Foundation, Bangladesh facilitates the award programme here in Bangladesh. |
| International | The Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award for young people | 2009 | United Kingdom | The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for young people initiated in Bangladesh in 2008. I was in the first batch of that programme. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Foundation, Bangladesh facilitates the award programme here in Bangladesh. |
Name & designation
Dr. Md. Azharul Islam
Associate Professor
Department
Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology Faculty of Biological Sciences
Email
azharulislam@du.ac.bd
Phone
01716449704