Developmental Psychology
Level 3 – PLU3302 – Personality and Individual Differences, PLU3307 – Lifespan Development
Level 4 – PLU4301 – Child Psychology, PLU4303 – Introduction to Statistics in Psychology, PLU4309 – Research Methods in Psychology
Level 5 – PLU5301 – Psychology of Adolescence, PLU5307 – Aging and Death, PLU5305 – Advanced Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology
Research Presentations
Dissanayake, M. P., Halberstadt, A. G., Kalat, J. W., & Kamble, S. V. (2022). The relationship between involvement in religion and individuals’ satisfaction with life. 4th International Research Symposium on Social Sciences and Humanities (IRSSSH), 18th Nov., 2022.
Dissanayake, M. P., Halberstadt, A. G., Kalat, J. W., & Kamble, S. V. (2020). Valuing positive emotions as a mediator of the association between individuals’ affect and satisfaction with life,
The Open University Research Sessions 2020, 12 – 13, Nov. 2020.
Aththidiye, R., Wanigaratne, S. D., Dissanayake, M. P., & Kathriarachchi, S. (2020). Grounded theory on therapy compliance of mindfulness based cognitive therapy: An exploratory review. Presented at the Colombo Medical Congress 2020.
Aththidiye, R., Munasinghe, K., de Zoysa, P., Dissanayake, M., Caud Nonis, C., Netthasinghe, J., Weerasinghe, I., Wikramasinghe, A., Thilakaratne, N., Fernanado, S., & Amarasinghe, K. (2020). The need for a cross-cultural adaptation of the EMDR group protocol intervention for trauma affected children and adolescents: Reflections from the Sri Lankan context. Presented at the 4th EMDR Asia Conference 2020.
Dissanayake, M. P., Halberstadt, A. G., Kalat, J. W., & Kamble, S. V. (2019). The link between relationship quality and life satisfaction of individuals across countries. The Rajarata University Conference.
Dissanayake, M. P., Halberstadt, A. G., Kalat, J. W., & Kamble, S. V. (2019). The role of the beliefs that emotions are part of life in the relationship between emotion differentiation and interpersonal relationships. Presented at the 2nd International Symposium on Social Sciences and Humanities (ISSSH) 2019, National Center for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Ariyaratne, B.S. K., Dissanayake, M. P., & De Zoysa, P. (2019). The relationship between socio-economic factors and psychological well-being of older adults in elders’ homes: An ongoing study. Presented at Annual Research Symposium 2019, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Ariyaratne, B.S. K., Dissanayake, M. P., & De Zoysa, P. (2019). The effects of the living arrangement on psychological well-being of older adults: An ongoing study. Presented at the 2nd International Symposium on Social Sciences and Humanities (ISSSH) 2019, National Center for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Dissanayake, M. P. (2019). The relationship between self-efficacy and Perceptions of illness severity. Presented at the Open University International Research Sessions, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka.
Dissanayake, M. P. (2018). The impact of lecturer-student rapport on student learning. Presented at the Open University International Research Sessions, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka.
Ariyaratne, B.S. K., Dissanayake, M. P., & De Zoysa, P. (2018). Implications of Socioemotional Selectivity Theory on contemporary ageing research: A review. Presented at Annual Research Symposium 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Gunaratne, N., Dissanayake, M. P., Dasanayake, C., & Abeysinghe, N. (2018). Psychosocial, interpersonal, and management issues in patients using long-term urinary catheters, Poster presented at the 13th Annual Academic Sessions – 2018, The Sri Lanka Association of Urological Surgeons, Sri Lanka.
Dissanayake, M. P. (2018). Cross-cultural investigation of beliefs about emotions. Presented at the 5th International Conference on Social Sciences -2018, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Dissanayake, M. P. (2018). The important principles and factors for significant developmental outcomes: The role of experience, age, developmental stages, and sociocultural context in human development. Presented at the 5th International Conference on Social Sciences -2018, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Aththidiye, R., & Dissanayake, M. P. (2018). Mindfulness-based intervention for elderly care in the Sri Lankan Context. Presented at the 5th International Conference on Social Sciences -2018, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Ananda, L., Maheerathna, C. L., Ethiraj, M., Mannapperuma, N., Wijesuriya, M., Elpitiya, P., Wickremasinghe, P., Dissanayake, M. P., Abeysinghe, N., & Ariyaratne, B. (2018). Parents’ perceptions of a healthy child. Presented at the 5th International Conference on Social Sciences -2018, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Ariyaratne, B.S. K., Dissanayake, M. P., & De Zoysa, P. (2017). Correlates of psychological well-being of the elderly in Sri Lanka: A proposed study model. Paper presented at Annual Research Symposium 2017, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Aththidiye, R., Wanigaratne, S. D., Dissanayake, M. P., & Kathriarachchi, S. (2017). Cultural acceptability and effectiveness of the Sinhala version of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression. Paper presented at Annual Research Symposium 2017, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Dissanayake, M. P. (2015, October).The effect of self-efficacy on patients’ perceptions of general health: The mediating role of positive affect. Annual Research Sessions 2015, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Dissanayake, M. P., Rupasinghe, P. D., Samarasinghe, H. L., Ellawala, A., Jayathungage, A. I., Gunawardene, N. N., & Vidanagamage, M. (2015, August). Mediating effect of self-efficacy and positive affect on the link between beliefs about the benefits of health behaviors and life satisfaction. Paper presented at International Conference in Applied Psychology, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Dissanayake, M. P. (2015, August). Exploring religious involvement of individuals living in two South Asian cultures. Paper presented at World Asian Studies Conference, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Dissanayake, M. P., Kamble, S. V., & Patil, A. (2015, August). Gender as a moderator of the relationship between positive affect and life satisfaction. Paper presented at International Conference on Social Sciences, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Dissanayake, M. P., Kamble, S. V., & Patil, A. (2015, August). The effect of beliefs about valuing positive emotions on happiness and life satisfaction: The mediating role of positive affect. Paper presented at International Conference on Social Sciences, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Jayathungage, A. I., Dissanayake, M. P., Rupasinghe, P. D., Samarasinghe, H. L., Ellawala, A., Gunawardene, N. N., & Vidanagamage, M. (2015, August). Age-related trends in value of general health, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction. Paper presented at International Conference on Social Sciences, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Dissanayake, M. P., Kamble, S. V., & Patil, A. (2015, July). Predicting happiness and life satisfaction from individuals’ perceptions of life. Paper presented at International Conference on Arts and Humanities, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Dissanayake, M. P., Rupasinghe, P. D., Samarasinghe H. L., Ellawala A., Jayathungage, A. I., Gunawardene, N. N., & Vidanagamage, M. (2015, May). Intercorrelations among health beliefs and affect. Paper presented at International Conference Public Health, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Dissanayake, M. P., & Rupasinghe, P. D. (2014, October). The Effects of Health Beliefs on Life Satisfaction of Patients. Paper presented at International Conference in Applied Psychology, BMICH, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Suriyarachchi, D. K. M., Dissanayake, M. P., Gunasekera, H. T., & Wijayananda, P. B. (2014, April). The Relationships among Positive Emotions, Personal Growth, and Environmental Mastery, Paper presented at Medical Research Symposium at SAITM, Malabe, Sri Lanka.
Rupasinghe, P. D., Dissanayake, M. P., Samarasinghe, H. L., Gunawardana, N. N., Vidanagamage, M. R., Jayathungage, A. I., Ellawala, P. A., Peiris, A. C. N., & Kamble, S. V.(2014, April). Purpose in Life and Happiness. Poster presented at Medical Research Symposium at South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine, Malabe, Sri Lanka.
Hafil, R., Ellewala, C. K. C., Croos, S., Fredrick, N. M., Fernando, H. L., & Dissanayake, M. P. (2014, April). The Effect of Leisure Activities on Life Satisfaction of Elders. Poster presented at Medical Research Symposium at South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine, Malabe, Sri Lanka.
Dissanayake, M. P. (2010, March). A cross-cultural investigation of emotion differentiation and positive interpersonal relationships. Poster presented at the Graduate Student Research Symposium at North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
Dissanayake, M. P., Halberstadt, A. G., Kalat, J. W., & Kamble, S. V. (2010, February). The relationship between emotion differentiation and interpersonal relationship quality of individuals across cultures. Paper presented at the Society for Cross-Cultural Research, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
Dissanayake, M. P., Halberstadt, A.G, & Kalat, J.W. (2008, October). Exploring emotional experience of Sri Lankans. Poster presented at the Southeastern ECO Conference, Asheville, NC, USA.
Dissanayake, M. P., (2007, May 8). Self-identification of Sri Lankans. Presented at the Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, NC, USA.
Dissanayake, M. P., (2007, April). The formation of self-identity of youth in Sri Lanka. Paper presented at the Second Graduate Research Conference, West Chester, PA, USA.
Dissanayake, M. P., McConatha, J. T., Rozin, P., & McCauley, C. (2006, April). The self-image and identity of Sri Lankans. Poster presented at the Psychology Department’s Research Day, West Chester, PA, USA.
Dissanayake, M. P., McConatha, J. T., Rozin, P., & McCauley, C. (2006, March). Self-identification of Sri Lankans. Paper presented at the First Graduate Research Conference, West Chester, PA, USA.
Dissanayake, M. P., & McConatha, J. T. (2006, February). Ethnic identity and cultural context. Paper presented at the 35th Annual Meeting of Society for Cross-Cultural Research, Savannah, GA, USA.
Dissanayake, M.P., Rozin, P., & McCauley, C. (2004, April). The interplay of multiple identities across multiple social domains and different social settings in Sri Lankans. Presented at the Student Lecture Series, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Dissanayake, M. P. (2002, March). Psychological problems of female university students who have been in areas affected by the war. Paper presented at the Eighth National Convention on Women’s Studies, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Book Chapters
Dissanayake, M. P. (2018). Achieving active and healthy ageing in Sri Lanka. In J. T. McConatha & Karin Volkwein-Caplan (Eds.), Ageing, Physical Activity and Health: International Perspectives. London: Routledge.
McConatha, J. T. & Dissanayake, M. P. (2014). Laugh and Pray. In J. T. McConatha (Ed.), Stress management and longevity: The importance of physical and social activities in later life (pp. 135-154). UK: Meyer & Meyer Sport.
Articles
Matthews, N. R., Porter, G. J., Varghese M., Sapkota, N., Khan, M. M., Lukose, A., Paddick, S., Dissanayake, M., Khan, N. Z., & Walker, R. (2023). Health and socioeconomic resource provision for older people in South Asian countries: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Global Health Action, 16(1), DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2022.2110198
Dissanayake, M. P., Halberstadt, A. G., & Kalat, J. W. (2020). Emotional experiences and expressions of individuals in the Sri Lankan context: The roles of gender, culture and religion. OUSL Journal, 15(1), pp.43–65. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/ouslj.v15i1.7455
Dissanayake, M. P. (2019). The role of the interconnection between global and domain specific-processes and universally available experience in children’s cognitive development. Asia Pacific Journal of Academic Research in Social Sciences, 4, 62-68. ISSN 2704-4157
Dissanayake, M. P. (2018). The important principles and factors for significant developmental outcomes: The role of experience, age, developmental stages, and sociocultural context in human development. Proceeding of the 5th International Conference on Social Sciences, 5, 22-32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17501/2357268X.2018.5103
Dissanayake, M. P., Kamble, S. V., & Patil, A. (2018). Beliefs about emotions: The role of valuing positive emotions in personal well-being. Proceeding of the 5th International Conference on Social Sciences, 5, 14-21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17501/2357268X.2018.5102
Dissanayake, M. P., Kamble, S. V., & Patil, A. (2018). Predicting happiness and life satisfaction from individuals’ perceptions of life. Proceeding of the 4th International Conference on Arts and Humanities, 4(2), 21-28. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17501/icoah.2017.4203
Dissanayake, M. P., (2018). Long-term effects of cognitive training. ICSSPE July Newsletter.
Dissanayake, M. P. (2018).The effect of self-efficacy on patients’ perceptions of general health: The mediating role of positive affect. SAITM Medical Journal, 3, 24-28.
Dissanayake, M. P., Kamble, S. V., & Patil, A. (2017). Gender as a moderator of the relationship between positive affect and life satisfaction. Proceeding of the 4th International Conference on Social Sciences, 4, 74-82.
Dissanayake, M. P. (2017). Beliefs about the benefits of health behaviors and life satisfaction: The mediating effect of self-efficacy. ICSSPE Bulletin Current Issues, 73, 36-41.
Dissanayake, M. P., & Rupasinghe, P. D. (2016). The effect of health beliefs on self-efficacy and life satisfaction. SAITM Medical Journal, 1(1), 4-7.
Dissanayake, M. P. (2016). The multidimensional model: An integrated approach to psychological well-being. Senior Professor KulasenaVidanagamage Felicitation Volume, 252-261.
Dissanayake, M. P., Jayathungage, A. I., Rupasinghe, P. D., Samarasinghe, H. L., Ellawala, A., Gunawardene, N. N., & Vidanagamage, M. (2015). Age-related trends in value of general health, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction. Proceeding of the 2nd International Conference on Social Sciences, 2, 143-146. DOI: 10.17501/ icoss2015-1115
Dissanayake, M. P., & McConatha, J. T. (2013). The interplay of multiple identities of individuals across multiple domains. World Cultures eJournal, 19(1), 1-12.
Dissanayake, M. P., & McConatha, J. T. (2011). A comparative investigation of the self-image and identity of Sri Lankans. World Cultures eJournal, 18(2), 1- 18.
Dissanayake, M. P. (2001). Psychological problems of university female students who have been in areas affected by the war (in Sinhala). Center for Women’s Research. Images of Women in Modern Sri Lanka, 1-35.
Manual translation
Children and War: Teaching recovering techniques for ages 8+. Developed by the Children and War Foundation, Norway.
PhD Programme
2021 – present PhD Thesis Co-supervisor
Research and Higher Degrees Committee, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo
Topic: The Development and Assessment of a Socio-Culturally Applicable Pain Coping Skills Intervention for Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis Pain
2016 – 2022 PhD Thesis Supervisor
MPhil/PhD Program, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo
Topic: Regulatory Emotional Self-efficacy and the Psychological Well-being of the Elderly in the Sri Lankan Context: The Mediating Role of Culture Orientation
2016 – 2020 PhD Thesis Co-supervisor
MPhil/PhD Program, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo
Topic: Cultural acceptability and Effectiveness of Sinhala Version of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression
MPhil Programme
2021 – present Thesis Supervisor
MPhil in Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo
2018 – 2020 Thesis Supervisor
MPhil in Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo
Topic: The Prevalence of Externalizing Behavior Problems in Preschool Children in Kandy District
Masters Degree Programme
2018 –2020 Thesis Supervisor
Maters in Counselling and Psychosocial Support Program
Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Colombo
Topic: The Prevalence of Depression among Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Undergraduate Research Supervision (Psychology)
2023 BSc Hons in Psychology Degree Programme
Department of Psychology and Counselling
Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka
1999-2002 BA Hons in Psychology Degree Programme
Department of Philosophy and Psychology
Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya
Undergraduate Research Supervision (Community Medicine)
2013 Faculty of Medicine, South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine
Department of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health Sciences
The Open University of Sri Lanka
1999-2002 BA Hons in Psychology Degree Programme
Department of Philosophy and Psychology,
Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya
Undergraduate Research Supervision (Community Medicine)
2013 Faculty of Medicine, South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine
2023 International Affiliate – American Psychological Association
2021 International Affiliate – American Psychological Association
2010 Member – North Carolina State University Alumni Association
2010 Member – Association for Psychological Science Washington, DC, USA
2006 Member – West Chester University Alumni Association
2006 Student affiliate – American Psychological Association, Washington, DC, USA
GUEST LECTURES/INVITED TALKS
2020 Plenary Speaker
International Virtual Research Conference on Education for Sustainable development, Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology, Naga City, PHILIPPINES.
2021 “Counselling and Psychological Support” Guest lecture organized by the Institute Chemistry Ceylon, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka.
2019 “Importance of an integrated research approach” Invited talk organized by the Department of Psychology and Counselling and the Internal Quality Assurance Cell in the Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka.
2014 “Psychological well-being”, Invited lecture for the Higher National Diploma in Counseling Course, National Institute of Social Development, Sri Lanka.
2014 “Why Counselling”, Invited lecture in the training programme in counselling for university academics in collaboration with the University Grant Commission, Sri Lanka Foundation.
2013 “Research Methods: Quantitative analysis,” Invited lecture for the Bachelor of Social Work Program, National Institute of Social Development, 488 A, Nawala Road, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka.
Contribution to Workshops & Other Programmes
2019 Conducted a workshop “Cultural competence in healthcare” at Samutthana – Kings College London Center for Trauma, Displacement and Mental Health.
2019 Conducted a workshop “Psychological well-being in midlife: Dealing with midlife crisis and maintaining psychological well-being.” at Samutthana – Kings College London Center for Trauma, Displacement and Mental Health.
2017 Resource person at the orientation program for the new students in the Faculty of Engineering, South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine.
2013 Resource person at the workshop on effective learning and stress management conducted by the Faculty of Medicine, South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine.
2011 Resource person at the workshop on personal and professional development and peer support, conducted by the Asia Foundation, Colombo.
1999 Resource person at the workshop conducted by the Organization of Parents and Family Members of the Disappeared, Matugama, Sri Lanka.
Contributions to Research Journals and Research Conferences
2022 External Reviewer
SLIIT Journal of Humanities & Sciences (SJHS – 2022), Vol 3, (Issue 1)
2022 Reviewer
Young Scientists’ Conference on Multidisciplinary Research 2022
National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Sri Lanka
2021 Reviewer
Colombo Journal of Multi-Disciplinary Research
Faculty of Graduate Studies
University of Colombo
2021 Reviewer
7th International Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences – 2021
Faculty of Arts
University of Colombo
2021 Reviewer
Annual Research Symposium 2021
Faculty of Graduate Studies
University of Colombo
2020 Reviewer
34th Annual Conference of the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU) 2020, The Open University of Sri Lanka
2020 Reviewer
The Open University Research Sessions – 2020
The Open University of Sri Lanka
2019-2020 Member of the Editorial Board
Asia Pacific Journal of Academic Research in Social Sciences
2019 Reviewer
The Open University Research Sessions – 2019, The Open University of Sri Lanka
2019- 2020 Member of the Editorial Board
Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research
2018 Reviewer
5th International Conference on Social Sciences – 2018, Colombo, Sri Lanka
2018 Reviewer
4th World Conference on Women Studies – 2018, Colombo, Sri Lanka
2017 Reviewer
International Conference on Future of Women – 2018, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2017 Reviewer
4th International Conference on Social Sciences – 2017, Colombo, Sri Lanka
2016 Session Chair and Evaluation Committee Member
2nd International Conference on Public Health – 2016, Colombo, Sri Lanka
2015 Committee Member
The Scientific Committee of World Disability and Rehabilitation Conference-2016, Colombo, Sri Lanka
2015 Session Chair
1st International Conference on Public Health-2015, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Counselling
2022 – present Academic Student Counsellor
Dept. of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health Sciences
Open University of Sri Lanka
2021 Academic Counselor
Department of Psychology and Counselling
Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka
2011 – 2018 Student Counselor
Faculty of Medicine, South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine
2011 – 2018 Mentor
Faculty of Medicine, South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine
2008 -2009 Volunteer
KIRAN – Domestic Violence and Crisis Services for South Asians in North Carolina
North Carolina, USA
2007 Mental Health Professional
North Western Human Services of Chester County
West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA
2001 & 2002 Voluntary Student Counselor
Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
1999 Counseling Officer
Women’s Bureau
Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Colombo 5, Sri Lanka
2015 Best Presentation Award
1st World Asian Studies Conference-2015, Sri Lanka
2015 Session’s Best Presentation Award
1st World Asian Studies Conference-2015, Sri Lanka
2015 Session’s Best Presentation Award
2nd International Conference on Social Sciences-2015, Sri Lanka
2007 Psychology Graduate Support Award
North Carolina State University, USA
2006 SCCR Annual Graduate Student Award
35th Annual Meeting of Society for Cross-Cultural Research (SCCR) in Savannah,
Georgia, USA
2005 Graduate Assistantship
West Chester University of Pennsylvania, USA
1995-1996 University Scholarship for Best Performance on the results of General Arts Qualifying Examination University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
GRANTS
2006 Institute for Women’s Graduate Grant
Institute of Women
West Chester University, USA
2002 – 2004 Research Scholar
Solomon Asch Center for Study of Ethnopolitical Conflict
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Researches:
2017 Principal Investigator – A study on the impact of lecturer-student rapport on student learning
2016 Supervisor – A study on parents’ perception of a healthy child
2014 Investigator – A study on psychosocial, interpersonal, and management issues in patients who use long-term urinary catheters
2013 Investigator – A study on health beliefs and quality of life of patients
2012 Investigator – A study on purpose in life and happiness of adults
2007- 2010 Principal Investigator – A cross-cultural study on emotion differentiation and interpersonal relationship quality, Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, USA
2007- 2010 Principal Investigator – A study on emotional experiences of Sri Lankans, Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, USA
2002- 2004 Principal Investigator – A study on the interplay of multiple identities across multiple social domains and different social settings in Sri Lankans, Solomon Asch Center for Study of Ethnopolitical Conflict, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
2002- 2004 Principal Investigator – A study on multiple identities of Sri Lankans, Solomon Asch Center for Study of Ethnopolitical Conflict, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
2002 Principal Investigator – A study on psychological problems of female university students who have been in areas affected by the war
