The Psychology and Social Health Research Unit (PSHRU or better known as UPPsiKS) of Universiti Malaysia Sabah was established on 30th December, 1997 during the 9th UMS Council Meeting. It is a research centre of excellence in the Faculty of Psychology and Education. The first Head of PSHRU was the late Professor Dr. Muhammad Hj. Yusuf (2000-2003), who was appointed on 29th March , 2000.
Upon its inception, PSHRU has focused on mental health research, as well as developing testing tools and psychological measurements. The core research of mental health includes stress, depression, loneliness, self-esteem, and coping behaviours. Meanwhile, the core research of development in testing tools and measurement includes computing device test and psychological measurements. Currently, the focus of PSHRU is extended to Peace Psychology as the core field of Positive Psychology, Health Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Consumer Psychology. The establishment of these new fields are related to the presence of expertise among the permanent academic staff in PSHRU, PSHRU also delve into current issues faced by the state of Sabah such as security aspect, global peace, disaster and illegal immigrants.
The establishment of PSHRU is vital in highlighting UMS contribution in research and education. It becomes the pillar of academic activities, particularly in research, development, and innovation. Both fundamental and applied research areas are focused and multi-disciplined oriented, requiring solid combination of expertise from various psychology fields either from UMS (appointment of fellow researcher), outside of UMS, and foreign countries (appointment of associate fellow researchers). Both the direction and foundation mentioned above could hail PSHRU as the centre of excellence and research in Psychology and Social Health in this region.
THE OBJECTIVE OF ESTABLISHMENT
Psychological and Social Health Research Centre(PSHRC) is a centre of excellence, focusing on mental health research and development of testing tools and psychological measurements.
Specifically, the centre serves the following tasks:
| 1. Conducting fundamental and applied research in thrust areas such as Positive Psychology, Health Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Consumer Psychology and Psychometric; |
| 2. Publishing fundamental and applied research outcomes in the forms of books, articles, periodicals, monograph, modules and manuals; |
| 3. Creating a forum in national and international levels by organizing conference/seminar/workshop among researchers, scholars, politicians, policy makers, government sector , private sector, and NGOs as well as local communities and the public; |
| 4. Establishing a think-tank group serving as a database, which generates psychological input to the policy makers; |
| 5. Applying and utilizing research outcomes to the general public through psychological services and consultations; |
| 6. Organizing linkages with local and international agencies. |
VISION
A dynamic and quality research and learning centre, focusing on human capital development, towards prosperity of the state and country.
MISSION
The mission of PSHRU is to produce high quality research and to play a proactive role in solving psychological problems and challenges in the community through a multi-disciplinary approach encompassing:
| 1. Research and development |
| 2. Education and Training |
| 3. Community involvement and support |
| 4. Collaborative network of Psychology and Social Health Research Unit at national and international levels |
GOALS
The goal of PSHRC is to establish infrastructure research in Psychology and Social Health that would benefit the community today and the next decade.