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Md Zahir Ahmed

Zhejiang Normal University China

Born and raised in Bangladesh, Dr. Md Zahir Ahmed embarked on an academic journey in psychology, driven by a passion for understanding human behavior in the context of adversity. He pursued a Ph.D. in developmental and educational psychology, specializing in disaster psychology. He conducted his post-doctoral research at Zhejiang Normal University, China, exploring the complex factors contributing to suicidal ideation among young adults. His aim was to identify protective factors and develop targeted interventions to enhance mental health outcomes for this vulnerable population. With extensive experience in mental health promotion and youth development gained from his work with various government and nongovernmental organizations worldwide, Dr. Ahmed brings a unique perspective to his research. He is currently teaching at multiple international universities and dedicates his efforts to advancing the field of suicide ideation and prevention research. His work aims to make meaningful contributions to mental health initiatives globally. Dr. Ahmed has garnered widespread recognition for his contributions to the mental health field, boasting an impressive array of international publications and receiving attention from esteemed media outlets worldwide.

1books edited

3chapters authored

Latest work with IntechOpen by Md Zahir Ahmed

Determinants of Loneliness is an insightful examination of loneliness as a profound societal and public health issue, magnified through the lenses of history, geography, social dynamics, and mental health. This edited volume juxtaposes the historic valorization of solitude against the modern-day crisis of loneliness, illustrating how shifts in societal structures, technological advancements, and increased global connectivity have paradoxically fostered emotional and technological isolation. The book captures the nuanced impacts of loneliness across various demographics, including adolescents engaging in self-harm, informal caregivers in Africa, and the LGBTQI+ community, underlining the significant mental health risks and societal challenges they face. Additionally, it highlights the exacerbation of loneliness in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, establishing it as a pressing global mental health concern. Through comprehensive analysis and global perspectives, Determinants of Loneliness invites readers to understand and address the multifaceted nature of loneliness, advocating for empathetic and inclusive community actions.

Determinants of Loneliness

Determinants of Loneliness

Edited by Md Zahir Ahmed

Chapters authored

COVID-19 Pandemic and Initial Psychological Responses by Bangladeshi People

By Oli Ahmed, Md Zahir Ahmed, Zhou Aibao, Sohan Mia and Md Arif Uddin Khan

The present study was aimed to investigate the causes of COVID-19 worry and its effect on initial behaviors that observed in early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak in Bangladesh. In the online survey, participants’ were asked about normative concerns, COVID-19 worry, initial behaviors, and the neuroticism personality trait. Results of the study demonstrated that (i) higher normative concerns and neurotic trait were predictors of higher COVID-19 worry; and (ii) higher normative concerns and COVID-19 worry significant predictors of buying preparatory materials, higher worry for postponing travel plan, and higher worry and neuroticism for purchasing daily commodities more than usual and difficulties in concentration.

Part of the book: Anxiety, Uncertainty, and Resilience During the Pandemic Period

Loneliness and Suicidal Behaviors: A Fresh Mental Health Concern in Post COVID-19 Pandemic Period

By Md Zahir Ahmed

Mounting and multiple-direction evidence have implied the detrimental effect of loneliness on suicidal behavior. The problem has profoundly surfaced during the post COVID-19 pandemic period. The modern human race has a long and deep-rooted endeavor to combat loneliness since it often comes with stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, substance abuse, etc. Surprisingly, the discourse regarding the comorbidity of suicidal behavior, loneliness, along with different other mental health problems often remains disregarded. During the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, the physical, emotional, and financial losses accelerated different mental health problems, including suicidal behaviors. Most of the existing literature has focused on mental health consequences and suicidal behavior as an immediate outcome; however, a capful focused on the deep-rooted long-term effect of suicidal behavior as the consequence of pandemic-induced loneliness. Therefore, this chapter will endeavor to reveal the long-term effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health through the lens of suicidality. Afterward, the discussion will suggest effective intervention plans and community resilience strategies for combating loneliness and suicidal behaviors that surfaced as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Part of the book: Determinants of Loneliness

Introductory Chapter: Unraveling Loneliness – Historical Perspectives and Modern Realities

By Md Zahir Ahmed

Part of the book: Determinants of Loneliness

Related collaborators

Federico Durbano

ASST Melegnano e della Martesana , Italy

Bruno Luciano Carneiro Alves de Oliveira

Federal University of Maranhão , Brazil

Barbara Marchesi

ASST Melegnano e della Martesana , Italy

Silvia Carnevali

ASST Melegnano e della Martesana , Italy

Rujittika Mungmunpuntopantip

Viroj Wiwanitkit

Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune , India

Oli Ahmed

University of Chittagong , Bangladesh

Sohan Mia

University of Chittagong , Bangladesh

Md Arif Uddin Khan

University of Chittagong , Bangladesh

Zhou Aibao

Northwest Normal University , China