On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, the Doctoral Program in Psychology held the third closed doctoral defense from the 2021 cohort. This time, Brigitta Erlita Tri Anggadewi, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psychologist, defended her dissertation titled The Concept of Independent Living for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities in the Indonesian Context.

The examination committee consisted of Dr. Nida Ul Hasanat, M.Si., Psikolog, as Promoter, and Restu Tri Handoyo, S.Psi., M.Psi., Ph.D., Psikolog, as Co-Promoter. Erlita’s dissertation was also examined by experts in the field, namely: Elga Andriana, S.Psi, M.Ed, Ph.D., (Faculty of Psychology UGM), Supra Wimbarti, M.Sc., Ph.D., Psychologist (Indonesian Academy of Sciences (AIPI), Jakarta Social Sciences Commission), and Prof. Dr. Mumpuniarti, M.Pd. (Special Education, Faculty of Education and Psychology, UNY). Dr. Wenty Marina Minza, M.A., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of the Faculty of Psychology UGM, chaired the defense.

The dissertation consists of five studies involving multiple stakeholders, ranging from individuals with intellectual disabilities, parents, teachers, psychologists (developmental, special education, rehabilitation), doctors, to policymakers. Through this approach, Erlita sought to capture the meaning of independent living comprehensively from different perspectives.

Erlita emphasized that independence is not merely an individual concept, but also the result of interactions, support, and understanding from the surrounding environment. “It is important to listen to how independent living is perceived by those around individuals with intellectual disabilities,” she stated.

She also reaffirmed her commitment to disseminating her research findings to various stakeholders involved in the study. She hopes her work will open new spaces for discussion on how independent living can be realized in a more inclusive and contextual way in Indonesia.

This research is expected not only to contribute to the development of psychology but also to make a tangible impact in fostering a more caring, inclusive society that supports independence for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Congratulations to Brigitta Erlita Tri Anggadewi on this significant achievement. May this milestone further pave the way for a psychology that makes a broader impact on life.

Writer: Yutia Cesarinda Kusumawati
Editor: Sussanti

The Doctoral Program in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), officially welcomed 11 new students for the 2025/2026 academic year, including two students from the fast-track Master’s-to-Doctoral program. The academic orientation took place on August 11–15, 2025, followed by the supervisor meeting on August 19–20, 2025.

The orientation began with a joint session with Master’s students, covering topics on academic life at UGM, university values, academic ethics, and an introduction to various units at the Faculty of Psychology. Students also had the opportunity to get to know research centers, collaboration units, laboratories, the library, and student services.

On the second day, participants were introduced to the digital academic system through workshops on SIT and Simaster. In the afternoon, they joined the Promovendus Club (PC)—the doctoral student community—which concluded with the handover of leadership from the 2023 cohort to the 2024 cohort.

The agenda continued with a faculty tour and a visit to the UGM Museum on the third day. This was followed by an explanation of the 2020 curriculum and the academic calendar by the Head of the Program.

On the fourth day, students were encouraged to maintain their well-being through the session Move & Thrive: Light Exercise for Doctoral Wellness with Fajar Tri Asmara. On the same day, they also attended an international workshop with Dr. Bruno Messina Coimbra from Utrecht University, the Netherlands, on the use of ASReview, an AI-based tool to support systematic review research.

The orientation culminated on the fifth day at Wisdom Park with Rise & Thrive: Games to Fuel Doctoral Journey!—a program designed to strengthen camaraderie and collective spirit. The series concluded with a motivational session by Fuad Hamsyah, S.Psi., M.Sc., Ph.D., emphasizing the importance of maintaining enthusiasm and togetherness throughout the doctoral journey.

Through this orientation program, Doctoral Program in Psychology equips new students not only with academic knowledge but also with a foundation of community, health, and motivation to support them throughout their doctoral studies.

Writer: Yutia Cesarinda Kusumawati
Editor: Sussanti