Prof. Rachna Mishra has earned her Ph.D. from Delhi University. Before this, she completed her M. Phil in Clinical Psychology from the Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences, Delhi and Bachelor's and Master's in Psychology from Delhi University.
Her doctoral work utilized a multi-method qualitative approach to explore localized conceptualization and dynamics of resilience in orphaned youth residing in child-care institutions. It questioned a primary mandate among child welfare decision-makers in India against the institutional model of care by concluding clear developmental benefits for resident children and adolescents in these set-ups. Her thesis offers both practice and policy implications regarding alternate care for at-risk children. She is currently working on designing a mentorship curriculum for assisting youth leaving child care institutions to enable their healthy integration into the community.
Her research interests span both quantitative and qualitative strategies for working with at-risk youth utilizing models derived from both Clinical and Positive Psychology and constructing evidence-based interventions aimed at bringing positive developmental outcomes.