Arman Imran Ashok
- Senior Lecturer
- Programme Leader
- School of American Education (in partnership with Arizona State University)
Biography
Arman is a registered clinical psychologist and academician with a strong passion for lifelong learning, personal growth, and the study of psychopathology. Over the course of his career, he has gained extensive experience by working with patients while simultaneously holding academic roles.
He graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology (minor in Biology) from the University of Minnesota, Masters in Clinical Psychology from USM-UPSI, and is currently pursuing his PhD in Clinical Psychology from UPM.
He practices in the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) modality and has trained in multiple hospital settings which has not only enriched his therapeutic experience but also in psychological assessments. He mainly deals with populations who suffer with anxiety and depression but has a wide variety of experiences with other psychological disorders such as OCD, Neurocognitive Disorders, and has also worked with neurotypical children such as ASD, IDD, and ADHD.
He has also given multiple talks on psychological distress, sleep hygiene, parental care, etc and workshops on psychological assessments such as IQ tests, and has past working experience as an Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Therapist.
His goal is to help improve the mental health landscape in Malaysia, where access to care and resources remains limited. He believes that reducing stigma and encouraging open discussions about the challenges within the system are essential steps toward change. By offering support as both a clinician and an academician, he is committed to being part of that broader effort to build a more understanding and supportive society.
Academic & Professional Qualifications
- PhD in Clinical Psychology, UPM, Malaysia (Current)
- Masters in Clinical Psychology, USM-UPSI, Malaysia (2022)
- Bachelors in Psychology, University of Minnesota, USA (2017)
Research Interests
- Mental health
- Obesity
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Psychometrics
Teaching Areas
- Psychology
Notable Publications
1) Arman, I.A. (2023). The Mental health Impact on healthcare worker during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hospital Sungai Buloh. Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences. Malays J Med Sci. 2023;30(2):196.
2) Wong, B. T. E., Prihadi, K. D., Ashok, A. I., Huan, T. L., & Jamaludin, A. (2025). Grit among College Students: Social or Personal?. Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn), 19(2), 846-852.
3) Nurliyana AR, Nurul Hidayah MS, Arman IA, Ang YK, Ryosuke S. (2024). Effects of square-stepping exercise and art therapy on nutritional status, cognitive and psychological well-being of older adults with Parkinson’s disease. 39th Scientific Conference of the Nutrition Society of Malaysia. Strategic Alliance to Combat Malnutrition: Whole of Government, Whole of Society Approach (pp.71). Kuala Lumpur: Nutrition Society of Malaysia.
Achievements & Accolades
- Research Excellence & Innovation Grant (REIG), UCSI University – Effects of Square-Stepping Exercise And Art Therapy On Nutritional Status, Cognitive And Psychological Well-Being Of Older Adults With Parkinson's Disease
Professional Associations
- Registered under the Malaysian Allied Health Practitioner Council (MAHPC) – MAPHC(CP)00105
- Member of the Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology (MSCP) – CP1-0456
- Member of the Malaysian Obesity Society (MYOS) – MYOS-034R
- Member of the Public Awareness and Engagement Subcommittee under MSCP