Assoc Prof Dr. Meltem Oral | Social Work | Best Researcher Award
Assoc. Prof. Dr. of Atatürk University Faculty of Letters Department of Psychology, Turkey.
Dr. Meltem Oral is an accomplished Associate Professor at Atatürk University, specializing in psychology and social work. She holds a Ph.D. from Hacettepe University, focusing on interpersonal psychotherapy and its impact on major depressive disorder. Her academic journey includes a Master’s in Social Work and a Bachelor’s in English and Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Oral’s research covers various aspects of mental health, including social media addiction, psychological resilience, and burnout. She has led several funded projects and has published extensively in notable journals. Her work includes practical applications in clinical settings and academic contributions through books and book chapters. With certifications in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, Dr. Oral combines her clinical expertise with a strong research background to advance understanding in her field.
Meltem Oral, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW, has an extensive educational background. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree from Hacettepe University’s Graduate School of Social Sciences in June 2016, with a dissertation focusing on the impact of group interpersonal psychotherapy on psychosocial functioning in female patients with Major Depressive Disorder. Prior to her Ph.D., she completed a Master of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago in June 2001. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology, also from the University of Illinois at Chicago, completed in May 1996. This solid educational foundation has equipped Dr. Oral with a profound understanding of social work and psychology, which she has applied extensively in both research and clinical practice throughout her career.
Dr. Meltem Oral has a robust professional background with extensive experience in clinical and research settings. From 2004 to 2017, she served as a Clinical Social Worker at Atatürk University Research Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry, where she provided psychotherapy and case management. Prior to that, she worked as a Case Manager at MacNeal Hospital, focusing on psychiatric care from 2001 to 2004. Dr. Oral also has a rich research background, having served as a Research Assistant at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare’s Center on Outcomes, Research and Education, and at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center’s Department of Psychosocial Oncology between 1996 and 2001. Her diverse roles have equipped her with a deep understanding of clinical social work, research methodologies, and the complexities of mental health care.
Dr. Meltem Oral’s research interests predominantly focus on the intersection of mental health and psychosocial support systems, with a particular emphasis on therapeutic interventions and their impacts on various populations. Her work explores the effectiveness of group interpersonal psychotherapy for managing major depressive disorders and addresses the role of psychological resilience in academic settings. Dr. Oral’s research also delves into the psychosocial effects of social media addiction and its interplay with social anxiety and phubbing behavior among students. Additionally, she investigates social work practices and challenges, especially within geriatric care and rural settings. Her projects often integrate multidisciplinary approaches to enhance the well-being of marginalized groups, including the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Through her research, Dr. Oral aims to advance understanding of therapeutic and support mechanisms, contributing to improved mental health outcomes and social service practices.
Dr. Meltem Oral demonstrates a comprehensive set of research skills essential for advancing knowledge in psychology and social work. Her expertise spans various methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative research, as evidenced by her diverse projects and publications. Dr. Oral excels in designing and conducting studies, such as her investigations into social media addiction and phubbing behavior, and the impact of group interpersonal psychotherapy on burnout. She is adept at utilizing advanced statistical techniques and data analysis to draw meaningful conclusions from complex data sets. Her ability to integrate interdisciplinary approaches is highlighted in her work on psychosocial problems, academic achievement, and resilience. Dr. Oral’s research is also distinguished by her focus on practical applications, such as improving mental health services and social work practices. Her contributions are further supported by her experience in publishing, presenting at international conferences, and leading research teams.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Meltem Oral has garnered significant recognition for her impactful contributions in social work and psychology. Her research on group interpersonal therapy and psychosocial functioning has been published in esteemed journals such as the International Journal of Older People Nursing and the Journal of Community Psychology. Dr. Oral’s work has been acknowledged in numerous international conferences, including the International Social Work Congress and the International Scientific Studies Congress. Her commitment to advancing clinical practices and improving mental health outcomes has earned her various accolades, including certificates in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Family Counseling. Additionally, her leadership in projects like the Ecosystem-Based Home Care Services for Older Adults, supported by TÜBİTAK, underscores her innovative approach in addressing societal challenges. Dr. Oral’s contributions reflect her dedication to enhancing both academic and practical aspects of social work and psychology.
Dr. Meltem Oral is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her diverse and impactful research, extensive publication record, leadership in significant projects, and rich professional experience make her a strong contender. To further enhance her candidacy, she could focus on increasing the citation impact of her research, exploring interdisciplinary studies, expanding international collaborations, and securing additional funding. Overall, Dr. Oral’s contributions to the field of psychology and social work are notable, and she is well-positioned for recognition as a leading researcher.
Publications Top Notes
- The Effectiveness of Group Interpersonal Therapy on Burnout Among Long-Term Care Workers
- Authors: Oral, M., Karakurt, N.
- Year: 2024
- A Different Approach for Protruding Earlobe Correction—Modified Fish-tail Technique
- Authors: Sert, B., Oral, M.A., Turan, O., Uyar, I.
- Year: 2024
- Citations: 1
- Geriatric competency and attitudes toward older adults among Turkish undergraduate social work students
- Authors: Oral, M., Kılıç, C., Yıldırım, B.
- Year: 2024
- The impact of psychological hardiness on intolerance of uncertainty in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Authors: Oral, M., Karakurt, N.
- Year: 2022
- Citations: 9
- Evaluation of the relationship between burnout and psychological symptoms among staff working with individuals with disabilities and elderly
- Authors: Oral, M., Karakurt, N.
- Year: 2021
- Citations: 2
- Knowledge and Awareness of Guidance Counselors About Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder and Specific Learning Disability
- Authors: Oral, M., Karakurt, N.
- Year: 2020
- Effectiveness of Group Interpersonal Psychotherapy Among Women with Major Depression in Turkey
- Authors: Oral, M., Tuncay, T.
- Year: 2020
- Citations: 2
- The effects of breast reduction on sexual activity
- Authors: Oral, M.A., Aslan, C., Tuzuner, M., Capkinoglu, F.B.K., Gulpek, D.
- Year: 2018
- Citations: 1
- Earthquake experience and preparedness in Turkey
- Authors: Oral, M., Yenel, A., Oral, E., Aydin, N., Aydin, N.
- Year: 2015
- Citations: 37
- Neurocognitive functioning in young high-risk offspring having a parent with bipolar I disorder
- Authors: Deveci, E., Ozan, E., Kirpinar, I., Aydin, N., Öztürk, A.
- Year: 2013
- Citations: 11