Rev Fr. Chinedu Cyriacus. Ajaelu

Rev Fr. Chinedu Cyriacus. Ajaelu is a READER in PSYCHOLOGY Department, Faculty Of Social Sciences in Nnamdi Azikiwe University

Staff Profile

**strong text**Cyriacus Chinedu Ajaelu, PhD; M.Sc.; MFT; CHES, FINS (USA Licensed Clinical Psychologist, #PSYCC00007277), is a Catholic priest from Okigwe Diocese in Imo State, Nigeria currently a Senior lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. He is an American trained licensed clinical psychologist, with a background in experimental (laboratory) research, clinical psychopharmacology, Marriage and Family therapy, Counselling psychology, with specialization in Forensic Clinical neuropsychology. He practiced and lectured for many years in the United States. He is also a team member with an inter-disciplinary clinical study group on childhood epilepsy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria. Contact me at: [email protected]

Personal Information

Email:
Phone:
Address:
Psychology, Faculty Of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Faculty/Unit:
FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
Department/Sub-Unit:
PSYCHOLOGY

Social Profiles

Academic Qualifications

Degrees / Basic Certificates
1Capella University. (Doctor of Philosophy, December, 2004)
April, 2000 to July, 2004
PhD Clinical Psychology
2Barry University. (Master Degree, March, 1998)
October, 1997 to February, 1997
MSc Counselling Psychology
3Barry University. (Master Degree, December, 1997)
June, 1995 to May, 1997
MSc Marriage & Family Therapy
4Barry University. (Post-Graduate Degree, February, 1997)
January, 1997 to February, 1997
GRE Graduate Record Examination
5Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL). (Master Degree, March, 1996)
May, 1994 to January, 1996
MSc Health Psychology
6Bigard Memorial Seminary, Ikot-Ekpene Nigeria (Pontifical Urban University, Rome). (Bachelor Degree, August, 1983)
November, 2009 to August, 1983
B.Phil Philosophy
7Bigard Memorial Seminary (Pontifical Urban University, Rome). (Bachelor Degree, August, 1983)
November, 1979 to August, 1983
B.Phil Philosophy

Relevant/Working Experience

1READER, Nnamdi Azikiwe University
December, 2021 to October, 2023
2SENIOR LECTURER, Nnamdi Azikiwe University
October, 2017 to October, 2020
3Lecturer I, Nnamdi Azikiwe University
November, 2014 to October, 2017
4Senior Clinical & Research Supervisor I, MHI USA/ Institute of Professional Psychology
May, 2011 to May, 2014
5Lecturer, supervisor, MHI International Institute of Mental Health Education
December, 2010 to January, 2011
6Lecturer/Clinical Trainer (Senior lecturer), MHI International Institute of Mental Health Education
December, 2008 to May, 2011
7Postdoctoral Fellowship, Catholic Charities Mental health, Denver, Colorado, Unit USA
November, 2006 to September, 2008
8Clinical (Doctoral) Internship, Institute of Neurosciences
October, 2005 to September, 2006
9Clinical (Doctoral) Internship, Southeast Mental Health Research Centre, Fargo, North Dakota USA
June, 2003 to June, 2004
10Clinical (Doctoral) Internship, Southeast Mental Health Research Centre, Fargo, North Dakota USA
June, 2003 to June, 2004
11Parish Priest, Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Ihube Okigwe Diocese Imo State
May, 1998 to June, 1990
12Mental Health Clinician 2, Mercy Hospital, Miami Florida
May, 1998 to August, 2000
13Mental Health Service Director II, Family Advocacy/Treatment program, Opa-Locka, Florida, USA
June, 1996 to April, 1998
14Assistant Parish Priest, St. Paul's Catholic Parish
August, 1987 to April, 1988

Creative Output

Books
1Ajaelu, CC.. (2023, November) Clinical & psychotherapeutic approach to Neurocognitive and psychosomatic health counselling In Press
2Ajaelu, CC.. (2023, December) Methods in Experimental Research: Science of Behaviour and Mental Processes In Press
3Ajaelu, C.C.. (2023, November) Neurocognitive and psychosomatic health counselling: A clinical & psychotherapeutic approach In Press
4Ajaelu, CC.. (2023, December) Methods in Experimental Research: Science of Behaviour and Mental Processes In Press
5Ajaelu, CC.. (2022, August) Basic approach to psychology laboratory experiment and management Fab Educational Book. ISBN: 978-978-8554-31-8
6Ajaelu, CC.. (2004, August) Utilization of the ICD-10 AND DSM-IVTR diagnostic criteria in Nigerian mental health system: An ethno-cultural investigation USA
Book Chapters
1Ezenwa, M.O and Ajaelu, C.C. (2015, May) Mentoring: My experience with Professor Azubuike Uzoka
2Ajaelu, CC.. (2014, January) Lifestyle, Health and Stress. In H. Obi-Nwosu & C. Ajaelu (eds), Stress: Dimensions and implication
3Ajaelu, CC.. (2014, January) Stress awareness in Nigeria
Journal Articles
1Nweze, T., Ezenwa, M., Ajaelu, C., and Okoye, C. et al. (2023, September), "Trajectories of cortical structures associated with stress across adolescence: a bivariate latent change score approach. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.", Unknown Journal or Publisher
2Nweze, T., Ezenwa, M., Ajaelu, C., and Okoye, C. (2023, February), "Childhood mental health difficulties mediate the long-term association between early-life adversity at age 3 and poorer cognitive functioning at ages 11 and 14", Unknown Journal or Publisher
3Tochukwu Nweze, Michael Ezenwa, Cyriacus Ajaelu, and Chukwuemeka Okoye. (2023, January), "https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jcpp.13757", Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry
4Tochukwu Nweze,Tobias Banaschewski, Cyracius Ajaelu,Chukwuemeka Okoye, Michael Ezenwa, Robert Whelan, Dimitri Papadopoulos Orfanos, Arun L.W. Bokde, Sylvane Desrivieres, Antoine Grigis, Hugh Garavan, Penny Gowland, Andreas Heinz,, Rudiger Br uhl, Jean-Luc Martinot, Marie-Laure Paillere Martinot, Eric Artiges,Frauke Nees,Tomas Paus, Luise Poustka, Sarah Hohmann, Sabina Millenet, Juliane H. Frohner, Michael N. Smolka, Henrik Walter, Gunter Schumann, Jamie L. Hanson, and IMAGEN Consortium. (2023, August), "Trajectories of cortical structures associated with stress across adolescence: a bivariate latent change score approach", Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry
5Ajaelu, C., Nweze, T., Nnedum, T., Regele, M. (2023, January), "Pathological use of methamphetamine and its damage to neurocognitive abilities: An animal model laboratory study", Journal of Brain-Behaviour Health (Jbbh)
6Nweze, T., Ezenwa, M., Ajaelu, C., and Okoye, C. (2023, March), "Childhood mental health difficulties mediate the long-term association between early-life adversity at age 3 and poorer cognitive functioning at ages 11 and 14", Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry
7Nweze, T., Ezenwa, M., Ajaelu, C., Hanson, J.L., and Okoye, C.. (2023, April), "Cognitive variations following exposure to childhood adversity: evidence from a pre-registered, longitudinal study", Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
8Nweze, T., Ezenwa, M., Ajaelu, C., Hanson, J.L., and Okoye, C. (2022, December), "Cognitive variations following exposure to childhood adversity: evidence from a pre-registered, longitudinal study", Unknown Journal or Publisher
9CC. Ajaelu, Eileen Weber. (2019, June), "Psychotherapy and its effectiveness in the treatment of depressive disorders: A replicated study for Nigeria", Journal of Clinical Behavioral Health
10Ucheagwu, V.A., Cyriacus Ajaelu, Okoli, P.C., Ossai, J., Ofojebe, P.C, et al. (2019. (2019, January), "Roles of demographics, anthropometric and metabolic syndrome on cognition among mid adults from rural population in Nigeria. Ann Alzheimers Dement Care", Unknown Journal or Publisher
11Ucheagwu, V.A., Ajaelu, C., Okoli, P.C., Ossai, J., Ofojebe, P.C. (2019, May), "Roles of demographics, anthropometric and metabolic syndrome on cognition among mid adults from rural population in Nigeria", Ann Alzheimers Dement Care
12Ajaelu, CC. Ajaelu & Weber, E. (2019, August), "Psychotherapy and its effectiveness in the treatment of depressive disorders: Replicated study for Nigeria", Journal of Brain-Behaviour Health (Jbbh
13Ajaelu, C.C.. (2018, September), "Understanding human behavioural problems from personality perspectives", Unknown Journal or Publisher
14C.C Ajaelu. (2018, October), "The Impact of Nature/Nurture on Human Intelligence.", Unknown Journal or Publisher
15CC. Ajaelu; RJ Ackerman, M Marks-Frey, CE James. (2018, October), "Biogenetic and environmental factors in mental health and mental disorders", Capella Human Issues
16Ajaelu, CC.. (2018, October), "Personality Theories linked to mental health issues", Journal of Clinical Behavioral Health
17CC. Ajaelu, David Walker, Adesuwa AtalorA. (2018, November), "he effectiveness of psychotherapy: Assessing evidence-based practice in treatment of psychiatric patients", Unknown Journal or Publisher
18Ajaelu, CC., Walker, D., Atalor, A. (2018, March), "The effectiveness of psychotherapy: Assessing evidence based practice in treatment of psychiatric patients", Journal of Clinical Behavioral Health
19Dominic EmpiricalOkoli, P., Nnedum, T., Obiajulu, A.U., Ezeokana, J.O., Ajaelu, C., Okoye, C.A.F, Emma Echiegu, N.B.U Examination of the Roles of Self-Efficacy, Sex and Age on Manifestation of Anxiety among Catholic Vocational Workers. (2018, July), "Dominic Empirical Examination of the Roles of Self-Efficacy, Sex and Age on Manifestation of Anxiety among Catholic Vocational Workers", AP
20Ajaelu, C.C.. (2018, September), "Dopamine Hypothesis and the Multiple phases of Schizophrenia: A Misdiagnosis that leads to Mistreatment", Journal of Clinical Behavioral Health
21Paul Chibuike Okoli, Obiajulu Anthony Nnedum, Jude Obinna Ezeokana, Cyriacus Ajaelo, Benard Chukwukelue Chine, Nobert Chijioke Abah, Daniel Junior Chukwura, Nnamdi Emmanuel Mbanugo, Bridget Nkechinyere Emma-Echiegu. (2017, February), "Empirical Analysis of Psychophsiological Symptoms of Stress and Burnout on Career and Vocational Workers", Nnadiebube Journal of Education in Nigeria
22Ajaelu, CC. (2017, April), "Quality of Life and Burden of Disease among People with Epilepsy", Unknown Journal or Publisher
23Ajaelu, CC.. (2017, April), "Brain as the source of human behaviour", Journal of Brain-Behaviour Health (Jbbh)
24Ajaelu, CC.. (2017, April), "The Brain-behaviour hypothesis", Journal of Brain-Behaviour Health (Jbbh)
25Ajaelu, C.C., Onyemaech, C.I., and Atalor, A.L.. (2017, February), "Quality of life and burden of diseases among epileptic children in Nigeria: A search for effective neuropsychological intervention models.", Journal of Brain-Behaviour Health (Jbbh)
26Ajaelu, C.C.. (2016, October), "Psychology Laboratory Science in Nigerian Universities: Going up or going down?", Journal of Clinical Psychology Behavioural Health
27Ajaelu, C.C.. (2016, October), "The Phantom of Applied Psychology in African: Part One", Unknown Journal or Publisher
28Ajaelu, CC. (2016, January), "Mental health in Africa: A neglected line of defence has become a source of defect Part II", . Journal of Clinical Behavioral Health
29Ajaelu, CC.. (2016, October), "Psychology Laboratory Science in Nigerian Universities: Going up or going down?", Journal of Clinical Behavioral Health
30C.C Ajaelu. (2014, September), "The Dopamine Hypothesis and the Multiple phases of Schizophrenia", Journal of Clinical Behavioral Health
31Ajaelu, CC. (2012, January), "Is “Organized Religion” Equal to or Greater than Madness? - A New Look at terrorism in Nigeria", mhi journals and conferences
32Ajaelu, CC.. (2011, December), "Understanding human behavioral problems from personality perspectives", Journal of Clinical Behavioral Health
33C.C. Ajaelu. (2010, July), "Personality Theories linked to mental health issues", Unknown Journal or Publisher
34Ajaelu, CC. (2010, October), "Mental Health in Africa: The Neglected Line-of-Defense Becomes the Cause of Poor Development in Africa.", Journal of Clinical Behavioral Health
35Ajaelu, C.C.. (2010, October), "Mental Health in Africa: The Neglected Line-of-Defense Becomes the Cause of Poor Development in Africa", Unknown Journal or Publisher
36Ajaelu, C.. (2010, July), "Personality theories linked to mental health issues: Personality & Mental health", Journal of Clinical Behavioral Health
37Ajaelu, C.C.. (2010, June), "Heredity and Vulnerability in Predicting Schizophrenic Causations: A biobehavioral Approach", Biobehavioral Health Report (Bbh-R)
38Ajaelu, CC.. (2009, October), "So Many Troubled Children, So Little Time, and So Many in the Prison", Journal of Brain-Behaviour Health (Jbbh)
39Ajaelu, C.C.. (2009, October), "So Many Troubled Children, So Little Time, and So Many in the Prison: A Neuropsychological Inquiry", Journal of Brain-Behaviour Health (Jbbh)
40Ajaelu, CC. (2008, May), "The Essence of Regulated Behavior: Ethical & legal dilemma as professional issuesin global mental health initiatives", Journal of Clinical Behavioral Health
41Ajaelu, CC.. (2008, October), "The Activities of D2 Receptor Genes and Heritability of Schizophrenia: A biopsychoneurogenetic Investigation", Journal of Brain-Behaviour Health (Jbbh)
42Ajaelu, CC.. (2008, October), "The Activities of D2 Receptor Genes and Heritability of Schizophrenia: A biopsychoneurogenetic Investigation", Journal of Brain-Behaviour Health (Jbbh)
43C.C Ajaelu. (2007, January), "Elements of Forensic in Protection of Children against Abuse and Exploitation", Journal of Forensic Behavioral Science
44Ajaelu, CC.. (2007, January), "Elements of Forensic in Protection of Children against Abuse and Exploitation: Parental Responsibility and Child Custody Dispute", Journal of Forensic Behavioral Science
45Ajaelu, C.C.. (2007, October), "The Essence of Regulated Behavior: Ethical & legal dilemma as professional issues in global mental health initiatives", Journal of Clinical Behavioral Health
46Weber E and C. Ajaelu. (2006, June), "The Impact of the right to procure an Abortion in the United States: An appraisal of mental health issues associated with the practiced and the law that protects it", Barry Law Review
47C.C Ajaelu. (2006, July), "Cognitive development and intellectual abilities in humans", Journal of Clinical Behavioral Health
48Ajaelu, CC.. (2006, April), "Mental Health Intervention and Prevention: The Neglected Line of Defense That Becomes the Cause of Defeat", Capella University Health Pilot,Minneapolis
49Ajaelu, C.C.. (2006, September), "Dysfunctional family, child abuse and national instability", Journal of Family Behavioral Health
50Ajaelu, C.C.. (2006, July), "Cognitive development and intellectual abilities in humans", Journal of Family Behavioral Health (JFBH)
51Ajaelu, C. C. and Weber, E. (2006, June), "The Impact of the Right to Procure an Abortion: The continuation could lead to the extinction of human characteristics", Barry University Law Journal
52Ajaelu, CC.. (2005, October), "Killing Just for God or a Mental Disorder? A Diagnostic Criteria for Terrorism in Nigeria", Journal of Forensic Behavioral Science
53Ajaelu, C.C. (2005, April), "The Impact of Nature/Nurture on Human Intelligence.", Journal of Clinical Behavioral Health
54C.C Ajaelu. (2004, July), "BIOGENETICS OF MENTAL DISORDERS", Unknown Journal or Publisher
55C.C Ajaelu. (2004, November), "Heredity and Vulnerability in Predicting Schizophrenic Causations", Unknown Journal or Publisher
56Ajaelu, C.C; Ackerman, R.J., Marks-Frey, M., James, C.E.. (2004, August), "Biogenetic and Environmental factors in mental health and mental disorders 2", 2 Capella University Health Pilot
57Ajaelu, CC.. (2004, December), "Biogenetic of mental disorders", Journal of Brain-Behaviour Health (Jbbh)
58Ajaelu, CC.. (2004, June), "Nigeria’s Healthcare Predicament: Dying from Preventable and Curable Diseases", Journal of Family Behavioral Health (JFBH)
59CC. Ajaelu; RJ Ackerman, M Marks-Frey, CE James. (2004, December), "Biogenetic and environmental factors in mental health and mental disorders", Journal of Brain-Behavior Health
Conference Papers
1Ajaelu, C.C.. (2023, April), "Psychosomatic Health: Necessity for a Balanced Formation",
2Ajaelu, CC.. (2021, September), "The faithfulness of the lay faithful in times of trails: Stress management in time of insecurity and Covid-19 pandemic",
3Ajaelu, C.C.. (2020, November), "Psychology as a science: A reappraisal of animal model in psychology experimentations",
4Ajaelu, CC.. (2019, April), "Behavioural Interventions for Anger, Irritability, and Aggression in Children and Adolescents: Mental health touches all spheres of human life",
5Ajaelu, C.C.. (2018, July), "Drug abuse and addiction: Demand-reduction perspective",
6Ajaelu, CC.. (2015, February), "The Implications of neuro-connectivity and circadian processes in behavioural health: Arguments for an expanded studies of bio-chemical connections of behaviour and the brain",
7Ajaelu, C.C.. (2015, February), "The Implications of neuro-connectivity and circadian processes in behavioural health: Arguments for an expanded studies of bio-chemical connections of behaviour and the brain.",
8Ajaelu, C.C.. (2014, November), "Terminal disease linked to neurocognitive disorders could be the next plight of Africans: Evaluation and treatment of amnesia and dementia in patients with memory impairments",
9Ajaelu, CC.. (2014, March), "Nutrition and Mental Health: Cognitive and behavioural approach to functional family",
10Ajaelu, C.C.. (2014, November), "Terminal disease linked to neurocognitive disorders could be the next plight of Africans: Evaluation and treatment of amnesia and dementia in patients with memory impairments.",
11Ajaelu, CC.. (2014, March), "Nutrition and Mental Health: Cognitive and behavioural approach to functional family.",
12Ajaelu, CC.. (2013, February), "Fundamental principles of mental, emotional and behavioral responses to aggression among psychiatric patients",
13Ajaelu, C.C.. (2013, February), "Fundamental principles of mental, emotional and behavioral responses to aggression among psychiatric patients.",
14Ajaelu, CC.. (2012, June), "Clinical factors that characterize epilepsy and cognitive ability of children: The burden of quality life among children with epilepsy",
15Ajaelu, C.C.. (2011, November), "Animal models of Substance Abuse and Addiction in psychology: Animal Welfare and regulation",
16Ajaelu, CC.. (2011, October), "A mental health counselor as an ethical professional: Bioethical Dilemma in mental health practices and research",
17Ajaelu, CC.. (2011, June), "Behavioural risk factors related to endemic nature of childhood epilepsy: A cognitive assessment",
18Ajaelu, C.C.. (2008, February), "Psychological tests in Seminaries and Institute of Religious Formation: Employing Behavioural Sciences in the Church",
19Ajaelu, C.C.. (2006, November), "Experimental models of stress: Psychological Stress and susceptibility to infectious Diseases.",

Academic Leadership Qualities

Supervisions
1"Effect of stress inoculation and cognitive behaviour therapy on patients diagnosed with angerinduced multiple substance use disorder" (2018). Completed Masters project by Ishienyi Ginikachukwu Jane: Reg #: 2013146007P
2"Visualspatial construction in down syndrome: Comparative effects of token economy and behaviour rehearsal in moderating inattention.”" (2019). Completed Masters project by Orakue, Henry: 2016146021F
3"Effects of interpersonal and cognitive therapies in the management of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder among adolescents in Cross River State" (2019). Completed Masters project by OGON, DIANA ZARUM Reg #: 2013146028F
4"Effectiveness of bender visual motor-gestalt test in diagnosis of visual spatial organization in schizophrenia.”" (2018). Completed Doctorate project by Okoli Paul C, NAUPSY.PhD-2012147005F
5"Effects of Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and Psychoeducation in reduction of psychotic symptoms among schizophrenic patients" (2018). Completed Doctorate project by Ifeacho, Chinwe F, PG/PhD/2013147002P
6"Visualspatial construction in down syndrome: Comparative effects of token economy and behaviour rehearsal in moderating inattention" (2019). Completed Masters project by Orakue, Henry: 2016146021F
7"Effectiveness of bender visual motor-gestalt test in diagnosis of visual spatial organization in schizophrenia" (2018). Completed Doctorate project by Okoli Paul C, -2012147005F
Grants
1Awardee: "Tetfunf Academic Manuscript/Book Development" (October, 2022 to February, 2023). Completed sponsored grant by TetFund
Editorships
1Chief Editor, "International Journals of Psychopathology and Behavioral Health" (June, 2019)
2Editor, "Social Science Research (SSR)" (June, 2018)
Contributions to the University/Society
1Chairman, "Faculty of Social Science Quality Assessment Committee" (April, 2023)
2Member and Chairman subcommittee, "VC Ad Hoc Committee on Unizik/NDLEA Resolution 2022-2024" (February, 2023)
3Chairman and Coordinator, "Departmental Result Officer" (March, 2022 to October, 2023)
4Member, "Departmental Curriculum Committee" (February, 2022 to December, 2023)
5Member, "Departmental Module Vetting Committee" (March, 2020 to August, 2022)
6Chairman, "Faculty Ethics Committee" (February, 2020 to July, 2022)
7Convener, "Department of psychology Laboratory committee on" (July, 2019 to November, 2021)
8member, "Vice Chancellor Committee on Animal Research Committee" (October, 2019 to February, 2023)
9Adviser, "Faculty of Social Science Adviser on ICT" (June, 2019 to October, 2021)
10Chairman, "Faculty Linkage and Endowment Committee" (June, 2019 to August, 2021)
11Member, "NAU Research Animal Ethics Committee (NAU-AREC)" (July, 2019 to March, 2023)
12Chairman, "Faculty Conference Committee" (March, 2019 to July, 2022)
13Chairman, "Faculty Linkage and Endowment Committee" (August, 2019 to August, 2021)
14Member, "Faculty Zik Lecture Series Committee" (August, 2019 to July, 2021)
15Chairman and Coordinator, "Departmental Result Officer" (April, 2018 to December, 2023)
16Chairman, "Faculty ICT" (March, 2017 to September, 2022)
17Chairman, "Global Stress Awareness campaign" (April, 2016 to November, 2018)
18Chairman, "Department of psychology conference committee" (February, 2015 to August, 2015)
19Officer, "vice Chancellor Committee on ICT Unizik" (April, 2015 to November, 2019)
20Founder and Chairman, "American-African Forum" (February, 1999 to July, 2011)

Membership of Professional/Relevant Bodies

1Full Member, "Nigerian Psychological Association, Nigeria" (member since 2015), https://npalagoschapter.com/full-member/#
2Full Member, "Society of Behavioral Medicine, USA" (member since 2014), https://www.sbm.org/
3Full Member, "International Neuropsychological Society" (member since 2013), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3292567/
4Full Member, "American Psychological Association (APA), USA" (member since 2010), https://www.apa.org/#