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ROLE OF NOSOPHOBIA ON ORTHOREXIA 1 NERVOSA AND HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE :A CROSS- SECTIONAL STUDY Obsession with healthy eating has been increased in past few years all across the world. The study explores the relationship between Nosophobia, Orthorexia Nervosa and Health Related Quality of Life . Fear of sickness is influencing individuals to eat healthy only which is affecting their Health related Quality of Life. The participants of the study was adults age range 20-45 years. Convenience sampling from Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Confidentiality of participants was assured. Quantitative research method was used, Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS .Nosophobia acted as a mediator between Orthorexia Nervosa and Health Related Quality of Life. The study highlights that Nosophobia is leading towards Orthorexia Nervosa among adults. The findings of the study is helpful in the field of clinical psychology as it can develop better insight for Nosophobia, Orthorexia nervosa and Health Related Quality of Life. Study can also help for development of better diagnostic tools.
EXPLORING THE ROLE OF KIDS SHOWS ON PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AMONG EARLY SCHOOLERS Children’s media consumption has increased significantly in recent years, particularly through digital platforms such as YouTube Kids. This study explores the psychological and social impact of kids' shows on early school-aged children (3-6 years old), focusing on emotional regulation, social skills, attention span, and self-esteem. Using a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents and Montessori teachers to gain insights into children’s viewing habits and developmental outcomes. Thematic analysis revealed that educational kids' shows can enhance language acquisition, problem-solving abilities, and emotional intelligence, particularly when mediated by parental guidance. However, concerns were raised about excessive screen time leading to reduced attention spans and impaired social interactions. The study highlights the critical role of content selection and parental involvement in maximizing the benefits of kids' media consumption while mitigating potential negative effects. The findings offer valuable insights for parents, educators, and policymakers to promote responsible and developmentally appropriate media use in early childhood. Keywords: children’s media, psychological development, social skills, screen time, YouTube Kids, early childhood development.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CHILDHOOD TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCES AND VULNERABILITY TO SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: ROLE OF EMOTIONAL DYSREGULATION AND FUTURE ORIENTATION The aim of the current research is to investigate the relationships among childhood traumatic experiences and vulnerability to substance abuse with a focus on examining the mediating role of emotional dysregulation and role of future orientation as moderator among university students. There were 400 students in the sample with age between 18 and 25 who were enrolled in various universities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. To measure the study variables, Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire- adapted version (ACE-IQ; WHO, 2018), Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS, Woicik et al., 2009), Emotional Dysregulation Scale- short form (EDS-S; Powers et al., 2015) and Future Orientation Scale (FOS; Steinberg et. al., 2009) were used. The findings indicate a significant relationship between the variables under investigation. Emotional dysregulation turned out to be a significant mediating factor whereas future orientation emerged as the moderator among university students. Findings are consistent with earlier researches and limitations and possible future directions are outlined in the conclusion. This study is of considerable value for professionals, therapists and decision makers. The findings contribute to the growing body of literature on childhood trauma and substance abuse, offering a framework for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies tailored to university students.
Impact of Psychosocial Hazards on Physical and Psychological Wellbeing of Sanitary Workers This study was designed to investigate the impact of psychosocial hazards on physical and psychological wellbeing of sanitary workers. It aimed to examine the associations of abusive supervision, everyday discrimination, and work-family conflict with somatic symptoms, workplace cognitive failure, and aggression. It also investigated the moderating role of resilience and coworkers’ support between psychosocial hazards and outcomes. Moreover, the study explored the group differences on the basis of gender, employment types, and shift work on psychosocial hazards and outcomes. Study was a cross-sectional survey and conducted in two phases. In Phase-I of the study, the identification, clarification, and adaptation of the study measures were carried out in our local context. In order to identify the relevant constructs and related instruments, 40 semi-structured interviews were conducted with sanitary workers. Nine theory driven scales were selected to measure the study’s variables. Seven scales were translated and adapted whereas, the urdu version of two scales were used in the study. Furthermore, following the adaptation of scales, a tryout was conducted in preliminary phase on a sample of 200 participants, to empirically assess the instruments. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted for work-family conflict scale because of the addition of newly generated six items. Results revealed a two-factor solution, indicating distinct but related dimensions. In phase-II prior to proceed for hypothesis testing, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted for all the scales, that ensured the appropriateness of the scales for the study sample. A total sample of 662 sanitary workers, through purposive sampling technique, from municipal corporations and cantonment boards across six Pakistani cities participated in the research. The research findings revealed that abusive supervision, everyday discrimination, and work-family conflict have significant positive relationships with somatic symptoms, workplace This study was designed to investigate the impact of psychosocial hazards on physical and psychological wellbeing of sanitary workers. It aimed to examine the associations of abusive supervision, everyday discrimination, and work-family conflict with somatic symptoms, workplace cognitive failure, and aggression. It also investigated the moderating role of resilience and coworkers’ support between psychosocial hazards and outcomes. Moreover, the study explored the group differences on the basis of gender, employment types, and shift work on psychosocial hazards and outcomes. Study was a cross-sectional survey and conducted in two phases. In Phase-I of the study, the identification, clarification, and adaptation of the study measures were carried out in our local context. In order to identify the relevant constructs and related instruments, 40 semi-structured interviews were conducted with sanitary workers. Nine theory driven scales were selected to measure the study’s variables. Seven scales were translated and adapted whereas, the urdu version of two scales were used in the study. Furthermore, following the adaptation of scales, a tryout was conducted in preliminary phase on a sample of 200 participants, to empirically assess the instruments. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted for work-family conflict scale because of the addition of newly generated six items. Results revealed a two-factor solution, indicating distinct but related dimensions. In phase-II prior to proceed for hypothesis testing, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted for all the scales, that ensured the appropriateness of the scales for the study sample. A total sample of 662 sanitary workers, through purposive sampling technique, from municipal corporations and cantonment boards across six Pakistani cities participated in the research. The research findings revealed that abusive supervision, everyday discrimination, and work-family conflict have significant positive relationships with somatic symptoms, workplace cognitive failure, and aggression. Resilience significantly exacerbated the relationship of psychosocial hazards and workplace cognitive failure, after controlling the impact of negative affectivity. Coworkers’ support also strengthened the relationship between psychosocial hazards and workplace cognitive failure, after controlling the impact of negative affectivity. Group differences based on gender, employment types and shift work were found significant. Findings revealed that female sanitary workers, permanent workers, and double shift workers exhibited significantly higher mean scores on psychosocial hazards and outcomes, as compared to their counterparts. Study has emphasized the unique challenges and health related issues of sanitary workers.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERCEIVED ACADEMIC STRESS, PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: ROLE OF PERSONAL AND SOCIAL FACTORS The present study was designed to study the Relationship of perceived academic stress, psychological wellbeing and academic performance among university students along studying some personal factors (resilience, self-efficacy and coping strategies) and social factor (perceived social support). Data was collected from various universities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi following the convenient sampling technique. Total sample of (N=361) students including both men (n = 152) and women (n = 209) with age range of 18 to 30 participated in the study. In this study, perception of academic stress scale (PASS; Bedewey & Gabriel, 2015), psychological wellbeing scale (PWS; Ryff, 2013), brief resilience scale (BRS; Smith et al., 2008), generalized self-efficacy scale (GSES; Schwarzer, 2012), brief cope scale (Carver, 1997) and multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS, Zimet et al., 1988) were used. Academic performance of students is measured through their CGPA’s. The results of the study revealed significant negative but weak relationship between perceived academic stress and psychological wellbeing (r = -.39**) and between perceived academic stress and academic performance (r = -.21**). Also, the study also highlighted that perceived academic stress is significant predictor of both psychological wellbeing and academic performance of students. The findings of the study revealed non-significant moderating effect of personal and social effects in the association between the current study variables. Moreover, mixed result is obtained from the sample of this study regarding the demographic variables i.e. gender, students’ accommodation, schedule of program and employment status. This study highlights that universities should initiate academic stress management programs in order to promote the psychological wellbeing and educational progress of their students. This study encourages collaboration of higher education institutions with mental health professionals to create such resource system that provide support to students in their academic and emotional needs along strengthen their abilities.
Effectiveness of “Mindful Parenting” Program in Reducing Parenting Stress Parenting stress is not only a personal burden but also a profound determinant of the mental health crisis in children and youth, which is showing an upward trend in the contemporary world. This context underscores the need for effective interventions to mitigate the effects of parenting stress and foster healthier families. While a multitude of evidence-based interventions to reduce parenting stress have been established in Western contexts, Pakistan faces a stark scarcity in comparable research and programs. The present study aims to culturally adapt, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of Mindful Parenting (MP) program for Pakistani parents facing parenting stress. MP, an evidence-based intervention underpinned by the cognitive parenting paradigm, has proven its efficacy in reducing parenting stress across multiple cultures and settings. This work represents the first intervention study employing a mindfulness-based program conducted in Pakistan to reduce parenting stress. The present research comprises four studies. Study I was designed to pilot test the Mindful Parenting program in its original form and the outcome measures on a sample of six parents. In light of their feedback, cultural adaptation and translation of the program and outcome measures into Urdu were conducted in Study II by employing the heuristic model developed by Barrera and Castro (2006). Cultural mismatches were identified in the content and structure of MP, while maintaining its core elements. Islamic concepts and teachings, along with cultural elements, were added to the adapted version. A pilot test was conducted for the culturally adapted Urdu version of MP, named Bashaoor Tarbiyat-e-Aulad, and outcome measures. A sample of 10 mothers participated in the study. The results indicated moderate to good reliability across all outcome measures. Based on the mothers' feedback, Bashaoor Tarbiyat-e-Aulad was considered an effective intervention for Pakistani parents combating parenting stress. Study III was designed to test the efficacy of Bashaoor Tarbiyat-e-Aulad in reducing parenting stress and to assess its effects on the well-being of both parents and children. Utilizing a randomized control trial (RCT) with a waitlist control group, 127 mothers (Mean age = 36.56, SD = 6.00) were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=63) and the control conditions (n=64). Pre- and post- intervention scores on outcome measures were taken, with the outcome measures categorized into three domains: parenting, parental wellbeing, and child emotional and behavioral problems. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were conducted to evaluate between-group and within- group changes, as well as interaction effects. Effect sizes were calculated for both groups independently. The results showed significant differences in all domains except for the sub- domain of marital satisfaction. A significant reduction in parenting stress was found in the intervention group where the mothers also showed a significant increase in parental sense of competence, mindful parenting, self-compassion, couple satisfaction, mental well- being, and mindfulness as compared to those in control group. Similarly, a significant reduction in internalizing and externalizing problems was observed in the children of the intervention group as compared to those of control group, along with a significant increase in prosocial behavior, as reported by the mothers in intervention group. Study IV was designed to gather detailed feedback about the contents, delivery and effects of Bashaoor Tarbiyat-e-Aulad and give a booster session to the mothers. The study provides preliminary evidence supporting the effectiveness of Bashaoor Tarbiyat-e-Aulad for Pakistani parents. Despite its limitations, the results of this study are promising and suggest that Bashaoor Tarbiyat-e-Aulad is an effective intervention for reducing parenting stress and promoting both parental and child well-being, even when implemented in diverse contexts and settings. The implications of this study are discussed in relation to the implementation of the program for other relevant populations of parents and children, either as a standalone intervention or in combination with behavioral parenting programs to maximize its benefits for fostering a healthy and thriving society.
PSYCHO-SOCIAL IMPACTS AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG COUPLES WITH INFERTILITY: A QUALITATIVE STUDY Infertility is a multifaceted condition that exerts profound psycho-social effects on individuals and couples, particularly in societies where childbearing is culturally tied to identity, status, and marital stability. This qualitative study explores the psychological and social impacts of infertility, with a focus on couples in Pakistan, and examines the coping strategies they employ to navigate the emotional and relational challenges it presents. Utilizing in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, the research reveals that infertility contributes to elevated levels of stress, anxiety, depression, social isolation, and marital strain, disproportionately affecting women due to entrenched gender norms and societal expectations. Participants reported experiencing stigma, emotional distress, and pressure from extended families and communities. Coping mechanisms ranged from meaning-focused and emotion-focused strategies to reliance on social and spiritual support. The findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive psychological interventions and support systems that address the holistic needs of infertile couples. This study contributes to the growing body of literature advocating for integrated psychosocial and medical approaches in infertility care, especially in patriarchal and collectivist societies like Pakistan.
REMEMBRANCE OF PARENTAL ACCEPTANCE-REJECTION AND RELATIONAL WELLBEING IN MARRIED ADULTS: ROLE OF RELATIONSHIP ATTRIBUTES This study examined how remembrance of parental acceptance-rejection influences the relational wellbeing of married adults, with adult attachment, self-disclosure, and display of affection as mediators, and physical attractiveness as a moderator. Based on Parental Acceptance-Rejection Theory and Attachment Theory, this study draws on a data from 300 married adults aged 22–45 years (56.3% male, 43.7% female), residing in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, selected through purposive convenience sampling. Participants completed Urdu-translated, Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire (Rohner, 2005), Revised Adult Attachment Scale (Collins, 1996), Self-Disclosure Index (Miller et al., 1983), Public and Private Romantic Display of Affection Scale (Kocur et al., 2022), Physical Attraction subscale of the Interpersonal Attraction Scale (McCroskey & McCain, 1974) and Relationship Assessment Scale (Hendrick,1988) along with demographic sheet. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Python. Parental warmth positively influenced relational wellbeing directly (father) and indirectly via attachment styles alone and sequentially through attachment styles and self- disclosure. Conversely, parental rejection reduced relational wellbeing indirectly via attachment styles alone and sequentially through attachment styles and self-disclosure, with mother rejection also showing a direct negative link and father rejection influencing via self-disclosure. Notably, physical attractiveness moderated the relationship between display of affection and relational wellbeing. Demographic and marital variables also played a role, moderating the link between mediator (display of affection) and relational wellbeing, and group differences observed by gender and type of marriage. The study has theoretical contributions by integrating relational mechanisms and offers practical implications for clinicians, counselors, and relationship educators aiming to strengthen relational wellbeing among couples. Keywords: Parental acceptance-rejection, adult attachment, self-disclosure, display of affection, relational wellbeing, married adults
COGNITIVE DISENGAGEMENT SYNDROME AND PSYCHOSOCIAL FUNCTIONING OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISTIC SYMPTOMS: ROLE OF PARENTING STYLES The present study was designed to explore cognitive disengagement syndrome in relation with psychosocial functioning of children having autistic symptoms with a particular focus on the influence of different parenting styles (authoritarian, authoritative, permissive and uninvolved). The study was conducted into two phases. The first phase comprised two stages: Stage I was translation of the study scales into Urdu language and Stage II was pilot study aimed at establishing the psychometric properties of the study scales. Second phase was main study focusing the hypotheses testing on a sample of parents (N= 180) of autistic children including 84 boys and 96 girls aged 6-14 years (M= 10.91, SD=2.88), data were collected from different autism centers of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Following purposive sampling technique, parent report versions of Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome Scale, Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire, Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale, and Parenting Style-Four Factor Questionnaire were used to measure study variables. Findings revealed a significant positive correlation between cognitive disengagement syndrome and psychosocial impairments (**p<001), i.e., family, school-learning, school-behavior, life skills, child self-concept, social activities and risky activities and parenting styles (authoritarian, permissive or uninvolved) (**p<.001). Regression analysis showed that cognitive disengagement syndrome positively predicts psychosocial impairments (**p< .001). Analysis for group differences based on gender indicated that boys exhibit higher degree of cognitive disengagement syndrome symptoms and psychosocial impairments than girls. Moderation analyses further showed that though parenting styles may relate to cognitive disengagement syndrome and psychosocial impairments, they do not act as a moderator in this context. Also, the study highlights the importance of raising awareness among parents through clinical guidance, helping them to understand how their style of interaction affects child’s mental health and social development. Further, Clinicians can improve assessment and intervention strategies for autistic children with cognitive disengagement syndrome by understanding family dynamics, especially parenting styles and child wellbeing.