Journal Of Psychology, Health And Social Challenges
The Journal of Psychology, Health, and Social Challenges is a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to exploring the intersection of Psychological, Behavioral, General health, mental health, and Social Sciences issues. It serves as a platform for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to disseminate knowledge and discuss innovative approaches to addressing contemporary challenges in these domains. The journal welcomes contributions from various disciplines, including psychology, Behavioral Sciences, sociology, Social Work, Anthropology, Media Studies, Public Health, Medicine, and Social Sciences (Miscellaneous), fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration.
Beyond the Peaks: Exploring the Socio-Spatial Dynamics of Mountaineering Tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan, renowned as a "Mountain Paradise," hosts three of the world's highest mountain ranges the Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush including five peaks above 8,000 meters, such as K2 (8,611m) and Nanga Parbat. This study explores mountaineering tourism in the region, examining existing facilities, accessibility, and the lived experiences of mountaineers and porters through qualitative research employing phenomenology. Using in-depth semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, the research investigates socio-economic backgrounds, communication methods, economic conditions, transport infrastructure, administrative constraints, and health/rescue services. The findings aim to enhance understanding of mountaineering tourism's challenges and opportunities in Gilgit-Baltistan, offering insights for sustainable development in this high-potential sector.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ali Rehmat, Muhammad Babar Akram, Bahr ul Amin, Tehsin Fatima (Author)
The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom (2006)
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Talha (Author)
Work Stress and Death Anxiety among Police Officers: Moderating Role of Coping Strategies
The current research investigated the influence of occupational stress on death anxiety in police officers of Islamabad, with an emphasis on the moderate role of coping strategies. In addition, the relationship between demographic factors and study variables was studied. 180 police officers, between the age groups of 21 and 60 years, were selected through convenience sampling from Police Station (PS) Aabpara, SP/City Office, PS Kohsar, and PS Margalla. Data were obtained through the Workplace Stress Scale, Death Anxiety Scale, and Coping Scale. Findings showed a significant positive correlation between work stress and death anxiety, with linear regression analysis affirming work stress as a significant predictor variable for death anxiety. Moreover, coping styles were found to act as moderators of this relationship, indicating that good coping can buffer occupational stress's psychological effects. Demographic analysis did not yield any differences in stress or anxiety levels between nuclear and joint families' officers; however, married officers showed significantly greater work stress and death anxiety. The results support the need to implement specific interventions to alleviate occupational stress and augment coping skills to ensure police personnel's mental well-being.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maheen Bibi , Ansa Qurat Ul Ain, Muhammad Bilal (Author)
Gender Stereotypes and Self-efficacy as Determinants of Young Men’s Attitudes toward Working Women
In the current study, the aim was to examine the relationships among gender stereotypes, self-efficacy, and attitudes toward working women among young adult men. For this correlational study, convenience sampling was used to recruit 200 men aged 18 to 35 years (M = 21.27, SD = 2.09) from public-sector universities. First, informed consent was obtained from the participants. Second, they were asked to complete a sociodemographic sheet. Finally, the Gender Role Beliefs Scale (Kerr & Holden, 1996), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (Jerusalem & Schwarzer, 2010), and the Multidimensional Aversion to Women Who Work Scale (Valentine, 2001) were administered. Results revealed that stronger gender stereotypes were associated with more traditional attitudes toward working women, and self-efficacy was negatively related to gender stereotypes and attitudes towards working women. Additionally, gender stereotypes significantly predicted attitudes toward working women. Self-efficacy mediated the relationship between gender stereotypes and attitudes towards working women. Finally, no demographic differences emerged except that the participants in nuclear families reported stronger gender-stereotypical beliefs. The findings stress the need to keenly counter gender bias by gender-sensitization trainings and advancing gender-equitable policies, particularly in workplaces where women remain underrepresented.
Copyright (c) 2025 Faiz Younas, Maria Nawaz, Shazia Qayyum (Author)
Emotional Regulation and Marital Satisfaction among Married Working Men and Women
One of the key psychological factors examined in investigating married people's mental and emotional health is emotion. This inquiry explores the nexus between marital fulfillment and the capacity for emotional self-regulation in the working population. Purposive sampling was used to identify 200 participants,100 males and 100 women, from the Pakistani cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Data were collected using the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (Fowers & Olson, 1993) and the Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (Gross & John, 2003). To test the proposed hypotheses, the study employed a statistical framework comprising Pearson correlation, independent samples t-tests, and regression analysis. The results showed that emotional regulation significantly improves marital satisfaction. Significant differences between genders were also noted, with men demonstrating better emotional control and higher levels of marital satisfaction than women. Additionally, there were no significant differences between government and private sector employees in terms of marital satisfaction or emotional control. To gain a more thorough understanding of its impact on marital satisfaction, future research is urged to look at a broader range of emotional regulation components and related domains.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maham Arshad, Syeda Tafseer Zahra (Author)
Stressful Life Experiences and Mental Well-being in Widows: Moderating Role of Social Support
The purpose of the current study was to explore the effect of stressful life experiences on mental well-being in widows by considering social support as a moderator. The study employed correlational research design. Data were collected from 350 widows with an age range of 21 to 65 years (M = 43.44, SD = 9.34) who had been widowed for at least one year by using the snowball sampling technique. The self-constructed demographic sheet, Stressful Life Experience Scale, Multidimensional Perceived Social Scale, and Mental Health Continuum - Short Form were used for the assessment. The results showed that stressful life experiences and social support have a positive relationship with mental well-being in widows. The finding also revealed that stressful life experiences and social support were significant predictors of mental well-being in widows. Furthermore, support from significant others and family moderated the relationship between stressful life experiences and mental well-being in widows. The present study makes a significant contribution to the field of counselling psychology by focusing particularly on the challenges faced by widows and highlighting the role of social support as a contributing factor to the well-being of widows.
Copyright (c) 2025 Saira Batool, Sumaira Ayub (Author)
The combined effect of Core Self-Evaluation and Mindfulness on Project Success through Career Adaptability
The project demands are continuously and it is the need of time to delve into the success factors from multi-dimensional perspective. The psychological factors of employees are one of the key determinants of project success. This study examines the relationship between employees Core Self-Evaluation and project success through indirect path of career adaptability and mindfulness as a moderator. Based on the conservation of resources theory this study argues that individuals with high CSE are more resilient and adaptable, which buffers their ability to meet the pressing demands of projects execution. Furthermore, mindfulness is proposed a moderator to strengthen this process by helping project employees stay present, emotionally stable, and responsive to situational demands, thereby reinforcing the positive influence of CSE on adaptability and, ultimately, project success. The data was collected from 223 employees working in the project based organizations through time-lagged survey. The data was then analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM). The results support the direct and indirect effect of Core Self-Evaluation on project success through career adoptability. The study also supports the moderating role of mindfulness between Core Self-Evaluation and career adoptability. The study aims to provide theoretical insight into how personal resources like core self-evaluation and mindfulness interact to promote project success through career adaptability, while offering practical implications for developing adaptive and mindful project leaders.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sana Aroos Khattak, Muhammad Irshad, Osama Hayat (Author)
Abandonment Schema and Limerence: Comparisons across Sexual Abuse Severity, Gender, and Relationship Status among Young Adults
The aim of the study was to examine the differences in abandonment schema and limerence across gender, relationship status, and sexual abuse severity among young adults. It was hypothesized that the levels of abandonment schema and limerence would differ by gender and relationship status, and individuals reporting higher sexual abuse severity would exhibit greater abandonment schema and limerence compared to those reporting lower sexual abuse severity. A convenience sampling strategy was used, and the data were collected from young adults (N=332) enrolled in various public and private universities in Lahore, Pakistan. Participants completed a Socio-demographic Questionnaire, Abandonment Core Belief Scale, the Wolf & Lemay Limerence Measure, and the Sexual Abuse Severity Score. Sexual abuse severity scores were dichotomized into low and high severity groups for between-group comparisons. The results indicated that females with severe sexual abuse and those in an uncertain relationship were at higher risk of developing heightened abandonment schema and limerence. Whereas male participants, participants with mild or no abuse history, and those in stable relationships scored lowest on the study variables. The implications of the study emphasize the need for trauma-informed, schema-based interventions to address abandonment schema and limerence within culturally sensitive therapeutic frameworks. Moreover, the results offer valuable insights for clinicians and researchers to understand the intersection of sexual trauma, gender, and relationship status in Pakistani young adults.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Munib Ur Rehman, Prof. Dr. Ivan Suneel (Author)
Analyzing how AI use in project staffing enhances project performance: The role of perceived organizational justice
The objective of this study was to identify if the use of artificial intelligence in project staffing has a bearing on employees’ fairness perceptions and project performance. From an equity theory perspective, this study examines how the use of Artificial Intelligence in project staffing, specifically, recruitment, selection, and appointment of project staff, influences project performance. It further identifies if employees’ perceptions of organizational justice explain this effect of AI-based project staffing on project performance. Based on a quantitative survey-based design and validated measures, results from our sample of 200 respondents confirmed our hypotheses. Specifically, our findings indicated that AI-based recruitment (β=0.61), selection (β=0.52), and appointment (β=0.46), is positively associated with perceptions of organizational justice. Additionally, justice perceptions mediate the relationship between AI-based recruitment (β=0.82), selection (β=0.74), and appointment (β=0.64) and project performance. Our findings show that the use of AI use in recruitment, selection, and appointment is positively associated with project performance by enhancing project staff’s perception of organizational justice. The study holds implications for the success of projects that adopt AI in their HR systems, particularly in their staffing function.
Copyright (c) 2025 Irfan Ali, Sundas Azeem, Muhammad Danial Arshad, Saadat Ali (Author)
Relationship between Coping Strategies and Burnout among Healthcare Professionals: Role of Emotional Intelligence
The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the relationship between coping strategies and burnout among healthcare professionals in Pakistan, with emotional intelligence (EI) measured as a mediating variable. The study employed a convenient sample of healthcare professionals from both public and private hospitals. The Coping Scale, the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test, and the Burnout Assessment Tool were used to collect the data. SPSS was used to conduct statistical analysis. In this regard, Pearson correlation analysis was employed to assess the strength and direction of relationships among variables, and Hayes’ PROCESS macro (Model 4) was applied to test for mediation effects. The findings of the current study demonstrated that adaptive coping strategies were significantly positively correlated with emotional intelligence, and negatively associated with burnout. Moreover, emotional intelligence also showed a strong inverse relationship with burnout. Mediation analysis verified that emotional intelligence partially mediated the relationship between coping strategies and burnout, signifying those individuals having better EI scores tend to effectively translate coping efforts into psychological resilience, thus experiencing reduced symptoms of burnout. The results of moderation analysis shows that the interaction effect of emotional intelligence and gender on burnout was not statistically significant. Practical implications include the incorporation of EI-based workshops in hospital training programs to buffer burnout. Future studies may consider the moderating variables such as job role, city, and nature of job, age, and organizational environment for a more comprehensive understanding of these relationships.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anees Ahmed, Shakir Iqbal, Rabia Batool, Bilal Tahir (Author)
Impact of Emotional Maturity and Resilience on Marital Satisfaction among Married Individuals
The present study was aimed to investigate relationship between emotional maturity, resilience and marital satisfaction among married individuals. This study also aimed at explaining the impact of emotional maturity and resilience on marital satisfaction among married individuals. Data was collected on Emotional Maturity Scale (Singh & Bhargava, 1990), Nicholson McBride Resilience Questionnaire (McBride, 2020), Relationship Assessment Scale (Hendrick, 1988). Sample comprised of 364 married individuals from Rawalpindi and Islamabad age ranging from 25 years and above with mean (M=36.42 years) and standard deviation (SD=5.78 years). Structural validity of instruments was assessed by Confirmatory Factor Analysis and reliability was estimated with Cronbach’s Alpha. All three scales showed good structural validity and reliability indices. The Pearson correlational analysis revealed that when individuals are emotionally mature it will increase resilience and marital satisfaction. The regression analysis was carried out which revealed that both emotional maturity and resilience significantly affect marital satisfaction. It is concluded that emotional maturity and resilience are significant predictors of marital satisfaction. It is recommended that marital satisfaction may be increase directly by addressing emotions and resilience skills of the individuals.
Copyright (c) 2025 Noureen Fatima , Maaz Sultan (Author)
Demographic Features of Epileptic Patient Visiting Tertiary Care Hospital Peshawar
Epilepsy is one of the most common serious brain disorders, affecting over 70 million people worldwide. Epilepsy can affect people of all ages .It occurs most often in two age groups: infants and older adults. Infants are at higher risk due to factors like genetic issues or birth complications, while older adults are more at risk because of conditions like strokes or dementia. Epilepsy is characterized by a range of physical, behavioral, and cognitive manifestations. The signs and symptoms of epilepsy can vary widely from person to person. The aim of this study is to ascertain the demographical characteristics of individuals with epilepsy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the research seeks to analyze the demographic aspects of epilepsy in this population, encompassing age of onset, gender, socioeconomic status, , and literacy. The investigation also intends to explore potential correlations between demographic factors and clinical features among epileptic patients in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The current study was a cross-sectional, descriptive study performed over a duration of 2 months. Using World Health Organization sample size calculator, and assuming the level of significance as 95% with margin of error as 5% and population proportion with seizure disorder as 50%, the resultant sample size was 364. A total of 364 epileptic patients were recruited in our study, 184 were male patient accounting for 50.5% and 180 were female accounting for 49.5% patient. In our study data of 364 epileptic patients according to type of seizures. Highest number of patients were found in >10 to 20 years of age group with n=99, followed by >1 to 5 years of age group with n=67, followed by >5 to 10 years of age group with n=64 and the lowest number of patient were found in >60 years of age group with n=9. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting both male and female but the highest ratio is found in children below the age of 5 years. We have collected data from 364 epileptic patient which shows that there is high percentage of male patients as compared to females as in previous studies which are almost similar to our study.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdul Aziz , Abdul Saboor, Fazal Hadi, Muhammad Sulaiman (Author)
The Psychological Toll of Climate Change in Gilgit-Baltistan
Copyright (c) 2025 Amjad Ali Shah (Author)
Digital Mental Health — Promise and Perils in the Age of Digital Phenotype
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Sabir Zaman (Author)
Translation and Validation of Self-Rating Scale of Self-Criticism
Self-criticism is a critical psychological construct which is directly associated with depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation particularly among adolescents. Adolescents is the critical time period which is marked by intense emotional changes. The current study aimed to translate and validated self-rating scale of self-criticism developed by Hooley et al., (2010) with adolescents 15-18 years of age. The scale was translated using Brislin (1970) back translation method. The data was collected from 300 adolescents. SPSS and AMOS 21 was used to analyze data. Alpha reliability of the scale was found to be .747 which falls within acceptable range (α = .747). CFA supported a single-factor structure with standardized factor loadings ranging from .20 to .83 and good model fit indices for the modified model (χ²/df = 2.11, CFI = .97, GFI = .97, RMSEA = .06). These findings suggest that the Urdu version is a reliable and valid measure of self-criticism in adolescents and can be used in research and clinical settings.
Self-criticism, Adolescents, Scale translation, Reliability, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Urdu
Copyright (c) 2025 Huma Ali, Tanvir Akhtar (Author)
Emotional Labor, Role Overload, and Burnout: Understanding Workplace Struggles of High School Teachers
The current research was carried out to explore emotional labor (EL), role overload (RO), and burnout among high school teachers. It was hypothesized that there is a significant correlation between emotional labor, burnout, and role overload among high school teachers. To study the variables, the Teacher Emotional Labor Strategy Scale (TELSS), Riley’s Role Overload Scale, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were employed, all of which have reliable psychometric properties. A cross-sectional research design with a convenient sampling technique was used for data collection from 150 high school teachers, both male 24 and female 126 with an age range from 22 to 60 years, teaching in Rawalpindi and Islamabad public and private schools. The results of the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation denoted that Emotional Labor and its sub-scales, Surface Acting and Deep Acting, were found to have a significant positive correlation with Role Overload. Emotional Labor was also significantly positively correlated with Burnout and its sub-scales (Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization). Burnout and its sub-scales were found to have a substantial positive correlation with role overload. Emotional exhaustion and surface acting were revealed to be significantly positively correlated. Emotional exhaustion and deep acting did not have a significant correlation, whereas emotional exhaustion and role overload were revealed to be significantly positively correlated. The study will be helpful for educationists and policymakers at the school level to understand Emotional labour, Role overload, and Burnout associated with teachers’ performance and well-being at the workplace.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bismah Azfar, Shanoor Ovais, Zafar Ahmad (Author)
Effects of Negative Psychological Events on Quality of Life: Moderating Role of Social Integration among Patients with Dementia
The current study aimed to explore the relationship between negative psychological events, quality of life and social integration of patients with dementia. Additionally, moderating effect of social integration between negative psychological events and quality of life was also assessed. This study use correlational research design. The sample was collected from different hospitals and the NGOs working for patients with Dementia from Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The Dementia Severity Rating Scale, Impact of Events Scale, WHOQOL-BREF and Social Integration Scale were used in the study. The results show that there is a significant (p < .001) moderating effect of social integration between negative psychological events and quality of life among patients with Dementia. The Regression coefficient, calculated hypothesis, direct and interaction effect of study variables are supporting the hypothesis of the study. The findings indicated that social integration exerted a moderating effect on the relationship between adverse psychological experiences and quality of life among individuals with dementia.
Copyright (c) 2025 , Basharat Hussain, Muhammad Abbas, Syed Mudassar Ali Raza, Dr. Amna Imtiaz (Author)
From Perceived Health Threat to Cyberchondria: The Mediating Role of Health Anxiety, Perceived Information Insufficiency, and Online Health Information Seeking
Present study re-tested the antecedents and mediating factors of cyberchondria explored by Zheng et al. (2021) in Pakistani youth. In first phase, only the pathway from health threat to cyberchondria mediated by health anxiety, sufficiency of information and health information seeking online was evaluated using serial mediation analysis. The study was conducted on 555 young adults, including both genders. Perceived health threat positively predicted health anxiety which further positively predicted insufficiency of information, OHIS and cyberchondria. Information insufficiency also positively predicted OHIS which further positively predicted cyberchondria. Consistent with Zheng et al. (2021), the serial mediation analysis using model 6 of process macro indicated evidence of significant mediation. The direct effect of health threat on cyberchondria was not significant. Among the single mediator paths, only health anxiety showed significant mediation. Significant sequential mediations were found through health anxiety with OHIS, information insufficiency with OHIS and the combined three-mediator pathway. The findings underscore the need to address the key antecedent and mediating factors in the advancement and escalation of cyberchondria.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ayesha Farooq, Iram Fatima (Author)
Impact of Attachment Style on Personal Growth and Academic Motivation among Students
This study explored the relationships among attachment styles, personal growth, and academic motivation in university students. A total of 200 students from Gilgit-Baltistan participated in the research, including 97 males and 103 females. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected through three standardized measures assessing attachment styles, personal growth, and academic motivation. Results revealed that personal growth was positively associated with academic motivation, whereas avoidant and anxious attachment styles were negatively associated with it. Furthermore, personal growth mediated the relationship between attachment styles and academic motivation. These findings highlight the significance of addressing attachment-related difficulties and promoting personal growth to strengthen students’ academic motivation in higher education contexts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Zahida Maryam, Sumbal Tabassum, Muhammad Zakir Zaman, Azmat Ali Shah (Author)
The Predictive Relationship of Trait Emotional Intelligence with Life Satisfaction among Adolescents
Every phase of life of human development brings various challenges and Adolescence is one of them. It is a critical developmental period shaped by cognitive, emotional, and social transitions that significantly affect well-being. Current study investigates the predictive role of trait emotional intelligence (EI) on life satisfaction among adolescents, while also exploring gender differences. A mixed sampling approach was used. A sample of 400 adolescents (aged 10–18 years) completed the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire Short-Form and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Linear regression analysis revealed that trait EI significantly predicted life satisfaction (LS), accounting for 17% of its variance. Female adolescents reported significantly higher levels of both EI and LS than males. These findings contribute to the cross-cultural understanding of adolescent psychological functioning and underscore the need for gender-responsive, emotionally focused educational interventions in low- and middle- income settings. Future research should explore additional mediators and moderators to better understand the complex interplay between emotional traits and well-being across sociocultural contexts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aneela Mushtaq, Dr.Saima Masoom Ali (Author)
The Influence of Stressors on University Students’ Academic Performance: The Mediating Role of Coping Strategies
This study investigates the relationship between stressors and students’ academic achievement while considering the mediating role of coping strategies. The research was conducted at Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with a sample of 389 students selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a self-constructed questionnaire. Regression analysis and Hayes’ (2015) PROCESS macro were employed to test the mediation effect. The findings revealed that coping strategies partially mediate the relationship between stressors and academic achievement. These results highlight the significance of coping mechanisms in reducing stress levels and improving students’ academic outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Asif Minhas, Tahira Rafiq, Malik Mureed Hussain* (Author)
Exploring the Impact of Supervisory Phubbing on Employee Burnout: Mediating Effect of Interpersonal Relationship and Moderating Role of Coworker’s Support
Supervisory phubbing is a counterproductive work behavior which is increasing day by day in Pakistan. There are limited studies related to workplace phubbing. This study aims to bridge the gap by investigating the relationship between supervisory phubbing and employee burnout. In this research interpersonal relationship is used as mediator and coworker’s support is used as a moderator. The study was conducted in Pakistan, we have collected data from 316 employees of banks located in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The data was collected using convenience sampling technique. Our results indicates that supervisory phubbing has a positive relationship with employee burnout, supervisory phubbing has a negative relationship with interpersonal relationship, and interpersonal relationship has an inverse relationship with employee burnout. Similarly, interpersonal relationship mediates the relationship between supervisory phubbing and employee burnout. Whereas, coworker’s support does not moderate the relationship between supervisory phubbing and coworker’s support.
Copyright (c) 2025 Najia Iftikhara, Um-e-Rubbab, Saiqa Saddiqa Qureshi (Author)
Women’s Political Empowerment through Local Government in the Patriarchal Society of Pakistan: A Case Study of Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)
This study examines women’s political empowerment through local government institutions in the patriarchal socio-cultural context of District Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Despite constitutional provisions and a quota system that increased women’s representation in local bodies, their meaningful participation and influence remain limited. Using a quantitative research design, primary data were collected through structured questionnaires from educated respondents and interview schedules from uneducated respondents. The study explores the extent of women’s involvement in local governance, the structural and cultural barriers they face, and the role of local government institutions in facilitating or constraining their empowerment. The findings reveal that women’s participation in local politics is largely symbolic, constrained by low educational attainment, limited awareness of governance procedures, patriarchal norms, and minimal decision-making authority. Although reserved seats have enhanced women’s visibility, they have not translated into substantive political empowerment. The study concludes that without structural reforms, continuous civic education, and gender-sensitive institutional support, women’s political empowerment in District Bannu will remain largely superficial.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rafeed Ullah Khan, Anwar Alam (Author)
Knowledge and Attitude towards Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), its relation to Cervical Cancer, Screening and Vaccination among young Population of Punjab
Abstract Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection with well-established links to cervical and other cancers. Despite effective vaccines, public awareness and uptake remain low, often hindered by misinformation and cultural barriers. Objectives This study aimed to assess the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward HPV, its association with cancer, and its prevention through vaccination and screening among young adults in Punjab, Pakistan, with a focus on health science students. Method A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 189 participants from health science disciplines using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data were collected on demographics, HPV knowledge (transmission, symptoms, risks), and attitudes toward vaccination. Analysis included descriptive statistics. Results The results revealed a paradox: while general awareness was high—93.1% recognized HPV as a serious health concern and 83.1% identified sexual transmission—critical knowledge gaps were identified. Only 54.5% knew of asymptomatic infection, and merely 22.8% were fully aware of the spectrum of HPV-related cancers. Practical knowledge was severely lacking; 63% were unaware of Pap smear screening, and only 22.8% knew how to access the vaccine. Although 74.1% trusted the vaccine, only 39.2% were willing to be vaccinated immediately, with 50.8% needing more information. A significant financial barrier was also observed. Conclusion This study highlights a concerning gap between theoretical knowledge and practical preparedness among future healthcare providers in a setting where general sex education is limited. The findings underscore an urgent need for enhanced educational curricula that bridge this gap and comprehensive public health strategies that address informational and financial barriers to improve HPV prevention and vaccine uptake in Pakistan.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hafsa, Fiza Ibrar, Muqaddas Saleem, Mahnoor Jan, Nazim Hussain (Author)
How E-Service Quality Influence Online Shopping Behavior: The Mediating Role of Customer Satisfaction
E-commerce has become a significant research area in psychology and management. This study investigates how E-service quality influences customer online shopping behavior by, focusing on the mediating role of customer satisfaction. Drawing upon the SERVQUAL model, we examine key factors shaping customer satisfaction with online E-services and how customers perceive and evaluate E-service quality across different platforms. Our study hypothesizes a positive relationship between E-service quality and customer online shopping behavior. Using a convenience sampling approach, we collected data from 265 university students. Our findings confirm that e-service quality is positively associated with online customer shopping behavior. Customer satisfaction plays a significant mediating role in this relationship. This study offers valuable insights into the role of online technology in shaping consumer behavior.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sadaf Iqbal, Muqaddas Anwar, Tahir Farid, Syed Rashid Ali (Author)
Jahiliyyah and Racism: An Islamic and a Psychological Hermeneutic
Jahiliyyah refers to the condition of ignorance, the ignorance of Allah’s commands, and racism is the manifestation of jahiliyyah. Racism is one of the most troubling social phenomena, rooted in religious, socio-cultural, educational, and power dynamics, while producing consequences that are physical, social, personal, and psychological. A considerable portion of the global population experiences racism daily in various forms, be it xenophobia, sexism, racial profiling, and religiophobia, each contributing to trauma, alienation, and a diminished sense of belonging. This paper examines racism through an Islamic lens, drawing on scriptural sources and relating their insights to contemporary manifestations of racism, with particular emphasis on its socio-psychological effects. It argues that racism has persisted because it derives nourishment from distorted religious interpretations, entrenched socialisation processes, and parochial conservatism. Using Islamic scripture as its epistemic framework, the study advances a hermeneutic understanding of jāhiliyyah and racism and establishes its nexus toward kufr, shirk, fitna, fisq, and zhulum.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Bakare Najimdeen, Dr. Saima Eman, Dr. Nafees Akhtar (Author)
Dark Tetrad Traits and Their Associations with Work Engagement and Workplace Outcomes: Evidence from University Teachers in Pakistan
This study explores the associations between Dark Tetrad personality traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism) and key workplace outcomes work engagement, counterproductive work behavior, and individual work performance among university teachers in Pakistan. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 350 teachers across government, semi-government, and private institutions and analyzed via SPSS and SmartPLS. Results indicate that Dark Tetrad traits are positively related to counterproductive work behavior and negatively related to both work engagement and individual work performance. Work engagement was negatively associated with counterproductive behavior and positively associated with individual performance. Importantly, work engagement partially mediates these relationships: higher Dark Tetrad traits correspond to lower engagement, which in turn relates to increased counterproductive behaviors and decreased performance. These findings suggest that work engagement serves as a key mechanism through which dark personality traits influence workplace outcomes, highlighting the importance of fostering engagement to mitigate the negative effects of these traits. Given the cross-sectional design, these findings reflect associations rather than causal effects, and further research is needed to clarify underlying mechanisms.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maria Jameel, Dr. Tanvir Akhtar (Author)
Understanding Religious-Based Domestic Violence through a Qualitative Lens: A Study of Married Individuals
Religious-Based Domestic Violence (RBDV) has been investigated for its complex nature among married individuals in Pakistan in this study. The study focuses on aspects such as the psychological effect on the victims, how religious interpretations are used to justify that behavior, and how victims apply various coping mechanisms to face their situation. This qualitative thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with 20 participants, consisting of 12 women and eight men, generates the knowledge of four major themes: religious justification of abuse, internalized spiritual guilt that victims feel, ambivalence or conflicting attitudes toward religious leadership, and the resistance through reinterpretation of faith to challenge abusive narratives. The findings that are outlined here not only show that religion is always good when it comes to seeking comfort and gaining moral orientation, but also emphasize that religion can be easily transformative in operating as a vehicle of validation and continuity of the violence experienced in one's family. The study takes a step further in revealing victims' power, adaptability, and endurance, as well as their resilience, through the reinterpretation and reshaping of religious doctrines that align with their health and wellness. These revelations clearly state the significance of faith-friendly therapy solutions that not only help in religious belief preservation but also provide an environment where abuse can be ameliorated, and the need for religious literacy among the clergy and community leaders should not be undermined if religion is to be used as an excuse for abuse.
Copyright (c) 2025 Iqra Tahir, Noreena Kausar (Author)
Sociodemographic and Clinical Determinants of Quality of Life in Patients with Multi-Morbid Conditions
The present correlational study was conducted to examine the role of socio-demographic and clinical factors determining Quality of life (QoL) of patients with multimorbid conditions. A Sample of 153 patients was collected through purposive sampling technique. Demographic Information Sheet, Clinical Information Sheet and WHO-Brief QoL (WHO, 1994) were administered as assessment tools. Findings of the present research indicated significant negative correlation between gender and physical QoL, positive correlation between education and marital status with physical, environmental, and overall QoL. Family background was negatively correlated with environmental QoL and overall QoL. Monthly family income was positively correlated with psychological QoL and environmental QoL. Clinical factors such as age at HTN, age at DM onset, duration of CHD, MM conditions and physical QoL were significantly correlated. In terms of physical QoL it was found that female patients tend to report poor physical QoL. Moreover, regression analysis showed that education was the only significant predictor of QoL. This study identified sociodemographic and clinical aspects in patients with MM conditions that could be useful in creating treatment plans for patients whose overall QoL or psychological and social aspects are impaired because of their condition.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mafia Rashid, Ayesha Farooq, Dr. Mujeeba Ashraf (Author)
Illness Perception, Psychological Distress and Cognitive Emotion Regulation in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
The present study investigated the relationship between cognitive emotion regulation, illness perception, and psychological distress among women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). In South Asia, particularly Pakistan, the cultural context around PCOS is frequently misinterpreted, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment, and is accompanied by considerable stigma, especially about fertility and physical appearance. These cultural elements have the power to intensify emotional suffering and influence how women perceive sickness in certain ways. A total of 300 women (150 with PCOS and 150 without), aged 18 to 45 years, were recruited through convenience sampling from hospitals and clinics in Haripur, Abbottabad, and Wah Cantt. Participants completed the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and a demographic information sheet. Results from multiple linear regression analysis indicated that cognitive emotion regulation strategies—specifically self-blame, refocus on planning, catastrophizing, and other-blame—positively predicted psychological distress. In contrast, acceptance, positive refocusing, and positive reappraisal negatively predicted symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, illness perception dimensions such as perceived consequences, timeline, and emotional response emerged as positive predictors of distress, whereas treatment control and identity were significant negative predictors. Women with PCOS exhibited significantly higher levels of psychological distress and more negative illness perceptions compared to women without the condition. These findings underscore the importance of addressing maladaptive cognitive and perceptual patterns in psychological interventions for women with PCOS, particularly in culturally relevant healthcare settings.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ambreen Akhtar, Amara Gul, Sajid Mahmood Alvi, Asfand Yar, Kainat Younis (Author)