Research Journal of Psychology

Mindfulness and Self-Rediscovery: Strategies for Reclaiming Happiness in a Materially Rich but Emotionally Challenged Society

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Psychologically wealthy but emotionally deprived societies were the focus of our study with mindfulness and self-discovery regarding happiness. Moreover, to the purpose of the use of these practices for emotional well-being, interviews based on a qualitative approach were carried out with 20 participants. The quantitative analysis revealed how mindfulness, that included meditation and breath awareness supported stress, emotion regulation and focused attention in the present. Self-rediscovery which involved orientation to one’s fundamental self, changed participants’ goal from the external or tangible to internal or lofty, enhancing their overall Levels of life satisfaction. The findings will also underscore the significance of mindfulness and self-search for the upkeep of the emotional health of individuals in today’s’ conspicuous world of consumption. They bring useful tips for improving the state of happiness and mental health into focus.

Impact of AI Dependence on Procrastination among University Students

Maliha Mukhtar, Syeda Sajida Firdos, Iram Zaka, Saira Naeem — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This study investigated the impact of AI dependence on procrastination among university students by contributing to the understanding of over reliance on AI and its outcome as procrastination. The sample of the study was comprised of (N=113) university students, aged between 18 and 35 from various academic disciplines and universities Multan. Cross-sectional, quantitative methods were utilized, along with the convenient sampling technique. Data was collected through google forms. A self-structured demographic sheet along with the two scales was used in this study. Dependence on Artificial Intelligence Scale (DAI) (Morales-García et al., 2024), evaluated the extent of dependence that university students exhibit towards artificial intelligence. The Tuckman Procrastination Scale (TPS) (Tuckman, 1991), measured the level of procrastination among students. Results revealed that AI dependence is positively correlated (r=.241*), and predicts (p=.010*) the procrastination. This overreliance on AI results in higher tendency of procrastination among students. However, no significant difference was found in level of education and area of residence regarding AI dependence and procrastination among university students.

Parenting Styles and Peer Pressure in Relation to Academic Performance Among Adolescents

Salbia Abbas, Adeena Shahzad, Eman Shahid, Ayesha Basharat — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The present study aimed to examine the influence of parenting styles and peer pressure on academic performance among university students. A random sample of 258 students aged 18–26 years was collected from various universities. Participants completed a self-developed demographic sheet, the Perceived Parenting Style Scale (Divya & Manikandan, 2013), and the Peer Pressure Scale Questionnaire Revised (Saini & Singh, 2016). Descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlation, and regression analyses were conducted. The findings indicated a significant weak negative correlation between academic performance (measured by CGPA) and peer pressure (r = -.14, p < .05), while an insignificant negative correlation was observed between academic performance and parenting styles (r = -.016, p > .05). A significant strong positive correlation was found between peer pressure and parenting styles (r = .32, p < .01). Regression analysis revealed that peer pressure significantly predicted academic performance (ß = -.152, p < .05), whereas parenting styles did not significantly predict academic performance (ß = .032, p > .05). The model explained only 2.1% of the variance in academic performance (R² = .021, F(2, 255) = 2.754, p > .01). These findings suggest that peer pressure negatively affects academic performance, albeit weakly, while parenting styles exhibit no substantial relationship with academic performance in this sample. However, peer pressure and parenting styles are significantly correlated, indicating a potential interaction worth exploring in future research. This study highlights the need for further investigation into the complex dynamics between external influences and academic outcomes among university students.

Contrasting Climate Change Strategies: The Political and Psychological Perspectives of Trump and Biden's Approaches

Mehreen Yaseen, Shehzeb Ashraf, Iqra zafar, M. Muzammil Saeed — Sat, 04 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The climate change strategy of former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden can be compared and assessed by both political and psychological outcomes. During the years under Trump, climate policies involved a persistent denial and repudiation of most mainstream climate science, in which significant efforts were implemented for rolling back environmental laws and regulations, withdrawal of Paris Agreement, and mainly advocating fossil fuel industries. Increased doubt and skepticism about the severity of climate change in the United States and throughout the world resulted from these programs' intense political controversy and broad criticism from environmentalists and foreign leaders. By re-entering the Paris Agreement, pledging to meet aggressive renewable energy targets, and positioning climate action as a public health necessity, Biden's government, on the other hand, has made climate change a top priority. It will describe how Trump's denial and deregulation of climate policy have filled the environment with anger, powerlessness, and fear for environmentalists and the general public. However, Biden's more expansive and assertive climate plan generates a sense of urgency, responsibility, and hope among environmental activists and young Americans. This study explores the influence of leaders on public opinion about climate change, thereby taking the psychological approach regarding climate action from global to local political issue. This paper analyzes what follows from the difference between encouragement and discouragement of the government from promoting group work toward solving climate issues by affecting public trust and participation in policy processes. This research also identifies the connection between social forces and prevailing trends of change.

Experiences of Postpartum Depression in Pakistan: A Phenomenological Study

Mariyum Amjad, Dr Asma Majeed, Komal Imran — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This current study was conducted to explore the experiences of postpartum depression in Pakistan. This is not a novel phenomenon in Pakistan; however, the societal norms and taboos have stigmatized it. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore what women in Pakistan go through while dealing with postpartum depression. Previous researches in Pakistan have not been sufficient enough to highlight the postpartum women's experiences, thus, rationalizing the need for this study. Adopting a qualitative approach, the study consisted of six participants (women residing in Lahore) who had experienced postpartum depression. The participants belonged to diverse backgrounds and with the help of in-depth semi-structured interviews, their experiences were collected. After a thorough thematic analysis, seven major themes emerged. The findings of the study shed light on the sufferings of women experiencing PPD, how their psychological, physical, and social well-being was compromised and how they managed it while overcoming the stigma of mental disorders in a country like Pakistan.

The Role of Faith-Based Coping Mechanisms in Enhancing Mental Resilience: A Study Among Muslim Students

Shehar Bano, Waqeem Akram, Umm E Habiba, Hafsa Arshad — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Students’ mental health issues have received a lot of attention around the world. In this respect, religious beliefs, especially from students of the Islamic faith have benefits in boosting the ability to cope with stress and other mental conditions. More information about how Islam helps with mental health is explained in this article such as praying, reciting the Quran, having family and friends, and relying on Allah (Tawakkul). Most of the findings provide support for the use of faith-based models in psychological therapies, especially in the formulation of an integrated package of care for psychologists’ clients. In this research, the scholars intend to explore how Salah, (prayers) and reading the Quran improve mental health among students. An exploratory cross-sectional survey research design using both quantitative and qualitative data was employed to analyze the effects on stress coping and mental health of these religious practices. Questions posed to the participants included the number of times they performed Salah, reading of the Quran, and other religious-related activities used to address stress. It also examined practitioners’ endowed impressions of how efficacious such practices are for fostering psychological fortitude and incorporated queries regarding the way faith may facilitate overcoming mental illness in the Self-Reflexive portion. The study hypothesized was that religious practices such as Salah, and Quranic recitation improve the psychological well-being of Muslim students. The survey asked participants to rate these practices on the scale and free comments indicated how faith helps people cope with emotions, stress, and other challenges. As the results pointed their finger to the positive relationship between increased regular religious attendance on stress-related coping, the present findings are consistent with the other research evidencing the salutary effects of spirituality on mental health. It emerged that faith-based practices enable Muslim students to persevere in issues aching their academic or social lives. However, participants also expressed difficulties in sustaining such practice during certain periods, for example, time pressure or limited resources. The work indicates that the adaptation of religion-based values into university counseling services may be helpful in addressing the psychological needs of Muslim students. In addition, the current study urges subsequent studies to look at the part that Imams, Chaplains, and self-help groups can jointly play in improving the psychological well-being of Muslim students. I can safely assume that by incorporating religious concepts into models of support for mental health, universities may adapt better to the currently diverse student rolls.

An Examination of the Effects of Frugal (simple) Innovation Environmental and Economic Performance of SMEs

Dr Javed Meraj, Jamal Shah, Adul Qadeer, Salman Khan — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200

In this research, simple innovation and small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)s’ environmental and financial performance are under analysis. Simple innovation, characterized by resource-efficient and cost-effective approaches, is examined for its role in fostering sustainable solutions and enhancing business outcomes. The research highlights how SMEs adopting simple innovation minimize ecological footprints through optimized resource use and waste reduction while achieving cost savings and increased market competitiveness. The findings reveal a dual effect: simple innovation significantly benefits environmental performance but presents complexities in its financial outcomes, moderated by organizational proactivity. The results underline the strategic importance of simple innovation for addressing global challenges such as resource scarcity and economic inequality, offering a pathway for sustainable growth in both emerging and developed markets. This study provides actionable insights for SMEs and policymakers, emphasizing the need to integrate simple innovation into business strategies. Future research should explore sector-specific applications and long-term implications to maximize its potential.

Impact of Cognitive Behavior Coping Skills on Relapse Prevention in Individuals with Methamphetamine Use Disorder

Iftikhar Ahmad, Dr Farhana Kazmi, Dr. Sher Dil — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Methamphetamine use has spread throughout the world, needing a thorough assessment of the efficacy of different therapeutic approaches. The effectiveness of cognitive behavior coping skills in preventing relapses in methamphetamine addicts was assessed in this study. People with methamphetamine dependence at addiction treatment and rehabilitation facilities in Pakistan participated in a randomized controlled trial. The study hypotheses were evaluated using four questionnaires. A total of 60 participants were split into two groups: 30 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group. Relapse rates were significantly lower in the treatment group. In order to help people manage methamphetamine cravings as a chronic stressor that threatens recovery from substance use disorder, these findings highlight the significance of cognitive-behavioral coping skills in promoting positive emotions. which could be crucial in assisting people in controlling methamphetamine cravings, a persistent stressor that jeopardizes substance use disorder recovery. Significant changes were found to originate within subjects, according to the results of the Repeated Measure ANOVA, which was conducted using SPSS 26. The results indicate significant group differences on the variables of aggression, methamphetamine craving, coping skills, and stimulant relapse risk. The results of this study demonstrated that cognitive behavior coping skills interventions can lower aggression and craving levels as well as the likelihood of relapse in people with methamphetamine use disorder. Cognitive behavior interventions are also recommended as a treatment for improving personnel factors like self-efficacy and quality of life coping. According to the study's findings, providing cognitive behavior coping skills to an experimental group in an inpatient setting was both feasible and successful when compared to standard inpatient treatment. Cognitive behavior coping skills (CBCS) were found to be effective in preventing relapses in methamphetamine-dependent individuals. This study will further our understanding of CBCS as an evidence-based intervention for substance use disorders.

Nutritional Factors Influencing Preterm Birth Risks and Fetal Development

Aziz un Nabi, Atta Ullah, Jaweria Gul, Umm-e-Kulsoom, Muhammad Siab, Abdullah — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Background: Defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, preterm birth (PB) still presents a serious worldwide health issue that greatly increases newborn morbidity and mortality. Objectives: To look at how preterm birth risks and fetal development might be affected by mother food choices, coffee intake and systematic impediments. Methods: Involving 400 women, a cross-sectional study was carried out in the Malakand area between March and July 2020. Data were gathered by means of standardized questionnaires sent to individuals and healthcare professionals. Important factors examined were mother caffeine intake, knowledge of dietary guidelines and socioeconomic constraints. Results: Of the participants, 33% suffered with PB; 75% of these women drank more than five cups of coffee daily, compared to 10.1% in full-term cases (p = 0.001). Of PB patients, 76.8% cut caffeine intake post-delivery; in contrast, 100% of high-caffeine consumers in full-term cases cut intake during pregnancy. Lack of awareness about nutrition (68%, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Preterm birth risks are greatly influenced by excessive caffeine use as well as by systematic obstacles including financial restrictions and lack of dietary support. Improving pregnancy results depends mostly on proactive dietary interventions, nutritional education and culturally responsive support networks.

Integration of Alternate Dispute Resolution as a Complement to the Traditional Court System in Pakistan

Shakaib Aleem Arshad, Dr. Hafiz Abdul Rehman Saleem — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This article aims to examine the possibility of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in Pakistan replacing the country's established legal system. The main objective of the study is to assess the applicability of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the Pakistani legal framework, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of this approach, and compared it to the traditional court system. Like the judicial system of many other countries, Pakistan's judicial system is plagued by serious problems such as backlogs, delays, high costs, and limited access to justice. However, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and conciliation, have attracted attention because they offer a faster, more affordable, and more flexible way to resolve disputes than traditional dispute settlement system. The study begins with a description of the components and challenges of Pakistan's legal system, and then delves into the concept of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and its different models. It examines the context of the development and integration of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) into the legal system of Pakistan. The purpose of this evaluation is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each strategy and to determine whether ADR is an appropriate alternative to resolving the conflict in Pakistan. To provide in-depth knowledge, the study also examines the relevant laws in Pakistan and best practices for the United States, the United Kingdom, and India to improve alternative dispute resolution (ADR) system. The outcomes of this research will contribute to the existing knowledge on ADR in Pakistan, offering practical insights for policymakers and legal professionals. Moreover, it will emphasize ADR's potential to relieve pressure on the court system, lower litigation costs, expedite case resolution, and enhance access to justice for various sectors of society.

Identifying and Supporting Approaches in Pakistani Schools to Address Learning Disabilities

Muhammad Adil, Abdul Rehman, Natalia Shabbir, Kalsoom Mahsud, Shafaq Safdar — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Learning disabilities (LD) have profound negative impact on students’ academic achievement and development but again LD is either unrecognized or under addressed in school in Pakistan. In this quantitative research, the methods and practices that help learners with LD in the Pakistani schools are determined with the main purpose of solving the problem. The total sample comprised two hundred participants, teachers, and school administrators who were administered structured questionnaires for assessing LD awareness, intervention, and institutional support measures for students with LD. Therefore, the quantitative analysis of congruency and in congruency of knowledge with educators and access to specialized resources indicate a moderate level of awareness. The results point to a require for specific teacher professional development, changes at a policy level, coupled with the inclusion and implementation of scientifically based instruction to effectively address learning of students with LD. The current study offers practical implications to the policy makers and educators in order to deal with the barriers of learning disabilities in Pakistani context.

Impact of Social Media Influencers on Purchase Intention

Linta Khan, Javaria Asim — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200

With an emphasis on the moderating function of source legitimacy, this study investigates how social media influencers affect customers' purchase intentions. Influencers on social media have grown to be important figures in influencing consumer behavior, especially among younger audience, Gen Z. This study investigates how influencer-generated content influences customers' attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms, resulting in higher purchase intentions. It does this by drawing Source Credibility Theory. According to the study, as compared to influencers with lesser credibility, individuals with higher credibility greatly increase consumers' trust and have a beneficial effect on their buy intentions.

Relationship between Death Anxiety and Resilience among Myocardial Infarction Patients: Moderated By Social Support

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The current research aimed to assess the relationship between death anxiety and resilience among myocardial infarction patients, moderated by social support, and to find out the difference of death anxiety, resilience, and social support about the demographic variables (gender, age, qualification, marital status and number of heart attacks). A sample of 300 patients from different hospitals (CMH, AIMS, Cardiac hospital & AMI)in Muzaffarabad was taken. Death Anxiety Scale (DAS), Nicholson McBride Resilience Questionnaire (NMRQ), and Social Support Questionnaire- Shortened Version were used. Total 45items of questionnaires were given to the participants from different hospitals of Muzaffarabad. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software version 21, using the analysis of correlation, regression, moderation, t-test, and ANOVA. Correlation yielded that there is no significant relationship between death anxiety and resilience among MI patients. Social support plays the role of moderator in the relationship between death anxiety and resilience. Statistical analysis has shown that there exists no significant difference in levels of death anxiety and resilience of MI patients based on age, gender, qualification, family income, and number of heart attacks. Marital status has a significant impact on death anxiety but not on the resilience of these patients. Our research shows that the study of these demographics has a significant impact on the level of social support. A significant difference was noted in values of social support based on gender, qualification, and number of heart attacks. The study can provide insight that could guide interventions and support for those dealing with death anxiety and the vital role of social support.

Impact of Negative Decisions on Mental Health among College and University Students

Nayab Islam, Saira Majid, Muhammad Abdullah, Malaika Younas, Atif Rasool — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The purpose of the study is to explore the intricate relationship between negative decisions and the mental health of college and university students. The correlation research design will be used for this study. The sample of the study will comprise N=300, evenly distributed between men (n=150) and women (n=150) in a university setting that will be selected ensuring the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were selected through random sampling. The decision-making questionnaire (DMQ) was developed by Paul T. Coster (1998) and consists of 21 items, General health questionnaire (GHQ) was developed by David Goldberg (1994), and consisted of items 12. The finding aims to uncover the impact of negative experiences affects same as males and females. It is hypothesized that there will be a significant relationship between negative decision-making and mental health. Or there is a significant positive relationship between bad experiences or mental health among university or college students. The findings have significant implications for institutions to prioritize the students’ decision-making strategies or create a supportive environment to enhance their well-being to test these hypotheses Pearson moment correlation or t-test will measure Data will analyzed using the SPSS 20.0 version.

Inclusive Leadership and Emotional Intelligence: Strategies to Address Grapevine Communication in Private HEIs

Dr. Mehtab Begum Siddiqui, Dr. Maria Shaikh, Dr. Erum Shah, Usayd Jamil Qureshi — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The study investigates how leaders' emotional intelligence reduces negative workplace communication flows at private universities located in Sindh province, Pakistan. This study investigates the moderating impact of inclusive leadership style among these findings. The research gathered data from 243 participants through snowball sampling before measuring these results on a 5-point Likert-type scale. The research team used Structural Equation Modeling with Smart PLS to examine the proposed model relationships. Results show that leaders with emotional intelligence display lower grapevine communication which becomes more pronounced when they demonstrate an inclusive style of leadership. The study brings important findings which help higher education institutions use emotional intelligence and inclusive leadership practices to develop cohesive and productive workplaces.

Pedagogical, Professional, and Resource Concerns: Understanding Pre-service Teachers' Preparedness for Inclusive Education Implementation

Dr. Yasira Waqar, Dr. Tanzeela Urooj, Dr. Faisal Anis, Dr. Yaar Muhammad — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The focus of this study was to explore the underlying factor structure of pre-service teachers’ concerns related to their implementation of inclusive education. In the Pakistani context, limited research exists on pre-service teachers’ concerns regarding preparedness for inclusive education implementation, while education around the world is gaining increasing prominence in inclusive education. A quantitative approach to data collection was adopted from the pre-service teachers (N=635) from five Pakistani universities using a thirty-item questionnaire. The dimensionality of teachers’ concerns was examined using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with Oblimin rotation. Bartlett’s test (p < .001) and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure (.938) indicated sampling adequacy. The EFA revealed a three-factor structure explaining 52.77% of the total variance: Pedagogical Preparedness concerns (10 items, variance=18.76%), Professional Efficacy concerns (10 items, variance=17.72%), and Resource and Support Concerns (10 items, variance=16.31%). There was strong internal consistency among all factors (Cronbach’s α .898 to .903). Intercorrelations among factors were extremely low (.009-.072), indicating distinct dimensions. The results suggest that pre-service teachers’ concerns with inclusive education occur along the dimensions of pedagogic skills, competency to deliver inclusive education, pre-service teachers’ professional development needs, and the provision of institutional support. The results of this study give good insights into teacher education programs in Pakistan in terms of targeted interventions in these three areas. The empirically validated factor structure of the survey provides a framework for the study of concerns among pre-service teachers with respect to the implementation of inclusive education. The relationship of these factors with actual teaching performance and student outcomes in inclusive settings is important for future research.

The Socio-Cultural Architecture of Depression: Integrating Psychological Theories with Cross-Cultural Insights

Muhammad Waqar, Samina Mustafa — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Depression is a widely prevalent mental illness that cannot be reduced by cultural, societal, or even economic statuses of people. Probably for most of the past depression has been viewed from psychological and biomedical perspectives with a center on neurochemical disorders, negative thinking patterns, and lack of understanding of one’s mood. However, there is growing understanding that socio-cultural factors bear a great influence on the development of depression, its manifestation and management. The purpose of this research was to examine the cultural factors in depressive disorders with an assessment of how culture shapes depression with particular reference to social culture, organization, and history and to examine the difference between individualist and collectivist cultures in relation to depression and its treatment aims to capture how different cultures underpin depression. The study was qualitative only in the broad sense of the term since it is cross-cultural, comparative, and based on in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and case studies, which provided ample qualitative information from a range of individuals diagnosed with depression across cultures. Similarly, mental health care professionals in various organizations of different ethnicities were engaged to share culturally appropriate approaches for tackling issues and managing the clients. Content analysis was used in order to compare and contrast the data collected by identifying for patterns, trends and differences of subjects’ experience with regard to symptoms portrayed, the coping strategies utilized and social support they have, and mental health services available to them. The participants completed questionnaires as well as engaged in the semi-structured interviews to compare and contrast their experiences of depression and its treatment in individualistic societies where people do not seek help because the problem is a personal issue to people of collectivism societies where depression is viewed in the context of relationships. In conclusion, this research is intended to provide information for the improvement and development of other non-western modes of intervention for the mental health care in the global level. The study incorporated interviews with people of different cultures, and thus it helps in providing a broader outlook to depression as well as how to enhance mental health in a culturally dominating world. The study aims to advocate for the use of culturally relevant treatment plans especially in the areas of mental health to improve the quality of the overall solutions offered in the globe.