Negotiating Religious Identity in Pakistani Universities: The Relationship Between Perceived Religious Discrimination and Psychological Safety Among University Students

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between perceived religious discrimination and psychological safety among university students in Pakistan, with a particular emphasis on gender differences. A total of 200 university students, aged 18 to 25 years, were recruited through convenience sampling from universities in Pakistan. Perceived religious discrimination was assessed using the Perceived Religious Discrimination Scale (PDRS), while psychological safety was assessed using an adapted version of Edmondson’s Psychological Safety Scale. The results indicated a significant moderate negative correlation between perceived religious discrimination and psychological safety, r(198) = −.46, p < .001, suggesting that higher levels of perceived religious discrimination were associated with lower levels of psychological safety. A significant gender difference was also found in perceived religious discrimination, with female students reporting higher levels (M = 24.18, SD = 6.41) than male students (M = 21.72, SD = 6.85), t(198) = 2.31, p = .022. However, the gender difference in psychological safety was not statistically significant. These findings highlight the importance of examining religious identity and experiences of discrimination within university environments, particularly in relation to students’ perceptions of interpersonal and academic safety. The study emphasizes the need for inclusive university policies, respectful intergroup interactions, and supportive campus environments that enable students to participate and express their identities without fear of discrimination. Limitations include convenience sampling, self-reported data, and the cross-sectional correlational design, which prevents causal conclusions. Future research should employ larger and more diverse samples, longitudinal designs, and additional factors such as social support, religious identity, and campus climate.