ISSN: 3078-6428 (Print), 3078-6436 (Online) The Pakistan Journal of Positive Psychology is HEC-recognized (Y category), a leading academic publication dedicated to the exploration and advancement of positive psychology. As a monthly peer-reviewed journal, it provides a platform for researchers, practitioners, and scholars to share their findings on the factors that contribute to human flourishing and well-being.
Center of Mental Health Research, Pakistan
Role of Empathy in Academic Achievement in Academic Setting
Empathy has increasingly been recognized as a vital socio-emotional competence that supports academic achievement by shaping students’ learning experiences and educational environments. This study explores the role of empathy in academic achievement through a qualitative, phenomenological approach, focusing on the lived experiences and perceptions of students and teachers. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns linking empathic interactions with learning outcomes. Findings indicate that empathy contributes to academic achievement primarily through indirect pathways, including enhanced social competence, emotional regulation, motivation, and a strengthened sense of school belonging. Teacher empathy emerged as a particularly influential factor, fostering supportive classroom climates that promote engagement and persistence in learning. While direct relationships between empathy and academic grades were found to be context-dependent, empathy consistently functioned as a foundational resource that enables conditions for sustained academic success. The study underscores the importance of integrating empathy into educational practices and policies, highlighting its role not merely as a moral attribute but as a key socio-emotional facilitator of academic achievement.
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Impact of Part-Time Employment on Anxiety Level of University Students
This study examines the relationship between part-time employment and anxiety levels among university students, with a particular emphasis on gender differences. A total of 80 participants, aged 19 to 25, from the University of Karachi, were recruited through convenience sampling. Anxiety levels were assessed using Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the number of hours worked per week was recorded. The results indicated a significant difference in anxiety levels between female (M = 27.73, SD = 6.24) and male students (M = 22.50, SD = 6.56), with females reporting higher levels of anxiety. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.9985) was found between the number of hours worked and anxiety levels, suggesting that increased work hours are associated with elevated anxiety. These findings support existing literature highlighting the compounded stressors faced by female students, such as societal expectations, caregiving roles, and academic pressures. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions, such as flexible work policies and stress management programs, to help students manage their academic and work responsibilities. Limitations of the study include the use of convenience sampling, self-reported data, and the correlational design, which prevent causal conclusions. Future research should utilize longitudinal designs, larger and more diverse samples, and control for additional variables influencing anxiety levels.
Relationship between Emotional Suppression, Frustration Tolerance and Psychological Distress among Children
Family structure plays a significant role in children’s emotional and psychological development. In recent decades, the rise in single-parent families has increased concern about the emotional well-being of children growing up in such environments. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between emotional suppression, frustration tolerance, and psychological distress among children from single-parent families. A sample of 140 participants was selected from educational institutions in Gujranwala, Pakistan, using a purposive sampling technique. Emotional suppression was measured using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), psychological distress was assessed through the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and frustration tolerance was evaluated using the Low Frustration Tolerance Scale. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and independent sample t-tests were used to analyze the data. Results indicated moderate levels of emotional suppression, frustration tolerance, and psychological distress among participants. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between emotional suppression and frustration tolerance, as well as a significant positive relationship between frustration tolerance and psychological distress. However, emotional suppression showed a weak and non-significant association with psychological distress. Gender comparisons indicated that females reported slightly higher scores on emotional suppression, frustration tolerance, and psychological distress than males, though the differences were not statistically significant. The findings highlight the importance of understanding emotional regulation strategies and frustration management among children in single-parent families.
The Relationship Between Social Connectedness and Fear of Intimacy Among Married Individuals in Pakistan
The primary objective of this study was to investigate the associations among emotional intelligence, gratitude and forgiveness in university students. Additionally, the research aimed to examine gender differences and differences in public and private sector universities in social emotional intelligence, gratitude and forgiveness. A sample of 200 participants (i.e., 100 men & 100 women) was selected from various universities using a convenient sampling technique. The study employed a cross-sectional research design and data analysis was conducted using SPSS version-23. The study's outcomes provided strong empirical support, affirming a significant positive correlation between emotional intelligence and gratitude among university students. Furthermore, the results confirmed a significant positive correlation between emotional intelligence and forgiveness, while also indicating a positive and significant relationship between gratitude and forgiveness among university students. The findings additionally revealed no noteworthy disparities in emotional intelligence, gratitude, and forgiveness between male and female students. Similarly, the results suggested the absence of significant differences between students from public and private institutes concerning emotional intelligence, gratitude, and forgiveness.
Investigating the Role of Appearance Schemas & Verbal Commentary on Body Image among the Physically Handicapped
Objectives: The research aimed to shed light on the influence of appearance schemas and verbal commentary on body image among physically handicapped individuals, and also aimed to challenge deep-seated biases and dismantle societal stereotypes targeting individuals with physical handicaps. Methods: In this correlational study, 107 physically handicapped individuals participated. Participants were chosen through convenience sampling from different hospitals in Sialkot and Daska, aged between 18 and 52 years, in 2024. The participants were assessed using the Appearance Schemas Inventory-Revised (Cash & Labarge, 1996; Cash, Melnyk et al., 2004), the Verbal Commentary on Physical Appearance Scale (Sylvia Herbozo & Thompson, 2006), the Body Image State Scale (Thomas et al., 2002), a Demographic form, and a Consent form. Results: Appearance schemas were negatively correlated with verbal commentary and body image. Furthermore, commentary was positively correlated with body image. Linear regression analysis revealed that verbal commentary was a significant predictor of body image. T-test analysis showed that no gender differences were found in appearance schemas, verbal commentary, and body image, but significant differences were found between married and unmarried physically handicapped individuals. ANOVA test showed significant differences in verbal commentary and body image concerning the age of physically handicapped, and significant differences in commentary between employed and unemployed physically handicapped. Discussion: The findings were discussed in the context of previous empirical evidence. Keywords: Physical Appearance, Body Image, Verbal Commentary, Physically Handicapped
The Impact of Pain Catastrophizing on Mental and Physical Health among Patients with Chronic Pain: The Moderating Role of Pain Self-Efficacy
Chronic pain is a multifaceted condition influenced by psychological as well as physiological factors, significantly impairing individuals’ mental and physical health. The present study aimed to examine the impact of pain catastrophizing on mental and physical health among patients with chronic pain, and to investigate the moderating role of pain self-efficacy. A cross-sectional research design was employed, with a sample of 200 chronic pain patients recruited from public and private healthcare settings in Sargodha, Pakistan, using purposive sampling. Standardized instruments, including the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Physical Health Questionnaire (PHQ), Mental Well-Being Scale, and Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), were administered. The findings revealed that pain catastrophizing significantly predicted poorer mental and physical health outcomes. Moreover, pain self-efficacy was found to significantly moderate this relationship, such that higher levels of self-efficacy weakened the negative effects of catastrophizing on health outcomes. These results underscore the importance of targeting maladaptive cognitive patterns and enhancing self-efficacy in psychological interventions for chronic pain management. The study highlights the need for integrated biopsychosocial approaches to improve overall well-being in individuals suffering from chronic pain.
Cognitive Dissonance as a Mediator of Climate Change Attitude: The Moderating Role of Environmental Knowledge
Pakistan is consistently ranked among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, yet public attitudes toward climate change remain inconsistent and, at times, resistant to change. Grounded in cognitive dissonance theory, this study examined cognitive dissonance as a mediator of the relationship between climate change discourse exposure on social media and climate change attitudes, and tested environmental knowledge as a moderator of this process. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 256 Pakistani university students aged 19–26, yielding a final clean sample of 250 after excluding invalid responses. Data were analyzed using SPSS and the Hayes PROCESS macro to test a moderated mediation model. Results showed that discourse exposure was positively associated with cognitive dissonance (b = 0.43, p < .001), which in turn significantly predicted climate change attitudes (b = 0.29, p < .001), supporting a significant indirect effect (ab = 0.13, 95% CI [0.08, 0.20]). Environmental knowledge significantly moderated this mediating pathway (index of moderated mediation = -0.06, 95% CI [-0.11, -0.02]): the indirect effect of discourse exposure on attitudes through dissonance was strongest among students with low environmental knowledge and weakest among those with high environmental knowledge. These findings extend cognitive dissonance theory into a social-media-exposure context within a developing country and suggest that environmental knowledge may buffer attitudes from being driven primarily by the discomfort of conflicting information. Implications for climate communication and environmental education among Pakistani youth are discussed.
Development and Validation of Indigenous Gamophobia Scale for Pakistani Population
An exploratory sequential mixed-methods research design was used to construct a statistically sound tool to measure the extent of Gamophobia in Pakistani adults, as existing scales are based on a Western context and cannot be adopted locally. A six-step process was followed. Firstly, the initial item pool was generated through a focus group discussion, semi-structured interviews, and current literature. Secondly, an expert review was conducted to maintain content validity, resulting in the retention of 22 items. The third step consists of a pilot study and cognitive debriefing to assess item comprehension. A sample of 300 (M= 34.56, SD = 6.97) was selected via purposive sampling from the target population to establish construct validity through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), which produced a three-factor structure with subscales: Interpersonal Vulnerability, Anticipatory Panic, and Existential Dread, resulting in the elimination of 3 more items. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis was conducted to confirm the established factor structure, yielding acceptable results. After that, Psychometric properties were established, in which reliability was established via Cronbach’s alpha, which was .96; convergent and divergent validity were assessed by the Composite Reliability (CR) and Average Variance Extracted (AVE) indices computed via a macro-enabled Validity Master worksheet within the Stats Tools Package (Gaskin & Lim, 2018). Convergent validity was demonstrated across all dimensions, as the CR for all factors exceeded the threshold of .70 (Hair et al., 1997). The AVEs exceeded the .50 cut-off (Fornell & Larcker, 1981), confirming convergent validity.
Financial Stress and Mental Health Outcomes Among Hostel-Dwelling University Students: Buffering Effect of Resilience
Financial strain is a significant concern among university students, as it can negatively affect their mental health and overall functioning. This study aimed to examine the influence of financial pressure on depression and anxiety amongst hostel-residing university students and also find out the moderating role of resilience. For this purpose, the research design adopted was cross-sectional, and 300 university students residing in hostels were selected through purposive sampling to collect data. After obtaining informed consent, information was collected using standardized self-report measures like the APR Financial Stress Scale for financial issues (Heo et al., 2020). The PHQ-9 was used to measure depressive symptoms (Kroenke et al., 2001), anxiety measured by using the GAD-7 (Spitzer et al., 2006), and the BRS for resilience (Smith et al., 2008). The study variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, regression, and moderation analysis using the PROCESS macro (Model-1) to study the relationships among the variables. The outcomes indicated that financial stress positively predicts depression (r = .52, p < .01) and anxiety (r = .43, p < .01). Moderation analysis revealed that resilience did not significantly moderate the relationship between financial stress, depression, and anxiety. So, according to my study, resilience does not buffer the impact of financial stress in the present sample. This investigation showed the direct influence of financial stress on student psychological outcomes and emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to reduce financial stress and promote mental well-being among university students.
Predictors of Psychological Distress among Nurses: The Role of Burnout, Self-Esteem, Resilience, Age and Professional Experience
Psychological distress is a frequently reported occupational health issue among nurses and is linked to suboptimal health, decreased job functioning, and poorer care quality. Although burnout, self-esteem, resilience, and demographic characteristics have individually been associated with psychological distress, limited evidence has examined their relative contribution within a single predictive model, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. To determine whether burnout, self-esteem, resilience, age, and professional experience significantly predict psychological distress among nurses working in a public tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 140 registered nurses employed at the District Headquarters Hospital, Okara, Pakistan. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Pearson correlation analysis examined relationships among study variables, while multiple linear regression identified independent predictors of psychological distress. Statistical significance was established at p < 0.05. The study demonstrated acceptable to excellent internal consistency. Burnout was positively correlated with psychological distress whereas resilience and self-esteem were not significantly correlated with psychological distress. The regression model was statistically significant and explained 42.7% of the variance in psychological distress. The only significant predictor of psychological distress was burnout. Resilience, self-esteem, age, and professional experience were not significant predictors. Burnout was the strongest predictor of psychological distress among nurses, while self-esteem, age, and professional experience were not independently predictive of psychological distress. The results highlight the significance of organizational strategies for minimizing occupational burnout, enhancing nurses' mental health, and fostering a healthier healthcare workforce.
Cognitive Reappraisal as a Mediator of the Relationship between Self-Compassion and Flourishing among Young Adults: In the Perspective of Islamic Psychology
This paper has analyzed the mediating role of cognitive reappraisal in the association between self-compassion and flourishing in young adults which can provide valuable insights into how Islamic psychological principles play an important role in emotional well-being and help young adults to face the challenges of today's world. The goal of this study is also to explore the determinants of flourishing among young adults. For this study, a correlational research design was used. A purposive sampling strategy was employed with the age span of 18-26 years (M= 22.3, SD= 2.3). Demographic form, Self-compassion Scale (Raes et al., 2011), Emotional Regulation Scale (Preece et al, 2020) and Flourishing (Diener, 2009) assessment measures were used for data collection from university students (N= 240). The findings suggested that self-compassion and cognitive reappraisal had a significant positive relationship with flourishing, and both of them were significant predictor of flourishing. Moreover, cognitive reappraisal was significantly mediated by self-compassion and flourishing among young adults. The outcomes of the study are vital for mental health workers, educators, and youth counselors in their interactions with young adults. This paper emphasizes the importance of using Islamic psychology in mental health programs to enhance the mental health of young adults in modern societies, especially in Muslim societies. All of this is focused on the enhancement of quality of life and building resilience for young adults.
Task Complexity Modulates Gender Differences in Reaction Time: An Experimental Study
This study examined gender differences in reaction time (RT) under simple and choice experimental conditions among 100 undergraduate students (49 males, 51 females) recruited via convenience sampling from different areas of Karachi. Using a between-groups experimental design, participants completed either a simple RT task (identifying a single target color among six alternatives) or a choice RT task (selecting any color according to preference), with response latency recorded manually by stopwatch. Independent-samples t-tests revealed no significant difference in RT between the simple and choice conditions. Gender comparisons, however, showed a condition-specific pattern: in the simple condition, females responded significantly faster than males, whereas no significant gender difference emerged in the choice condition. These findings suggest that gender-related differences in RT are not uniform but depend on task demands, with the additional decision-making component of choice tasks appearing to attenuate the gender gap observed under simpler conditions. Methodological limitations and directions for replication are discussed.
Exploring the Lived Psychosocial Experiences of First-Time Mothers with Postpartum Depression: A Qualitative Study
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mood disorder affecting approximately 10–20% of mothers worldwide, with a disproportionately higher burden in low- and middle-income countries. First-time mothers are particularly vulnerable because they face the physical, psychological, and social challenges of transitioning to motherhood for the first time. However, their lived experiences remain insufficiently explored, especially within non-Western contexts such as Pakistan. This qualitative study aimed to explore the psychosocial factors contributing to postpartum depression among first-time mothers. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with seven first-time mothers experiencing postpartum depression. The interviews were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Five superordinate themes emerged from the analysis: the shattered expectations of motherhood, the isolation spiral, partner dynamics as either anchor or burden, the body and mind disconnect, and cultural and familial pressures. The findings reveal that postpartum depression is shaped by the complex interaction of individual, relational, and sociocultural factors. These insights highlight the need for culturally sensitive screening, family-centered interventions, and enhanced psychosocial support to improve maternal mental health during the transition to motherhood.
The Impact of Humor Styles on Perceived Stress Among Young Adults in Pakistan
The current paper analyzed the correlation between humor styles and perceived stress in Pakistani students participating in university education, where academic and social stress is extremely high. The study employed a quantitative and cross-sectional research design in which 350 respondents aged between 16 and 33 years (M = 23.7, SD = 2.9) completed the Humor Styles Questionnaire and the Perceived Stress Scale. Pearson correlation showed that affiliative humor (r = –.39, p < .001) and self-enhancing humor (r = –.39, p < .001) were associated with lower perceived stress. Aggressive humor had a low negative correlation with stress (r = –.18, p = .001), and self-defeating humor showed no significant correlation with perceived stress (r = .04, p = .446). Hierarchical multiple regression showed that affiliative humor (β = –.21, p < .001), self-enhancing humor (β = –.33, p < .001), and self-defeating humor (β = .14, p = .005) significantly predicted perceived stress after demographic factors were statistically controlled. The aggressive humor did not contribute a lot as a predictor in the regression model. This evidence suggests that adaptive humor might be viewed as a defense mechanism, and self-defeating humor might be a factor in stress given the appropriate conditions (controlling other variables). The results propose that humor-based interventions can be effective in campus wellness programs as an economical, culturally intuitively influential intervention in achieving student mental health.
Impact of Infertility Induced Stress on Trust dynamics and Marital Satisfaction Among Female Spouses
Infertility is a highly stressful experience for female, especially in culturally conservative societies such as Pakistan, where motherhood is necessarily linked with a female's identity and social status. The motive of the research is to examine infertility induced stress and its impact on marital satisfaction and trust issues. A cross-sectional research design was used. The research includes total sample of 110 married females aged (20-45) with primary infertility from both urban and rural areas of Pakistan. Standardized measures such as Fertility Problem Inventory, ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale, and Trust Scale were used to measure stress related to infertility, marital satisfaction, and trust issues. Results showed a strong negative relationship between infertility induced stress and marital satisfaction with trust issues being a significant mediator of this relationship. The results showed that trust was a strong predictor of marital satisfaction (β = .27, p < .01), while infertility stress did not emerge as a significant predictor when trust was controlled (β = –.03, p > .05). These findings highlight the role of trust in maintaining marital satisfaction during the psychological turmoil of infertility. The research brings forward the ways in which the emotional strain of infertility exacerbated by societal pressures and internalized stigma can undermine both trust and satisfaction in marital relationships. Contrary to preliminary hypotheses, no notable differences in infertility stress were reported among women from nuclear and joint family structures. These findings underscore the need to incorporate culturally attuned psychological treatment into infertility care, with special attention to strategies for emotional regulation, open communication, and trust building as means of reducing the negative relational consequences suffered by women dealing with infertility.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Panic Attacks among Emerging Adults: A Quasi Experimental Design
The present research goal was to investigate the efficacy of Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (GCBT) in the elimination of panic attacks in emerging adults. Following a thorough literature review, a hypothesis was made that Group CBT would play a major role in reducing the high rate and intensity of panic attacks among university students in comparison with a control group. The study sample included 60 participants, who were further separated into two groups: an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). The participants were young adults aged 18-25 years, and they were recruited in the universities. Panic attack symptoms were measured by using the Panic Disorder Self Report. The Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (GCBT) sessions were applied to the experimental group, whereas the control condition did not have any psychological intervention within the research period. The data were analyzed through statistical tests, descriptive statistics, and independent sample t-tests. The findings revealed that the study participants in the experimental group exhibited a drastic change in the symptoms of panic attacks at the post-test as compared to the control group. The results indicate that Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (GCBT) has the potential of being a good psychological intervention in minimizing panic attacks in emerging adults.
Vanity in Gen_Z: Study of Demographics Differences
The aim of the present study was to examine the differences in vanity among Gen-Z adolescents based on demographic variables. Th sample consisted of Gen-Z adolescents (N = 500) with age ranged from 18 to 30 years, selected from educational institutions in Sargodha through purposive sampling technique. The data were analysed using comparative statistics including t-test and ANOVA. Findings revealed that vanity and its domains including narcissism, validationism and performativity were more reported in the Gen-Z from extended families compared to nuclear families. Validationism and performativity were more reported in girls compared to boys whereas validationism was more reported in urban residents. Performativity was more reported in Instagram users compared to others social platforms. Vanity and its aspects were more reported in Gen-Z with 5-7 hours screen time compared to other durations. There were non- significant mean differences in vanity across birth order groups. Vanity and its aspects were more reported in BS compared to other education level. Finally, vanity and its domains were more reported in age (22-26 years) compared to other age groups. The findings contribute to the understanding of the effect of demographic factors on vanity in Gen-Z.
Pet Attachment Life Impact on Psychological Well-Being of Young Adults
This study investigated how emotional bonds with pets influence the psychological well-being of 300 young adults navigating transitional life stages. Data were collected via online and physical surveys using the Pet Attachment Life Impact Scale (PALS; α=.92) and Ryff’s Psychological Well-being Scale (PWBS; α=.74). Statistical analyses in SPSS—simple linear regression and t-tests—revealed a significant positive impact of pet attachment on overall well-being, specifically boosting self-acceptance, environmental mastery, and positive social connections. The study also identified a gender difference, showing that women exhibit greater pet attachment than men, a difference likely driven by gender-based attitudes toward companion animals. Ultimately, these findings suggest that close relationships with pets foster mental health and emotional resilience in young adults. This highlights the importance of recognizing the human-animal bond as a valuable resource for promoting psychological well-being.
AI Driven Nuclear Decision Making and Strategic Stability in South Asia
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the strategic landscape of international security, particularly in the fields of nuclear deterrence, military decision-making, and strategic stability. As AI-enabled technologies become increasingly integrated into intelligence analysis, early-warning systems, cyber operations, autonomous military platforms, and Nuclear Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (NC3) systems, they are fundamentally reshaping how nuclear-armed states perceive threats, process information, and respond during crises. Although considerable scholarly attention has focused on the implications of AI for major nuclear powers such as the United States, China, and Russia, comparatively little research has examined its impact on South Asia, a region characterized by enduring geopolitical rivalry, unresolved territorial disputes, recurring military crises, and compressed decision-making timelines. This study investigates the implications of AI-driven nuclear decision-making for strategic stability in South Asia by integrating classical deterrence theory with emerging perspectives on algorithmic governance, cyber deterrence, offense–defense dynamics, and human–machine interaction. Using a qualitative research design supported by comparative case analysis, the study evaluates AI's role in nuclear command, control, communications, and intelligence (NC3), autonomous military systems, predictive analytics, cyber-enabled escalation, and crisis decision-making. The findings indicate that AI constitutes a paradoxical strategic capability: while it enhances situational awareness, intelligence processing, and operational efficiency, it also generates significant risks through algorithmic opacity, automation bias, cyber vulnerabilities, and decision compression, thereby increasing the potential for inadvertent escalation. The study concludes that technological superiority alone cannot ensure strategic stability. Instead, preserving stability requires effective AI governance, strengthened cyber resilience, bilateral confidence-building measures, international regulatory cooperation, and the preservation of meaningful human control over nuclear decision-making to minimize the risks of accidental or unintended nuclear escalation in South Asia.
Wisdom, Perceived Stress, and Perceived Social Support as Predictors of Psychological Well-Being among Pensioners
The psychological well-being of older adults has become an important public health concern, particularly in developing countries where retirement is often accompanied by financial, social, and health-related challenges. This study examined the relationships among wisdom, perceived stress, perceived social support, and psychological well-being among Pakistani elderly pensioners and investigated their predictive contributions to psychological well-being. A cross-sectional correlational research design was employed. Data were collected from 132 pensioners (92 males and 40 females) residing in Islamabad and Rawalpindi using the Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and WHO-5 Well-Being Index. Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression, and independent samples t-test were performed. The findings revealed psychological well-being was positively associated with wisdom and negatively associated with perceived stress, whereas perceived social support was not significantly related to psychological well-being. Multiple regression analysis indicated that perceived stress was the only significant independent predictor of psychological well-being after controlling for wisdom and perceived social support. No significant gender differences were observed across the study variables. The findings highlight the central role of perceived stress in shaping psychological well-being among pensioners and underscore the importance of stress management interventions and mental health services in promoting healthy ageing and improving the quality of life of older adults in Pakistan.
The Effect of Parenting Stress on Parent-Child Relationships
Parenting stress is a significant psychological challenge that influences parents' emotional well-being, parenting practices, and the quality of interactions with their children. Elevated stress levels may reduce parental responsiveness, warmth, and effective communication, thereby affecting the overall parent–child relationship. Understanding this association is essential for promoting healthy family functioning and positive child development. This study aimed to examine the effect of parenting stress on parent–child relationships and to determine the extent to which parenting stress predicts the quality of these relationships. A quantitative, correlational research design was employed. Data were collected from 100 parents using standardized self-report questionnaires measuring parenting stress and parent–child relationship quality. Participants were selected through a convenient sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between parenting stress and parent–child relationships. The findings indicated a significant negative relationship between parenting stress and the quality of parent–child relationships. The study concludes that parenting stress poorly affects parent–child relationships. Reducing parenting stress through psychological support, parenting education, stress management programs, and family-based interventions may strengthen parent–child interactions and promote healthier family environments.
Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Intervention for Emotion Dysregulation among Patients with Substance Use Disorder
The present study examined the efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in reducing emotion dysregulation among patients with SUD. A randomized controlled trial with a pre-test and post-test design was conducted at Umeed-e-Shifa Rehabilitation Centre, Bani Gala. Forty male participants aged 20–40 years meeting DSM-5-TR criteria for SUD were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to an experimental group (MBCT + Treatment as Usual [TAU]) and a control group (TAU only). Emotion dysregulation was assessed using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale–18 (DERS-18). Data were analyzed using paired-sample t-test and independent-sample t-tests on gain scores in IBM SPSS Version 27. Results indicated a significant reduction in emotion dysregulation among participants who received MBCT, with mean scores decreasing from pre-test (M = 49.40, SD = 13.38) to post-test (M = 37.30, SD = 8.62), p < .001. Independent sample t-test comparisons showed significantly greater improvement in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < .001). Keywords. Substance Use Disorder, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, emotion dysregulation, rehabilitation
In Digital Era Prevalence and Risk Factors of Computer Vision Syndrome among Students of Punjab, Pakistan
In modern era Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is abruptly increasing healthcare issue in the whole world, especially in educational environments due to extreme utilization of digital devices. This study was performed from January 2026 to February 2026 with total n-1,186 participants, in which females and male were n-673(56.7%) and n-513(43.3%) respectively. Chi-square test and Pearson Correlations were performed by using Jupyter Notebook. In Punjab overall high portion of participants that used digital devices in dark room’s n-489(41.2%) in which female participants were high percentage n-301(44.7%) as compare to the male n-188(36.6%). Use of low screen brightness was prioritized by n-452(38.1%) of respondents, female students preferred to use low brightness n-286(42.5%) as compare to male whose preferred medium or high with percentage of n-192(37.4%), n-155(37.4%) respectively. Female used digital devices for education and productive purposes with high portion of percentage as compare to male as n-296(44.4%), and n-226(44.1%). Students suffer with headache issue after screen use was observed with aggregate prevalence of 68.3% in which females indicated headache incidents more common and high than males with n-484(72.0%) and n-326(63.5%). Most risk factors that causing CVD in students of Punjab use of screen in dark rooms, low brightness, and high usage of screen with no any eye protector. These risk factors are mostly dominant in female as compared to male that are the major causes of weak eyesight’s and headache in female participants.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Reducing Burnout and Enhancing Psychological Well-Being Among Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Review
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been proposed as an intervention for reducing burnout and enhancing psychological well-being among healthcare and mental health professionals, but the consistency and quality of the supporting evidence have not been systematically evaluated across this combined population. This systematic review synthesised evidence on the effectiveness of ACT-based interventions for burnout and psychological well-being, and secondarily for stress, depression, anxiety, and psychological flexibility, among healthcare and mental health professionals. Following predefined eligibility criteria, 11 studies (N = 823 participants) conducted across eight countries were included: seven randomised controlled trials, one non-randomised quasi-experimental study, and three single-arm pre-post studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool, the Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies of Interventions tool, and the National Institutes of Health Before-After tool, as appropriate to each design. Given substantial heterogeneity in intervention delivery, comparator conditions, and outcome instrumentation, findings were synthesised narratively following Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guidance; no meta-analysis was performed. Findings on stress and depression were more consistently favourable than findings on burnout and psychological well-being, which showed a mixed pattern across studies, including one direct comparison that did not favour ACT on burnout. No included study was rated at low overall risk of bias, and four studies could not be verified against their full-text primary source. These findings provide limited evidence supporting the use of ACT for reducing general psychological distress among healthcare and mental health professionals, while evidence for burnout remains inconsistent. Higher-quality, more rigorously reported primary research is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn about ACT's specific effect on occupational burnout in this population.
Hearing Loss and Depression in Older Adults: Social Isolation and Loneliness as Mediating Pathways. A Narrative Review with Implications for Pakistan
Age-related hearing loss is among the most prevalent chronic conditions of later life, and a large observational literature links it to depressive symptoms in older adults. The mechanism most often proposed is psychosocial: hearing loss degrades conversational participation, which produces social disconnection, which produces depression. This review asks whether that pathway carries the effect and which component of disconnection matters, because the answer determines how the problem should be addressed. It establishes the magnitude of the association, examines social isolation and loneliness as distinct mediating variables, appraises the recent intervention evidence, and assesses what this means for Pakistan. Literature was identified through structured searching of PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Google Scholar and PakMediNet for material published between January 2010 and May 2026, supplemented by institutional reports and Pakistani grey literature, and was synthesised thematically. Meta-analytic evidence places the pooled association at an odds ratio of approximately 1.47, an effect the original authors themselves describe as very small, and effect sizes attenuate sharply in longitudinal designs. Mediation analysis in a large Chinese cohort found that loneliness accounted for approximately 42 percent of the total effect while objective social isolation accounted for only 8 percent, which suggests, on the basis of a single well measured study, that the perceived rather than the structural dimension of social disconnection carries most of the pathway. Randomised evidence now shows that hearing intervention improves social network size, network quality, and loneliness, and that low-cost amplification delivered by community health workers reduces depressive symptoms. Pakistani evidence is sparse and contains implausibly low prevalence estimates, indicating substantial under-ascertainment. The practical implication is that amplification alone is unlikely to be sufficient and should be paired with communication partner training and structured social re-engagement. For Pakistan the prior requirement is population-level measurement using audiometric rather than self-reported ascertainment.
Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) on Relapse in Adults with Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Depression is a prevalent condition manifested by prolonged sadness, functional impairment and an increased risk of relapse. Relapse prevention remains a primary concern for clinicians. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is widely recognized as an evidence-based treatment; thereby research is needed to comprehend its overall impact on depressive symptoms. The aim of this review was to analyze the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) compared to Treatment as Usual (TAU) in preventing depressive relapse amongst the adult population. A systematic search was conducted on electronic databases like PubMed and Cochrane library, along with register Clinicaltrials.gov and other sources, for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Nine randomized controlled trials were selected with sufficient data to perform meta-analysis. Covidence was used for data extraction, while Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB 2) for evaluating study quality. The results showed no significant difference, and the effect size was negligible (Hedges' g = 0.068). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses evaluated that the outcome of CBT was not influenced by the number of CBT sessions or the duration of the follow-up. However, the severity of depression did have some degree of influence. From the evidence currently available, there is no indication that CBT is superior to TAU in preventing depressive relapse in adults. Future studies with longer follow-up periods and defined CBT frameworks are needed to better grasp the long-term effectiveness of CBT.
The Impact of Life Skills Training on Emotional Intelligence and Mental Health of College Students in South Punjab
This study used a quantitative research approach to examine the impact of life skills training on emotional intelligence and mental health among college students. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design was used. The study included 300 college students (150 in the experimental group and 150 in the control group), aged 18–22 years, selected through purposive sampling. During the pretest, participants were assessed using the Life Skills Assessment Scale (LSAS), the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue), and the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS). During the posttest, the Youth Life Skills Scale (YLSS), the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS), and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index were administered. The experimental group received a Higher Education Department (HED) module-based life skills training program consisting of 15 sessions covering interpersonal, social, cognitive, wellness, and digital skills, while the control group received no intervention. The findings indicated that the experimental group showed significant improvements in life skills, emotional intelligence, and mental health compared with the control group. The study concludes that life skills training is an effective intervention for promoting emotional intelligence and mental health among college students. Policy implications and future recommendations have been provided. Keywords: Life Skills Training, Emotional Intelligence, Mental Health, College Students
Feeling Heard by a Machine: The Psychology of Perceived Understanding in AI Conversations
The recent advancements in conversational artificial intelligence have developed systems that are able to mimic human conversation, which can create the perception of hearing or understanding from a machine. This situation poses significant psychological issues about the nature of how human understanding is generated with AI, even though it doesn't have a real brain. What are the psychological mechanisms in relation to a perceived understanding when engaging in AI conversation and what are the key interactional factors that help create this experience? A conceptual mixed-methods approach was used that involved the results of human–computer interaction research, social psychology, and computational linguistics. It involved secondary empirical literature analysis and modelling of perceived understanding as a function of language alignment, contextual coherence, personalization, response timing and anthropomorphic cues. The findings suggest that high linguistic alignment, contextual coherence and adaptive personalization are important factors for perceived understanding. Faster response times and anthropomorphic design attributes contribute further toward social presence and emotional interaction. Together, these factors create a sense of empathy and understanding, leading users to attribute awareness to an algorithmic system where none exists. Based on the above findings, the study concludes that perceived understanding in AI conversations is a psychologically constructed experience that is driven by interactional design, not by machine understanding. This not only boosts user engagement and trust but also introduces the risk of emotional over-attribution and reliance on AI systems.