RepositoryCOMSATS UniversityLahore Campus
Communities in DSpace
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
MARITAL EMOTIONAL MANIPULATION IN PAKISTANI PATRIARCAL SOCIETY
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2026-06-30) AMNA NAVEED; FA22-BDE-026; Zain Ul Abidin, Huma Maqbool; LHR TP 10129
This study focuses on emotional manipulation on women in Pakistani marital
relationships and how it affects women mental health in a patriarchal sociocultural environment. Psychological control of one partner by another is
emotional manipulation, in which the controlling partner employs tactics like
gaslighting, guilt-tripping, emotional withdrawal, and silent treatment to control
the other. Such actions slowly breed confusion, guilt, self-doubt and emotional
dependency, which harm self-esteem, emotional health and individual
independence of women. At extreme ends, the victims can internalize the blame
and become trauma bonded and emotionally attached to the abuser regardless
of the continued abuse.
This can be attributed to the psychological phenomenon of Machiavellianism,
which is the manipulation of strategy and seeking power in relations. In Pakistan
women are expected to be silent and emotional abuse is normalized by cultural
norms, dominance of males, and family honour which tend to create unequal
power dynamics.
Continuing Companionship: A Visual Exploration of Pet Memory and Attachment
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2026-06-30) Alvina Khan; FA22-BDE-021; Zain Ul Abideen; LHR TP 10128
To explore how companionship with pets continue after loss through routine, memory
and attachment. Investigating the ongoing bonds that continue to remain a part of our
everyday life. Pets may not be physically present but they continue to exist through
stories, habits, photographs, objects and personal memories. The project examines how
these experiences can be communicated through visual communication design making
private personal memories publicly shareable and meaningful. It draws from John
Bowlby’s attachment theory, Dennis Klass’ continuing bond theory, and
autobiographical memory studies by Martin Conway. The research translates these
ideas through a design-led space involving storytelling and participation. The project
aims to make continuing companionship visible and relatable.
EFFECTS OF DOOMSCROLLING ON INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2026-06-30) Aleena Khan; FA22-BDE-015; LHR TP 10127; Zain Ul Abideen
Doom scrolling, the compulsion to consume distressing online news for long
periodshas become common among Millennials (referring to those born around
1981-1996) and Gen Z (referring to those born around 1997-2012). This study examines how such ehavior affects relationships between these two groups. Surveys and interviews will reveal how each generation experiences constant exposure to negative content and how it shapes their moods and communication. Preliminary evidence suggests both groups are heavy users: in the U.S., 53% of Gen Z adults and 46% of millennials report frequent doom scrolling. Doom scrolling is linked to anxiety, helplessness, and fatigue. When one family member is engrossed in a negative news loop, it can reduce face-to-face interaction and empathy with others. Our focus is on South Asian contexts, where familial ties are strong and smartphone use is widespread. By comparing millennials’ and Gen Z’s coping strategies and communication styles, this research highlights how digital news habits influence family dynamics. The findings aim to help families recognize these patterns and develop healthier, more
understanding interactions across generations.
DECISION MAKING WITHIN THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2026-06-30) AIMEN IJAZ; FA22-BDE-009; LHR TP 10126; Zain Ul Abidin, Huma Maqbool
This study explores that decision making is not an isolated cognitive process of an
individual, rather it is a socially embedded and digitally influenced phenomenon. In a
society, family expectations, cultural values and community approvals shape the
individual’s decisions, making social acceptance central. By looking at societal
interactions and digital environment, the study explores the increasing effects of social
media on the decision making process of Generation Z. This generation is known as
digital natives as they are grown up into a digital era where they are constantly exposed
to a wide range of curated content on social media platforms. This curated content,
likes, comments and comparison on social media increase pressures. These pressures
influence identity expression, routine behavior, lifestyle choices and presentation of
self, often leading young adults to conform, hesitate or prioritize others’ expectations
over personal preference. Hence, their decisions become externally driven. The study
draws on Hazel Rose Markus and Shinobu Kitayama’s concept of the relational self
and Leon Festinger’s social comparison theory, which explain how individuals define
themselves through relationships and evaluate themselves through others. Existing
research shows that social media use increases comparison, anxiety and lower self
esteem.
PASTIC PAKCAT Guide
(2026) Nadeem Sohail