M.Phil / MS Theses

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.cuilahore.edu.pk/handle/123456789/258

This collection archives the complete set of theses produced by students of the COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus.

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Adaptation of Children Apperception Test- Human Cards to Pakistani Culture
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Ruman Jamil; CIIT/FA23-RCP-015/LHR; Dr. Muneeba Shakil; LHR TP 9724
The original CAT-H contains cultural biases, as some of its images do not reflect the valid experiences of children in Pakistan. Therefore, this study aimed to culturally adapt the CAT-H, to align with the local stereotypes of family structures, dress codes, culture, and social events. A sample of 25 children ranging in age between 5 to 10 years was recruited for the study. Sample included psychologically healthy children (N = 10, Mean age = 7.7 years, SD = 1.6) recruited through purposive sampling and children diagnosed with psychiatric Disorders (N = 15, Mean age = 7.6 years, SD = 1.5) recruited through convenient sampling. The adaptation process involved Recruitment of Artist and Initial Adaptation, Process of Review & Refinement Expert Panel and Finalization of adapted Test Cards. To ensure the reliability of the adapted CAT-H, the parallel form and test-retest reliability analysis was carried out. Results revealed strong parallel form and inter-rater reliability index for the Adapted Children Apperception Test-Human. The use of the culturally adapted CAT-H proves to valuable, as it will enable psychologists to evaluate children’s psycho-social and emotional well-being effectively. It will support the screening of relevant factors such as family dynamics, trauma, social relationships, personality characteristics, and developmental concerns that were timely and culturally appropriate within the Pakistani context.
Association between Stressful Life Events, Alexithymia, Anxiety Sensitivity and Intimate Partner Acceptance Rejection among Pregnant Women
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Saira Majeed; SP23-RCP-023; Dr. Farzana Ashraf; LHR TP 9516
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Stressful Life Events, Alexithymia Anxiety Sensitivity, and Intimate Partner Acceptance & Rejection among pregnant women. Using a correlational research design and purposive sampling technique, data were collected from (n=300) participants aged between 18 and 40 by using a questionnaire measuring the frequency of Stressful Life Events, ischemia anxiety Sensitivity, and Intimate Partner Acceptance & Rejection. Participants were selected from the different Punjab hospitals and divided into trimester and after pregnancy. Standardized instruments used in the study were the Stressful Life Events Screening Questionnaire (SLESQ), Toronto Alexithymia (TAS), Anxiety Sensitivity, and Intimate Adult Relationship Questionnaire (IARQ). The result indicated that stressful life events significantly predicted both Alexithymia and Anxiety Sensitivity moderated Intimate Partner Acceptance & Rejection, and this relationship. These findings suggest that emotional dysregulation and heightened sensitivity may enhance the impact of stressful life events on intimate relationships. They provide valuable insight into possible factors that can contribute to partner acceptance and rejection and have practical implications for developing culturally appropriate interventions and policies.
Association of Emotional Reactivity and Psychopathy-Linked Narcissism with Social Competence in Young Adults
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Ayesha Javaid; CIIT/FA23-RCP-005/LHR; Dr. Maryam Amjad; LHR TP 9715
Emotional reactivity and social competence are central to healthy psychological functioning, particularly in the transitional period of early adulthood. Psychopathy-linked narcissism characterized by emotional detachment, grandiosity, and impulsivity may negatively influence emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness, thereby undermining social development. This study examines how narcissistic traits associated with psychopathy affect emotional reactivity and perceived social competence in a sample of young adults. Participants were 300 university students (aged 19–25), recruited from both private and public institutions using a convenience sampling method. The research employed a correlational cross-sectional design, utilizing the Anti-Social Process Screening Device (APSD), the short version of the Perth Emotional Reactivity Scale (PERS), and the Perceived Social Competence Scale II (PSCS-II). Results indicated that psychopathy-linked narcissism was significantly negatively associated with both emotional reactivity and social competence (r=−.16 to −.20, p<0.01). Further, emotional reactivity mediated the relationship between narcissistic traits and social competence, suggesting that emotional disengagement may serve as a mechanism through which narcissism impairs interpersonal functioning (χ2 = 2.4, p > .05). Gender differences were also explored, with male participants reporting higher levels of narcissistic traits and lower emotional reactivity compared to females. These findings underscore the importance of addressing emotional and personality-based factors in promoting social and emotional well-being among young adults. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions that enhance emotional awareness and interpersonal sensitivity, especially in educational and counseling settings
Child Maltreatment, Drug Stigmatization, Emotional Regulation, and Cognitive Functioning in Substance Abusers
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Huma Javed; SP23-RCP-007/LHR; Dr. Farzana Ashraf; LHR TP 9507
Substance abuse is well explained by the ambiguous pattern of use of substances that results in instigating substantial distress evidenced by recurrent adverse consequences allied to frequent use of substances, including fetching in risky behaviors and actions that persist in social or interpersonal problems and exert a significant enduring impact on individual’s physiological as well as psychological health. The present study explores the connotation of childhood maltreatment, drug stigmatization, emotional regulation, and cognitive functioning in substance abusers. The research will employ a purposive sampling technique and a correlational research design using standardized psychological assessment tools such as the Demographic Information Form, Adverse Childhood Experiences scale, Perceived Stigma Scale, Emotional Regulation Questionnaire, and MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale) to screen substance abusers. This study will also explore the mediating role of emotional regulation in the association between childhood maltreatment and drug stigmatization and the moderating role of cognitive functioning in the mediated path between childhood maltreatment, drug Stigmatization, and emotional regulation. The sample will be comprised of 300 diagnosed substance abusers (withdrawal states), including four main categories, i.e., Cannabis-related disorders, Opioids related disorders, Alcohol-related disorders, and Stimulants- related disorders, in different government hospitals and rehabilitation centers of the Lahore district and conscripted through purposive sampling. The age of participants ranged between (18-45 years). The collected data will be evaluated through SPSS-26 for statistical analysis, directing to subsidize a comprehensive understanding of substance abuse etiology in the Pakistani enlightening setting.
Childhood Trauma, Alexithymia and Emotional Dysregulation in Adults with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Khadija Tul Zahra; CIIT/SP23-RCP-009/LHR; Dr. Mahira Ahmed; LHR TP 9541
This current study was conducted with the aim of examining the relationship among childhood trauma, emotional dysregulation and alexithymia in adults with obsessive compulsive disorder. Using correlational research design, the participants with the age range of 20-44 years were selected through purposive sampling strategy for the participants diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder from different hospital in Lahore. This study revealed that almost 51.1% males and 48.9% females has participated. Toronto Alexithymia Scale (Bagby, 1994), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-short form (Bernstein & Fink, 1998) and Emotional Regulation Inventory (Roth et al., 2009) were utilized. Moreover, results revealed that childhood trauma was associated with emotional dysregulation. Furthermore, regression analysis reported that childhood trauma is significant predictor of alexithymia and emotional dysregulation and explains the variance in alexithymia and emotional dysregulation. In addition, mediation analysis showed that the significant indirect pathway of the study variables which further revealed that there is variation from alexithymia among childhood trauma and emotional dysregulation. Thus, findings revealed that there is significant correlation between childhood trauma and emotional dysregulation among adults with obsessive compulsive disorder. Alexithymia significantly mediates the association between childhood trauma and alexithymia. Moreover, this research would be beneficial to fill out the research gap in Pakistani literature as there is scarcity in studying the mediating pathway of alexithymia among obsessive compulsive disorder adults in Pakistan. People might take guidance that child’s environment must be hindrance free so that they could protect themselves from developing pathologies in later life.
Compassion fatigue, emotional regulation, frustration tolerance in the therapists working with special needs Children
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Maryam Ghaffar; CIIT/FA23-RCP-009/LHR; Dr. MaryamAmjad; Compassion fatigue, emotional regulation
Workload and static circumstances may frustrate those professionals who are serving them diligently and many other circumstances may make them vulnerable to disturbed emotional state. The current study aimed to evaluate the association between compassion fatigue, difficulties in emotional regulation and frustration discomfort. Therefore, a sample of 200 therapists (125 Women) were recruited through convenient sampling strategy. Compassion Fatigue‐Short Scale (CF‐Short Scale; Figley, 1995), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-16; Gratz & Roemer, 2004) and Frustration Discomfort Scale (FDS; Harington, 2005) were administered to assess the level of study variables. The findings of the study revealed that there is significant positive association between all the study variables (p < .05). In the mediation analysis, difficulties in emotional regulation was considered as mediating variable between compassion fatigue and frustration discomfort (χ²>.05, 95% CI). This study implicates the need of providing balanced workload and a burnout leave for these therapists after a fixed time interval. This step would improve their performance level significantly while enhancing their compassion and regulating their emotions in a positive manner. Keywords: compassion fatigue, emotional regulation, frustration discomfort, therapists
Creativity, Cognitive Functioning and Attribution Style of Children with Dyslexia Symptoms
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Warda Ashraf; SP23-RCP-034; Dr. Farzana Ashraf
Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental disorder that hinders the brain’s ability to recognize, spell, and decode words accurately and fluently despite having adequate intellectual ability. This quantitative study explored the association between dyslexia, cognitive functioning, attribution style, and creativity in children with dyslexia symptoms. In addition, the moderating role of dyslexia and the mediating effect of attribution style were also investigated, as well as the relationship between cognitive functioning and creativity and its subscales. There were five subscales of creativity: fluency, originality, elaboration, abstraction, and resistance to premature closure. The correlational research design was employed. The sample was initially comprised of two hundred participants with dyslexia symptoms, aged 6 – 15 years (N = 200, age range = 6 – 15 years), studying at two government schools of Lahore and one government school of Kot Radha Kishan, recruited through purposive sampling. However, after analyzing data using SPSS-26, the sample size was reduced to 188 (N = 188). The findings suggested a significant association between dyslexia, cognitive functioning, attribution style, and creativity. The findings also indicated that dyslexia significantly moderates the association between cognitive functioning and creativity. Similarly, it is a significant moderator in the relationship between cognitive functioning and two of subscales of creativity i.e., fluency, and elaboration subscales. This research referred to the attribution style as the intentional one. The results revealed that intentional attribution style partially mediates the association between cognitive functioning and creativity. It also partially mediated the relationship between cognitive functioning and two of the subscales of creativity, i.e., fluency and originality. There were two subscales of intentional attribution style, i.e., ambiguous and non-intentional attribution style. Only ambiguous attribution style was found to significantly mediate the association between cognitive functioning and creativity. In addition, it also partially mediated the path between xix cognitive functioning and one of the subscales of creativity, i.e., fluency. Moreover, the sample was divided into two groups based on age, i.e., children and adolescents. The study involved 67 children aged 6-10 and 121 adolescents aged 11-15. The results revealed that dyslexia significantly moderate the association between cognitive functioning and creativity and one of its subscales, i.e., fluency in adolescents only. No mediating impact of intentional attribution style and its subscales was observed on the relationship between cognitive functioning and creativity and its subscales in children and adolescent subgroups. The study emphasized the importance of considering individual differences in children with varying degrees and intensity of dyslexia symptoms while implementing educational and therapeutic interventions to improve their cognitive abilities and creative potential.
Cultural Formulation and Gender Disparities in Major Depressive Disorder: A Qualitative Analysis
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Saba Hakim khan; SP23-RCP-021; Dr. Muneeba Shakil
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of cultural formulation on Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with respect to gender disparities in Pakistani patients. The study aimed to translate and adapt the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) - Patient Version from English to Urdu, ensuring its cultural and linguistic validity and reliability. The study was conducted in two phases. Phase one involved cross-cultural translation of the CFI, following a forward-backward method by bilingual experts. Content validity was assessed by seven independent clinical psychologists, and the final version was pilot-tested on two MDD patients. In Phase Two, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to explore gender differences in depression among 12 purposively selected participants (6 men and 6 women) aged 18-60, diagnosed with mild to moderate MDD. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify cultural influences on gender disparities in MDD. The findings revealed that cultural and societal factors significantly shaped the mental health experiences of men and women differently. Male participants primarily faced pressure due to societal expectations and financial responsibilities, while female participants were more affected by emotional stress related to family expectations and gender roles. Females experienced MDD symptoms due to external factors, such as relationship challenges, whereas males' symptoms were linked to internal conflicts influenced by cultural norms. This study emphasizes the importance of considering cultural and gender-specific factors in the assessment and treatment of MDD, to better understand the unique mental health challenges faced by men and women in Pakistan.
Cyberbullying, Cybervictimization, Alexithymia, Digital Self-harm, and Depressive Symptoms among Adolescents with the history of Suicidal Attempts
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Saba Shahab Din; CIIT/SP23-RCP-039/LHR; Dr. Farzana Ashraf; LHR TP 9512
Adolescents is the transition from childhood to maturity. It is the most important and crucial stage of life in which an individual goes through many changes i.e physical social, moral, cognitive and mental. Any disturbance can create many problems for young generation. This quantitative study explored the association between cyber bulling, cyber victimization, alexithymia, digital self harm and depressive symptoms. In addition, the mediating role of digital self harm with cyber bulling, cyber victimization and depressive symptoms and moderating role of alexithymia with mediated association were also explored. Sub-scales of variables were also explored in this study. The research design was correlational. The initial sample was 284 participants with the age range of 12-19 years (N=284, Age range=12-19). The results revealed the positive correlation variables with each other. There was significant mediation of digital self harm with cyber victimization (subscales also) and depressive symptoms. However the alexithymia play significant moderating role in the mediated association of digital self harm with cyber victimization, on the other hand it doesn't moderates the second mediation association between digital self harm and depressive symptoms. This study focus on the young generation who struggle to survive in the silent digital world where they don't even identify themselves and their own emotions and values. This study provides a spotlight how to manage the digital and real life. This helps to make interventions and therapeutic decisions to ensure the mental stability of young generation, privilege of our country and other's as well.
Development and Validation of Cyber Safety Behaviors Scale
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Aqsa Chand; CIIT/SP23-REC-003/LHR; Dr. Shameem Fatim; LHR TP 9548
The current study was conducted to develop and validate “Cyber Safet Behaviors Scale. The present study further explored a Positive relationship between cyber safety behaviors and emotional regulation and a negative relationship between cyber safety behaviors and emotional regulation with cyberbullying victimization. Using mixed method research design, the present study recruited a sample (N= 270) including n= 120 males, and n= 150 females with different educational levels i.e., intermediate to post-graduation (M=21.8, SD= 1.83) in Phase 2 total sample size was (N=327) Adults from Lahore, Pakistan. Assessment measures i.e., the Cyber Safety Behaviors Scale, Security Intention Behaviors Scale (Eagleman & Peer, 2015), Cyberbullying Victimization (Lee, 2017) were used. Results showed that Exploratory Factor Analysis yields a Cyber Safety Behaviors Scale with 24 items with five components that indicated 53.78% of the total variance. Confirmatory Factor Analysis confirms the scale validity through model fit indices CMIN/DF= 1.30, GFI = .95, AGFI=.93, TLI= .93, CFA= .94, and RMSEA= .03. and scale structure was established with 19 items comprised of 5 factors. Reliability analysis showed CSBS has Cronbach alpha value α=.73. with final 19 items. The measurement model was perfectly matched with observed data. Convergent and Divergent validity results were also significant (**p<0.01). Hence its established through results scale Cyber Safety Behaviors Scale is valid and reliable tool to measure the proposed phenomena. The CSBS is a brief, comprehensive, and developmentally appropriate measure for young adults to measure cyber safety behaviors related to safety in cyberspace. CSBS is a psychometrically valid & reliable assessment measure that has provided pieces of evidence for the construct validity and reliability.
Development and Validation of Executive Functioning Rating Scale for Pakistani Adults
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Sajeela Haider; CIIT/FA23-RCP-016/LHR; Dr. Shameem Fatima; LHR TP 9725
The present study aimed to develop and validate a culturally relevant Executive Functioning Rating Scale tailored for Pakistani Adults. Recognizing the limitations of existing executive functioning tools mostly developed in western contexts, the current research seeks to create a reliable and ecologically valid instrument that reflects the socio-cultural realities of Pakistani populations. A 56-item self-report scale was initially generated, covering eight core domains: inhibition, cognitive flexibility, working memory, problem solving, planning and organization, self-monitoring, decision-making, emotional control. The scale was administered to a convenient sample of young adults. Principal Factor Analysis for evaluating the factor structure of the subscales and psychometric validation encompassing evaluations of convergent validity and predictive validity were conducted on the finals scale comprising 51 items. Convergent validity was assessed using Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions-Adult version and predictive validity was assessed through World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale, and a social Functioning scale. Results indicated satisfactory reliability and validity of executive functioning rating scale, supporting its use as a standardized tool for assessing executive functioning in diverse adult population across Pakistan. The findings underscore the necessity for indigenous executive functioning assessment measure in Pakistani context and contribute to the broader understanding of executive functioning in adults among this population.
Development and Validation of the Classroom Behavioural and Emotional Problems Assessment Scale
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Saira Ahsan; SP23-RCP-022/LHR; Dr. Muneeba Shakil,; LHR TP 9519
The study aims to develop and validatee of the Classroom Behavioural and Emotional Problems Assessment Scale (CB-EPAS), a culturally relevant tool intended to evaluate behavioural and emotional challenges in children, specifically within the framework of Pakistani culture. The scale was created with a mixed-methods approach, incorporating focus groups with seven middle primary school teachers, succeeded by content validation with four teachers. The initial questions were developed from themes identified in the Developmental Psychopathology Framework (Cicchetti & Cohen, 2006), which included emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, hyperactivity, defiance, low self-esteem, and associated symptoms. A preliminary set of 73 items were refined by expert evaluation, yielding a final scale of 69 items, which underwent pilot testing (N = 100) and explanatory factor analysis. Factor analysis identified four principal factors: Impulsivity and Hyperactivity, Emotional Dysregulation, Defiance and Hostility, and Low Self-Esteem and Confidence Issues, culminating in a 46-item scale. The scale exhibited exceptional reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.98) and test-retest stability, affirming its efficacy as a tool for detecting children’s behavioral and emotional challenges. Moreover, evaluations of convergent and divergent validity demonstrated the scale’s precision in differentiating emotional and behavioral issues. This study emphasizes the scale’s utility for teachers and psychologists in recognizing and managing emotional and behavioral issues in children, especially in non-Western, culturally diverse contexts. Subsequent study should investigate the scale’s applicability across many people and contexts, confirming its cross-cultural validity and efficacy in establishing interventions.
Development and Validation of The Early Life Dynamics and Narcissism Scale: Exploring Family Dynamics and Parenting Styles for Understanding Narcissistic Traits in Men
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Maham Babar; SP23-RCP-011; D. Muneeba Shakil,; LHR TP 9546
This research’s focus was to develop and validate “The Early Life Dynamics and Narcissism Scale” (ELDNS). A culturally sensitive therapeutic screening tool, designed to identify impacts of early life dynamics and parenting styles on Narcissistic tendencies in men. The development of “ELDNS” followed a rigorous methodology, utilizing a mixed method approach, diving the study into five phases that included purposive sampling in which interviews were conducted from eight narcissistic personality disorder diagnosed patients. Succeeded by expert’s content validation by clinical psychologists. The semi structured interview questions were designed in accordance to research’s objectives, these questions included adverse childhood experiences, parenting styles and family histories. Preliminary set of 29 items were refined by expert evaluation, that was finalized for pilot study and explanatory factor analysis. Factor analysis identified two principal factors: “Childhood familial dynamics and adverse experiences “and “Parental influence and emotional outcomes”. The scale exhibited exceptional reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.78) and test-retest stability, affirming its efficacy as a tool for screening out early life dynamics and parenting styles that had an effect on Narcissistic Personality Disorder etiology. Moreover, evaluations of convergent and divergent validity demonstrated the scale’s precision. This tool would have great clinical implications.
Development and Validation of The Early Life Experiences andAdult Obsessive-Compulsive Tendencies scale
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2024) MuhammadAyanOmerMalik; CIIT/SP23-RCP-016/LHR; Dr. Muneeba Shakil; LHR TP 9515
This research’s focus was to develop and validate “The Early Life Experiences and Adult Obsessive-Compulsive Tendencies Scale” (ELE-AOCTS). Aculturally sensitive therapeutic screening tool, designed to identify the impacts of early life factors, including parenting styles, childhood traumas and maladaptive coping strategies on the etiology of obsessive-compulsive tendencies in young adults specifically in the context of Pakistani Culture. The development of “ELE-AOCTS” followed a rigorous methodology, utilizing a mix method approach, dividing the study into five phases, that included purposive sampling in which interview were conducted from eight OCD diagnosed Patients. Succeeded by expert’s content validation by clinical psychologist. The semi structured interview questions were designed in accordance to research's objective, these questions included adverse childhood experiences, parenting styles, coping strategies and family histories. Preliminary set of 29 items were refined by expert evaluation, that was finalized for pilot study (N = 62) and exploratory factor analysis. Factor analysis identified three principal factors: “Emotional Neglect, Parental Rejection and childhood stress, “Parental Control, Trauma and Avoidance” “Parental control and Coping Strategies for Illness Symptoms” culminating in a 21item scale. The scale exhibited sound reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.71) and test retest stability, affirming its efficacy as a tool for screening out early life experiences that had an effect on Obsessive Compulsive tendencies etiology. Moreover, evaluations of convergent and divergent validity demonstrated the scale's precision. This tool would have great clinical Implications.
Development of the Therap-Ease Mobile Application for Psychotherapy and Mindfulness Techniques with Evaluation of User Experience
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2024) Zia Ur Rehman Zulfiqar; SP23-RCP-036/LHR; Dr. Farzana Ashraf; LHR TP 9514
Mental health care in Pakistan is plagued by stigma, low literacy, and a shortage of licensed professionals. Millions, especially rural ones, lack essential services due to these barriers. Although scalable, most digital mental health interventions are culturally and linguistically unsuitable for non-Western contexts. TherapEase, a Pakistani-specific mental health app, addresses these gaps. Evidence-based tools like the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) enable self-assessment and early intervention in TherapEase. Users can connect with licensed psychologists via teletherapy, overcoming geographical and infrastructure barriers. Stress management tools include Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), Sleep Hygiene education, and Deep Breathing exercises. Culturally relevant content engages and reduces stigma, while Urdu and English options ensure inclusivity. Usability, satisfaction, and mental health outcomes are assessed in the study. User satisfaction, especially with accessibility and cultural relevance, is high. Women and rural users benefit from the app's stigma reduction and care access. Limitations like Android exclusivity and internet dependence suggest improvements. This study shows how culturally sensitive digital tools can improve mental health care. TherapEase demonstrates scalable mental health solutions in Pakistan and elsewhere by addressing accessibility and stigma. Further research should examine AI's long-term effects and personalization.
Distinct Executive Functioning Profiles in Depression and Anxiety Disorder: Association with Mental Health and Mood Anxiety Symptoms
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Ain ul Raazia; SP23-RCP-001/LHR; Dr. Shameem Fatima; LHR TP 9524
The primary aim of this study was compare the executive functioning profiles of patients with anxiety and depression. A secondary aim was to assess the association of the specific executive functions with mental health and mood anxiety symptoms in patients with depression and anxiety. This study included 240 participants divided into two groups: 120 patients with depression and 120 patients with anxiety disorder. The participants were assessed on performance measures of executive functioning taping inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Moreover, they were assessed on self-report measures of psychological distress, life satisfaction, and mood anxiety symptoms. The findings showed that individuals with depression showed specific deficits in cognitive flexibility, working memory, and inhibition, while those with anxiety disorder presented more distinct impairments in working memory and cognitive flexibility. The linear regression analysis aimed to determine the predictive role of executive functions in mental health as measured by life satisfaction and psychological distress. Findings from regression analysis showed that individuals with anxiety and depression showed a significant but distinct associations between specific executive functioning and mood-anxiety symptoms, life satisfaction, and psychological distress.
Early Maladaptive Schemas, Alexithymia, Emotional Regulation, and Death Anxiety Adults with Phobias
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Rabia Rehman; SP23-RCP-018/LHR; Dr. Farzana Ashraf
This study aimed to investigate the relationships between early maladaptive schemas, alexithymia, emotional regulation, and death anxiety in adults with phobias. It further examined the mediating role of alexithymia and emotional regulation in the association between maladaptive schema modes and death anxiety. Using a correlational research design, a purposive sample of 250 individuals with specific phobias, aged 18 to 40, was recruited from psychological clinics and mental health centers across Punjab, Pakistan. Participants were assessed using the Schema Mode Inventory (SMI), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS 20), Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), and Death Anxiety Scale (DAS). Results from SPSS-26 indicated significant correlations among the variables, highlighting that maladaptive schema modes, such as Vulnerable Child and Punitive Parent, strongly predict increased death anxiety. Alexithymia mediated the relationship between maladaptive schema modes and death anxiety, while dysfunctional emotional regulation strategies, such as suppression, amplified the effects. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the cognitive and emotional mechanisms underlying death anxiety in individuals with phobias. They emphasize the need for therapeutic interventions targeting schema modes, improving emotional awareness, and fostering adaptive regulation strategies to alleviate death anxiety. This research contributes valuable insights into culturally sensitive approaches for addressing phobia-related anxiety in Pakistan.
Effectiveness of Art Therapy on Self-Esteem of Children’s with Thalassemia
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Saba Bukhari; CIIT/SP23-RCP-020/LHR; Dr. Mahira Ahmad; LHR TP 9543
The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of art therapy on self-esteem in children with thalassemia. It was hypothesized that there was likely a effectiveness of art therapy on self-esteem of children’s with thalassemia. Using Pre and post quasi experimental research design and purposive sampling, the sample was consisted of 20 children age ranged 6-10 years which were recruited through purposive sampling that are diagnosed with beta thalassemia. Self Esteem Scale for School Children’s (Sadia and Mahmood, 2011) was used for pre and post assessment. Descriptive statistics was conducted on demographical variables and paired samples t-test was used to analysed pre and post difference. The findings from this current study highlight the effectiveness of art therapy on children’s self-esteem with thalassemia. Future research should explore long-term effects and the integration of art therapy into standard care practices for pediatric patients with chronic illnesses. Mental health professionals, clinician, policymakers, educationist and care givers can also use art therapy to deal with psychological issues in children with thalassemia
Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Depression and Quality of Life in Individuals with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Maryam Nawaz; CIIT/FA23-RCP-010/LHR; Dr. Mahira Ahmad; LHR TP 9719
This experimental study investigated the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on depression and quality of life in individuals with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). PMDD, a severe form of premenstrual syndrome, affects 3-8% of women worldwide, causing significant mood disturbances and functional impairment during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. This study employed a pre-post experimental design with 17 women aged 18-28 years (M=25.82, SD=5.11) meeting DSM-5 criteria for PMDD as determined by the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST). Participants underwent 12 weekly individual CBT sessions lasting 45 minutes each, designed to identify and modify maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors associated with premenstrual symptomatology. The intervention's effectiveness was assessed through pre-post comparisons using validated instruments: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for depressive symptoms, World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL), and PSST for PMDD diagnosis. Paired samples t-test was used to compare pre- and post-intervention scores across measures. It is hypothesized that CBT intervention will yield significant reductions in depression scores and significant improvements in quality of life among participants. Results showed a significant improvement in depression scores and quality of life of participants, however marital status was proven to not be a factor affecting the results. Additionally, this research contributes to increased clinical awareness and recognition of PMDD, addressing the current diagnostic gap in women’s reproductive mental health and providing healthcare practitioner with evidence based treatment guidelines
Effectiveness of Cognitive Rehabilitation on Attention, Memory and Language Skills in Individuals with Stroke
(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Tehseen Iftikhar; Sp23-RCP-030; Dr. Shameem Fatima; LHR TP 9551
The study assessed the efficiency of cognitive rehabilitation on attention memory as well as language skills in individuals with stroke. The main objective of this research was to determine the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation based on neuroplasticity theory in improving attention, memory and language functions in patients. The study involved a sample of individuals with stroke. A sample of 40 individuals with stroke were chosen from various government and private hospitals of Lahore. Quasi Experimental Research design was used to assign the participant into two conditions (20 experimental group and 20 control group). In this study Mini Mental Status Examination and Pakistan Neuropsychological Test Assessment Battery were used for baseline measurements of attention, memory, and language. In this study, only the experimental group received cognitive rehabilitation intervention, focusing on enhancing attention, memory, and language skills. Cognitive rehabilitation techniques were applied over 12 weeks with 3 sessions per week. Paired sample t test analysis was applied for pre and post assessment differences in attention, memory and language functions. The findings revealed that cognitive rehabilitation improved attention, memory, and language skills as assessed from the Mini Mental Status Examination and Pakistan Neuropsychological Test Assessment Battery. The implications of this study have been discussed with reference to culturally relevant evidence-based rehabilitation approaches, offering meaningful insight for family, caregiver, practitioners and clinicians.