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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Item 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 AshrafDyslexia 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.Item 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 AshrafThis 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.Item Yearning, Spiritual Beliefs, Coping Strategies, and Delayed Grief Functioning in Bereaved Adults(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Maham Kanwal; SP23-RCP-012/LHR; Dr. Farzana Ashraf; LHR TP 9510This correlational study examines the yearning, spiritual beliefs, coping strategies, and delayed grief functioning in bereaved adults. The main objective of the study was to assess the moderating effects of both coping strategies and spiritual beliefs in the association between yearning and delayed grief functioning in bereaved adults. Snowball sampling was used for the data collection (n= 200). This study explores how yearning and spiritual beliefs are duplex and act as defence mechanisms towards despair and triggers for grieving processes. Yearning, Spiritual Beliefs, Coping Strategies, and Delayed Grief Functioning were assessed using the Yearning in Situations of Loss Short Form (YSL -SF) Scale, Spiritual Involvement and Beliefs Scale (SIBS), Brief Cope Urdu Scale, and Pandemic Grief Scale (PGS), respectively. Data analysis was performed using SPSS to account for the interpretation of data. Regression and moderation analysis were used to evaluate the study objectives. The findings of the current study showed that yearning and spiritual beliefs are positively associated with delayed grief functioning with each other and negatively associated with coping strategies in bereaved adults. Bereaved adults with strong spiritual beliefs have high levels of yearning, and their functioning is more disturbed due to delayed grief and vice versa. Furthermore, the results showed that spiritual beliefs and coping strategies moderated the relationship between yearning and delayed grief functioning in bereaved adults.Item Psychoanalytic Defenses, Childhood Trauma, Parental Attachment, Guilt and Shame in Substance Abusers(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Urooj Niaz; SP23-RCP-032; Dr. Farzana Ashraf; LHR TP 9552This study aimed to explore the complex relationships between psychoanalytic defenses, childhood trauma, parental attachment, guilt, and shame in individuals with substance abuse issues in a Pakistani cultural context. Utilizing a correlational research design, a purposive sample of 200 diagnosed substance abusers aged 15 to 30 was selected from various rehabilitation centers across Punjab. Participants were required to be in the withdrawal phase for at least two weeks, with exclusion criteria including significant coexisting conditions, contradictory diagnoses, or physical impairments. Data was collected using standardized assessment tools, including the Child Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Guilt and Shame (TOSCA-A) Scale, Defense Mechanisms Rating Scale (DMRS-SR-30), and Parental Attachment Scale. SPSS-26 was employed for data analysis, which revealed significant correlations and moderation effects between the variables. These findings provide valuable insights into the psychological factors contributing to substance abuse and have implications for developing targeted interventions, particularly within the cultural context of Pakistan.Item 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 9507Substance 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.Item 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 9516This 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.Item 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 9514Mental 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.Item 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 9512Adolescents 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.Item Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Interventions and Art Therapy on Emotional Regulation of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Shumaila Nawaz; CIIT/FA23-RCP-018/LHR; Dr. Farzana Ashraf; LHR TP 9727This study was planned to explore the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions and art therapy on the emotional regulation of children with ADHD. In this quasi-experimental study (pre and post assessment), participants were diagnosed ADHD children aged between 6-12 years (M= 7.73, SD = 1.75). A purposive sampling technique was employed to select participants, and data were collected from the Autism Centers of Lahore, Pakistan. Standardized instruments, including the Emotional Regulation Checklist, the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale, and the Conners Teacher and Parent Rating Scale, were used for the pre-assessment of the study participants. Participants were divided into three groups. Group A, Group B, and Group C received art therapy, mindfulness-based intervention, and a combination of both therapies, respectively. Participants undergo an interim assessment after three weeks, and a final post- assessment is conducted for each study group participant. Results indicated the significant enhancement of emotional regulation among children. The findings reveal that both therapies are effective for ADHD children with ADHD to enhance their emotional regulation. There was a significant effect of time on emotional regulation across all groups, F(2, 42) = 13.84, p < .001, indicating that emotional regulation scores changed over time. These results suggested that emotional regulation scores were significantly impacted by the passage of time, with a general decline observed across the groups. However, the greater effect over time was seen in Group CItem Evaluation of the Reciprocal Effect of Motivational Interviewing and CBT on Cognitive Functioning of Patients with Methamphetamine Use Disorder(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Alisha Nasir; CIIT/FA23-RCP-001/LHR; Dr. Farzana Ashraf; LHR TP 9711This study aimed to evaluate the reciprocal effect of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on the cognitive functioning of patients diagnosed with Methamphetamine Use Disorder (MUD). Employing a quasi-experimental, mixed- methods design with pre-, interim, and post-assessments, the study involved 16 male participants aged between 21 and 42 years (M = 33.00, SD = 5.82), recruited from a private rehabilitation center in Lahore, Pakistan. Participants were purposively sampled and randomly assigned to two equal groups. Group A received MI followed by CBT, while Group B received CBT followed by MI, over 12 sessions (2 sessions/week). Standardized instruments, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Clock Drawing Test (CDT), Trail Making Test (TMTA& B), and Digit Span Test (DST forward and backward), were used to assess cognitive performance at three time points. Results indicated that both MI and CBT interventions were effective in enhancing cognitive functioning. However, greater improvement was observed in participants who received CBT before or after. The time effect was significant across all cognitive measures (p < .001), showing improvement in cognitive domains such as attention, memory, and executive function from pre- to post- therapy. The findings suggest that integration of MI and CBT, especially when MI precedes CBT, is effective in improving cognitive outcomes in individuals with MUD. Moreover, the integrated MI and CBT sequence demonstrated greater cognitive gains compared to what would be expected from either therapy alone.