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.
Browse
5 results
Search Results
Item The Impact of Personality Traits on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Effectiveness in Adults with Major Depressive Disorder: A Pre-Experimental Study(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Zainab Amjad; CIIT/SP23-RCP-035/LHR; Dr. Muneeba ShakilMajor depression disorder is a prevalent condition that is affecting the mental health of millions of people globally. It varies from ordinary mood fluctuation to chronic condition. Depression can significantly impair the overall functioning and quality of life. In depression, there is an imbalance of the neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. To treat major depressive disorder, there are therapeutic approaches. One of the most popular therapeutic techniques is CBT. It is clinically proven to be one of the best therapeutic techniques in treating depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy is efficient in the treatment of depression and alleviating the symptoms of it. It helps in fostering long-term recovery. CBT effectiveness and outcomes vary based on factors like personality traits and individual differences. Everyone is different and has distinct personality traits that make him unique, so CBT outcomes vary (Beck et al., 1979).Item 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 ShakilThe 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.Item 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 9515This 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.Item Lived Experiences of Victims of Narcissistic Abuse: A Phenomenological Exploration of the Psychological Impact(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Seerat Shafique; FA23-RCP-017/LHR; Dr. Muneeba Shakil; LHR TP 9726This qualitative study employed a phenomenological research design to explore the lived experiences of Pakistani women who endured narcissistic abuse in spousal relationships. Using purposive and extreme case sampling, eight divorced women aged 25–40 from Lahore, Pakistan, were selected based on strict inclusion criteria and screening through a researcher-developed Narcissistic Abuse Screening Tool (NAST). Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) with the aid of NVivo software. Findings revealed recurring themes of psychological and emotional distress, including persistent feelings of pain, helplessness, mistrust, and betrayal. Participants shared experiences of emotional and physical abuse, alongside social isolation and stigma. However, amid this suffering, many women demonstrated resilience, reporting personal growth, empowerment, and emotional healing over time. Their recovery was often facilitated through emotional coping strategies, support systems, and a strong desire to protect their children. The study highlighted how cultural factors, family dynamics, and social expectations shaped the women’s journeys through abuse and recovery. By giving voice to survivors, this study not only provides culturally relevant insights into narcissistic abuse in Pakistani society, but also emphasizes the importance of mental health support, trauma-informed care, and empowerment-focused interventions. These narratives are a testament to the strength of women who, despite enduring psychological trauma, managed to reclaim their identities and rebuild their lives.Item 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 9724The 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.