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 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 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 9519The 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.Item Impact of School Readiness Intervention on School Skills of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Tahir Mahmood; SP23-RCP-029/LHR; Dr. Shameem Fatima,; LHR TP 9526This research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an intervention designed to prepare children with ASD for school and determine whether it benefits them. Pre and post intervention research designs were used to investigate the impact of a school readiness intervention on the school skills of children diagnosed with ASD. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 31 children aged 6 to 9 years diagnosed with ASD. The results of the current study showed that school readiness intervention had positive impact on the school skills of children with autism spectrum disorder. Pre and post-assessment were carried out using the childhood autism rating scale and school skills assessment protocol taken from the assessment of functional living skills. The results of both tools were analyzed before and after applying the intervention. The analyses revealed that school readiness interventions were useful for the children as they yielded positive outcomes. Improvements were observed in the post-assessment as compared to the pre assessment level.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 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 9725The 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.Item Psychosocial Challenges to Pilots: A Psychometric Approach(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) CIIT/FA23-RCP-011/LHR; Dr. MaryamAmjad; LHR TP 9720Pilots are essential in aviation, guaranteeing safety, overseeing intricate systems, and enduring extended shifts. This study aimed to find the nature and pattern of psychosocial stresses that Pakistani commercial airline pilots. 102 pilots were recruited through convenience sampling from Aviation. The Psychosocial Challenges to Pilots Scale (PCPS; Amjad & Muazzam, [unpublished]) and Mental Health Inventory-5 (Rojas-Mendoza et al., 2024) were administered. Factor analysis was done which revealed two factors i.e., Job stressors and personal stressors. The scale exhibited strong psychometric requirements including high internal consistency and inter-factor correlation. However, the correlation between scores on the Mental Health Inventory and Psychosocial Challenges to Pilots Scale was not significant. This research stresses the need for culturally attuned mental health interventions for Pakistani airline pilots, emphasizing the demand for proactive, policy-oriented support within the advancing sector of aviation. This scale showcased the stressors that may affect the psychological wellbeing of the pilots and can be an important human factor causing minor to major air accidents. The study implicates the existence of clinical aerospace psychologists that could provide frequent targeted intervention for the commercial pilots in order to maintain their mental healthItem 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 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 9715Emotional 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 settingsItem 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 Vicarious Stigma, Resentment and Resilience in Parents of Children with Psychological disorders(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Aqsa Javed; CIIT/FA23-RCP-002/LHR; Dr. Maryam Amjad; LHR TP 9712Parents of children with psychological disorders often encounter not only the challenges of caregiving but also the emotional burden of societal attitudes and judgements. This research examined vicarious stigma, resentment and resilience in parents of children with psychological disorders. In this study the participants were parents of 200 children diagnosed with different psychological morbidities, recruited from the Government Hospitals of Lahore through purposive sampling. These parents were requested to fill demographic sheet, Vicarious Stigma Scale (Corrigan, 2018), Parent Anger Scale (Del Vecchio et al., 2017) and Brief Resilience Scale (Bruce et al., 2008). The findings of the study revealed that there is significant positive association between vicarious stigma and resentment while the stigma also predicts resentment. Whereas, resentment had a significant negative association with resilience (p <.05) in the parents with psychological disorders. However, vicarious stigma verified its role as a mediating variable between resentment and resilience (x2> .05, 95%CI). This research can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the complex experiences of parents and caregivers, ultimately enhancing support and services for families. Moreover, identifying factors that promote resilience can help develop interventions to enhance parental well-being.