Department of Art and Design
Permanent URI for this communityhttp://10.100.100.70:4000/handle/123456789/3
Browse
58 results
Search Results
Item This study investigates the development and decline of paracosmic imagination among children in Pakistan and translates its findings into a visual communication design outcome. Drawing on Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1985), the research argues that childhood imaginative engagement is not actively forbidden but systematically diminished through indirect suppression, the consistent absence of adult acknowledgement. As children observe that imaginative expression elicits no meaningful response from parents, peers, or educators, they progressively withdraw into unexpressed, privatized worldbuilding. A triangulated qualitative methodology was employed: thematic literature review, semi-structured retrospective interviews with three young adult women, and a drawing-based visual elicitation task with eight children aged 8–13. Findings confirm that participants developed structured, rule-governed imaginary worlds serving emotional and cognitive functions. Decline was linked to academic pressure, parental unavailability, social ridicule, and displacement by high-stimulation digital media. The design outcome, What Mumma Doesn't See, is an illustrated co-reading picture book for parents of children aged 8–12. Through visual symbolism, color, and low-stimulation print format, it makes the child's inner world perceptually visible to the co-reading parent—operating through implicit learning rather than explicit instruction(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2026-06-30) ZOHRA NAWAZ; FA22-BDE-005; LHR TP 10148; Zain Ul AbideenThis research investigates how physical journaling, by combining writing and visual mark-making, can help to increase or enhance adult self-understanding in an increasingly digitized world. It positions journals as hybrid reflective spaces where textual narratives and spontaneous visual traces interact to process emotions and lived experiences. Using qualitative, participatory, and practice-based methods, the study draws on interviews, surveys, and reflective exercises with young adults to explore their journaling habits and expressive tendencies. The research is informed by participatory initiatives such as the Sketchbook Project by the Brooklyn Art Library, which demonstrates how journals function as collective archives of human experience, as well as Sketchbooks and Visual Journals as Reflective Spaces by Amy Cook and the work of Mike Rohde on journaling and mark-making as thinking tools. Findings indicate that the combination of written language and visual expression fosters embodied awareness, emotional articulation, and sustained reflection. The study ultimately advocates reclaiming physical journaling as a human-centered, healing practice that nurtures attentiveness, self-awareness, and meaningful engagement in a screen-dominated worldItem PARACOSMS AND THE GIFTED CHILD Creativity and Cultural Resistance in Pakistan(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2026-06-30) ZARA NAYAB; FA22-BDE-006; LHR TP 10147; Zain Ul Abidin & Huma MaqboolThis study investigates the development and decline of paracosmic imagination among children in Pakistan and translates its findings into a visual communication design outcome. Drawing on Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1985), the research argues that childhood imaginative engagement is not actively forbidden but systematically diminished through indirect suppression, the consistent absence of adult acknowledgement. As children observe that imaginative expression elicits no meaningful response from parents, peers, or educators, they progressively withdraw into unexpressed, privatized worldbuilding. A triangulated qualitative methodology was employed: thematic literature review, semi-structured retrospective interviews with three young adult women, and a drawing-based visual elicitation task with eight children aged 8–13. Findings confirm that participants developed structured, rule-governed imaginary worlds serving emotional and cognitive functions. Decline was linked to academic pressure, parental unavailability, social ridicule, and displacement by high-stimulation digital media. The design outcome, What Mumma Doesn't See, is an illustrated co-reading picture book for parents of children aged 8–12. Through visual symbolism, color, and low-stimulation print format, it makes the child's inner world perceptually visible to the co-reading parent—operating through implicit learning rather than explicit instructionItem Social Perception of Familial Ambitions in modern Pakistan(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2026-06-30) Zainab Kafeel; FA22-BDE-019; LHR TP 10146; Zain ul Abidin, Huma MaqboolIn our modern society ambition is usually characterized by economic success, professional achievement and fame. Which makes ambitions like motherhood, family and caregiving demeaned and not worth putting it in the category of ambitions. This is rather a narrow definition of ambition that creates unnecessary hierarchy in modern society. According to Cornelia Klinger (2004), modernity has created a difference between public spheres and private spheres. Economic and professional jobs get more social value, whereas caregiving jobs were regarded to the private sphere. Today it is said that women are free to choose their own paths, but the question arises are they really free? This freedom exists only is specific frameworks. As a result, aspirations related to family life are not seen as ambitious enough. Even though they require a lot of dedication, responsibility, long-term commitment and time. This study focuses on how society on their own constructed the meaning of ambition and connected it to worth of women. This research argues for a broader understanding of ambition, which acknowledges motherhood, caring, and family-related aspects of ambition as valuable goals. So that no woman feels inferior or judged for the choices she makes in her life.Item The Impact of Anger on Individuals and Society(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2026-06) HARIS KHAN; FA21-BDE-029; LHR TP 10145; Zain ul Abidin & Huma MaqboolAnger is a common emotional response experienced by individuals living in fast paced city environments. When expressed in healthy ways, anger can help individuals set boundaries, respond to injustice, and protect their well-being. However, when unmanaged, anger becomes destructive and contributes to social conflict, health problems, and emotional distress. In contemporary people settings, stress, competition, overcrowding, and social pressure increase the frequency and intensity of anger. This study explores the development and spread of anger in modern city life, focusing on the lived experiences of individuals residing in Pakistan’s major metropolitan areas. It examines the environmental stressors, social dynamics, and cultural expectations that shape people emotional expression and behavioral responses. Using a qualitative research approach, including surveys, semi-structured interviews, and reflective journals, the study investigates real life experiences of anger in everyday situations. The findings indicate that traffic congestion, workplace stress, financial instability, and limited personal space act as significant people triggers of emotional tension. Cultural norms and societal expectations further influence whether anger is openly expressed or internally suppressed. The study emphasizes the importance of emotional awareness programs and people emotional education to promote psychological well-being and healthier social interactions within city environments.Item PETTY CRIMES AND ITS IMPACT ON COMMUNAL HONESTY(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2026-06) RAHEEL JAMAL; FA22-BDE-020; LHR TP 10144; Zain ul Abidin , Huma MaqboolEvery eleven seconds, a petty crime is happening somewhere in the world ,yet what makes these acts truly important is not how often they happen, but where they lead to. This research investigates the normalization of petty corruption, including small lies, and plagiarism, and minor bribery, and their impact on society and on the criminal ways of individuals. Moving beyond the thinking that such crimes do no harm, this study talks that petty corruption is the first step towards more serious criminal behavior. Garrett et al. (2016) showed through brain photographs that the amygdala becomes less sensitive to dishonesty with time, making each act easier than the last. Dan Ariely(2012) showed that most people cheat steadily, staying just within a limit that slowly increases. Sykes and Matza(1957) explained how people justify these acts through “techniques of neutralization”, and Farrington(2003) through decades of research showed that breaking rules again and again in teenage strongly predicts serious adult offending. Using qualitative self reflection and analysis, this study traces that path from small everyday dishonesty in life to its documented criminal outcomes.Item LIVING THROUGH SUPERSTITION: The Impact of Superstitions on Children’s Emotional Development(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2026-06-30) Rabiya Naumaan; FA22-BDE-022; LHR TP 10143; Zain Ul Abidin and Huma MaqboolSuperstitions are beliefs that are not scientifically provable and yet many people have a great faith in them like that breaking a mirror leads to bad luck or that a black cat brings misfortune etc. Childhood is a significant time in emotional development, in this way it is necessary to know how superstitions impacting the emotional development of children. A study conducted by Sheehan and his colleagues revealed that even young children naturally associate events that are unrelated in nature and they have a tendency to become superstitious without being taught these practices in the culture. Yeckering discovered that children of younger age are firm believers in bad luck superstitions whereas children of older age start doubting them as they develop better thinking capacities. Studies by Undie and colleagues have indicated that a firm belief in supernatural causes may confuse the minds of children. The findings show that superstitions can enhance anxiety, unrealistic fears and insecurity in the children, which can affect their emotional growth in their early years. Interviews conducted with educators confirms to introduce this sort of teachings in their schools. This knowledge can be used by the parents and educators to contribute to a healthier development of their children emotionally.Item EMOTIONAL CONNECTION TO PERSONAL BELONGING The Influence of Emotional Awareness Towards Gifts & Keepsakes(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2026-06-30) Tehniat Zafar; FA22-BDE-003; LHR TP 10142; Zain Ul Abidin and Huma MaqboolThis study examines how emotional awareness influences the value individuals place on sentimental personal belongings, particularly gifts and keepsakes received from loved ones. Emotional awareness, defined as the ability to recognize, understand and process one’s emotions, plays a significant role in shaping how people attach meaning to these objects. Rather than being valued for their practical use or economic worth, such belongings function as quiet, non-verbal expressions of affection, memory and relational identity. This research further proposes that an object’s value is deeply tied to its temporal journey the reality that it carries the time-investment of the giver and has existed as a silent witness alongside the owner through various life stages. Grounded in Marcel Mauss’s theory of gift exchange and Russell Belk’s concept of the extended self, the study frames sentimental possessions as relational artifacts that carry moral, emotional and symbolic significance. Mauss’s idea that giving involves transferring a part of oneself explains the enduring emotional bond between the giver, receiver and object, while Belk’s framework highlights how such possessions become extensions of personal identity and continuity over time. The study observes that even if an object remains physically unchanged, it becomes as meaningful as time itself because it bridges the gap between the past and the present. In conclusion, Marcel Mauss’s theory of gift exchange offers a more relevant and strong framework for this research, as it directly explains the relational and moral bonds embedded within sentimental possessions. His idea that a gift carries a part of the giver clearly accounts for the lasting emotional connection between the object, the giver and the receiver. Using a qualitative methodology, the research employs surveys with a purposive sample of individuals aged 18–40 who possess emotionally significant gifts or keepsakes.Item Smoking – A Hidden Health Hazard Exploring How Bathroom Smoking Affects Human Health(LHR TP 10141, 2026-06-30) Zain ul Abidin & Huma Maqbool; FA22-BDE-025; MUHAMMAD AHMAD; LHR TP 10141Smoking is one of the leading sources of serious health problems around the world. Many people know it is hazardous, but few comprehend that the place where they smoke also plays a major role in the harm it reasons. Bathrooms are habitually used for smoking because they bid confidentiality and a sense of outflow. Though, smoking in these bolted, damp spaces is more harmful than smoking outdoors. This study explores how smoking in bathrooms increases the risks of breathing problems, skin irritation, headaches, and long-term diseases such as lung and heart conditions. The study also highpoints the presence of thirdhand smoke residue and poor airing that degrade air quality. The aim of this project is to find how smoking in closed spaces like bathrooms affects human health. This study aims to focus on both the smoker and nonsmoker and how those shared closed spaces affect both parties. This study focuses on hidden exposure, lack of awareness and that this everyday habit increases health risks. This study encourages individuals to rethink before smoking in confined spaces and rethink their attitude and choose better and safer options.Item Public Harassment and the Mental Well-being of Pakistani women(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2026-06-30) MOMNA ABID; FA22-BDE-023; Zain Ul Abidin & Huma Maqbool; LHR TP 10140The problem of public harassment has become a recognized type of genderbased violence limiting the movements of women and diminishing the psychological health of victims. According to Cynthia Grant Bowman, street harassment is one of the elements that lead to the informal ghettoization of women by restricting their rights and freedoms in the open areas as well as strengthening gender inequality. Equally, Kimberly Fairchild also theorizes street harassment as gendered violence based on patriarchal power systems that reinforce the fear experienced by women in the daily space. Kiran Ikram and her co-authors show in the Pakistani context that women in Lahore are often harassed in the transportation and marketplaces which causes emotional distress and avoidance behaviours. Also, Manzoor Ahmad offers some quantitative data of Baluchistan which indicates that the rates of anxiety and depression are extremely high among the girls who experienced the harassment on the street. These results demonstrate the dire psychological impact of frequent exposure to social harassment. Also, Fozia Zahir stresses that stigma in the society and victim-blaming prevent women to report harassment, which strengthens the silence and internalized distress. Similarly, Jibran Jamshed says there are loopholes in the legislation of Pakistan that helps to promote the existence of unsafe public spaces. Following these views, this research explores the psychological impact and coping mechanisms as well as safety perceptions of women in Pakistan in order to add context-sensitive findings to the policy modification and safer urban conditionsItem SLANG, EMOJIS AND JUDGMENT OF SOCIAL IDENTITY AMONG YOUTH(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2026-06-30) MINHAL ABRAR; FA22-BDE-029; LHR TP 10139; Zain Ul Abidin, Huma MaqboolGen Z and Gen Alpha mostly use fast evolving slang and emojis in digital communication which creates situations where people judge others for not understanding new trends. Slang and emojis create feelings of belonging and exclusion in online communication. A survey was conducted to obtain the perceptions of youth on the use of slang and emojis. The study design is based on Communication Accommodation Theory (Giles 1973) that argues that human beings make or resist linguistic changes in the social context. At the same time, the Social Identity Theory (Turner 1979) suggests that linguistic practices are used as an indicator of collective identity. The findings reported that people who do not understand trending context of slang and emojis are often known as outdated or outsiders. Some respondents also admitted judging others for incorrect usage. The study suggests promoting digital literacy that can help reduce judgment and support online and offline healthy relationships.