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Mathematics anxiety (MA) has a debilitating impact on learning, achievement, mental health, and the future career life of students. Though MA is a popular research theme, there is little agreement among researchers regarding the cross-cultural effect of gender. The purpose of this paper was to explore the perceived MA differences among males and females across cultures using the Anxiety Towards Math Scale (ATMS; Muñoz and Mato, 2007). Data were collected between October 2019 and September 2020) from students (N = 4,340) in 12 countries. Using univariate analysis of variance, the results indicate that gender has a significant main effect on MA with females recording higher mean scores than males, [71.816 > 68.118]. Examining the interaction effect of gender and location, significant differences in MA scores exist between males and females across all locations except for Egypt, Malaysia, and Nigeria (Enugu State). Conversely, females reported significantly higher MA scores than males in the rest of the locations, except Iran (Tehran and Qom) and Pakistan (Faisalabad). Gender-based ranking of the top-three locations with high MA scores indicates that females, starting from Malaysia, Thailand (Bangkok), and Nigeria (Enugu State) ranked the highest. Similarly, males beginning from Malaysia, Nigeria (Enugu State), and Thailand (Bangkok) ranked the top-three in MA. The implications are that mathematics teachers need to adopt different culturally-appropriate and gender-focused interventions to support students with MA challenges. Though interpreting the results from this survey need to de done with caution due to the smaller community and national online samples, the role of cross-cultural gender differences in MA cannot be overlooked.

The study was aimed at examining the role of job burnout in predicting counterproductive work behaviors (CWB) among high school teachers. Maslach Burnout Inventory-ES (Maslach, Jackson, & Leiter, 1996) and Counterproductive Work Behavior Checklist-32 (Spector, Fox, Penney, Bruursema, Goh, and Kessler, 2006) were used to measure the constructs. The study comprised two phases. Phase-I of the study aimed at translating the scales from English into Urdu and the Phase-II of the study was carried out to explore the role of three factors of job burnout (including emotional exhaustion, reduced personal accomplishment and depersonalization) in predicting withdrawal abuse, and sabotage (the three forms of CWB). Multiple regression analysis revealed that reduced personal accomplishment and depersonalization were significant positive predictors of withdrawal and sabotage, whereas emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were found to be significant positive predictors of abuse. Limitations and implications have also been discussed.

Most countries imposed lockdown restrictions on high-risk cities due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. Although individuals adopted social media use during the lockdown, it is unclear how online information-seeking experiences affected their health and quality of life. We conducted an online survey among people living in cities in Ghana, India, Indonesia, and Pakistan that were affected by lockdown restrictions. Using Colaizzi’s method, we thematically analyzed 166 participants’ (males = 93, females = 73) online text responses. We observed that uncertainties about COVID-19 and the feeling of boredom predisposed participants to become victims of misinformation. Once they were misinformed, they felt anxious about COVID-19. Consequently, some overused social media to obtain additional information while others decreased or avoided its usage entirely. Our study provides insight into a recent global phenomenon. There is a need for adequate psychological support services through social media to lessen the use of unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Introduction: The present study examined the moderating effects of sleep quality in the relationship between coping and distress among medical college students. Present study was conducted to ensure the mental health of medical students and to dig out the reasons behind their disturbed health which can directly impact their performance at work. Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional survey and was distributed to students at various medical institutions in the Punjab province of Pakistan from October 2019 to June 2020. The sample comprised 369 participants (120 males; 32.5%). The survey included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Kessler Scale of Psychological Distress (K10), Brief Cope Scale, and Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale. Results: The results showed there was a significant relationship between coping and distress. More specifically, adaptive coping and distress were negatively associated (r =-.24), and maladaptive coping and distress were positively associated (r =.46). Moreover, the present study found that poor sleep quality was a significant positive predictor of distress. Moderation analysis showed that sleep quality was a significant moderator in the relationship between adaptive coping and distress (ΔR2=.011, β=-.36, p <.01) as well as between maladaptive coping and distress (ΔR2=.021, β=-.17, p <.01). Conclusion: The study's findings clearly showed that sleep quality is a significant moderator in the relationship between coping (both adaptive and maladaptive) and distress among medical students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined access to water, food, and nutrition programs among marginalized communities in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, and their effects on nutrition. Both qualitative and quantitative data were used in this study. We held two focus group discussions (one with 10 males and one with 10 females) and conducted in-depth interviews with 15 key stakeholders, including 20 mothers and 10 healthcare providers. A survey of 235 households was carried out to evaluate water and food insecurity, with the data analyzed using Wilcoxon's rank-sum test, t-test, and Pearson's chi-square test. The results revealed that 90% of households experienced moderate-to-severe water insecurity, and 73% faced moderate-to-severe food insecurity. Household water and food insecurity were positively correlated with each other (correlation coefficient = 0.205; p = 0.004). Greater household water (p = 0.028) and food insecurity (p < 0.001) were both associated with higher perceived stress. Furthermore, lower socioeconomic status was strongly related to higher levels of water (p < 0.001) and food insecurity (p < 0.001). Qualitative findings highlight the impact of colonial and post-colonial policies, which have resulted in water injustice, supply issues, and corruption in water administration. Women face significant challenges in fetching water, including stigma, harassment, and gender vulnerabilities, leading to conflicts and injuries. Water scarcity and poor quality adversely affect sanitation, hygiene, and breastfeeding practices among lactating mothers. Structural adjustment policies have exacerbated inflation and reduced purchasing power. Respondents reported a widespread lack of dietary diversity and food quality. Nutrition programs face obstacles such as the exclusion of people with low social and cultural capital, underfunding, weak monitoring, health sector corruption, and the influence of formula milk companies allied with the medical community and bureaucracy. This study concludes that addressing the macro-political and economic causes of undernutrition should be prioritized to improve nutrition security in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is an abundance of studies explaining the separate impact of female employment and household wealth status in reducing malnutrition. However, our study has unraveled the combined impact of maternal employment and household wealth on undernutrition among children under three in Pakistan. Methods: Using a sample of 1093 children under three years of age from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017–2018, a binary logistic model was employed to gauge factors influencing the children's undernutrition. Results: Our results indicated that children up to a certain age (three years old) with residence in certain regions (Pakistan) and recent episodes of diarrhea had an increased risk of undernutrition. Conversely, secondary and higher maternal education, access to improved water sources, and sanitation facilities lowered the chances of undernutrition in children under three in Pakistan. The interaction between maternal employment and household wealth showed that maternal employment significantly lowered the risk of stunting, being underweight, and wasting among the average, rich, and richest households; however, it did not contribute to child nutrition among the poorer and poor households. Notably, regardless of whether the mother was employed, the wealth status of being rich and richest reduced the risk of stunting, being underweight, and wasting. Conclusions: In overcoming undernutrition, maternal employment significantly contributed to middle-income households. However, in the richer and richest households, the wealth status played a more crucial role compared to the maternal employment. This indicates that while employment plays a supportive role in household resources, the wealth status is overall more influential in reducing undernutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was executed to develop and validate the multidimensional scale of social media use. Current study was composed of two studies i.e., study-1 was carried for development of new scale in addition to ensure the psychometric soundness of measurement instrument; study-2 was carried out to validate the scale. Purposive sampling technique was used to draw the two separate samples of millennials for EFA (N = 346) and CFA (N = 673) respectively. In order to establish the construct validity Social Networking Usage Questionnaire (Gupta & Bashir, 2018) scale was used. Exploratory factor analyses (principal component with direct oblimin) produced a coherent and interpretable 4-factor solution for multidimensional scale of social media use (active media use, enhancement motive use, compensation motive use, and passive content reading; k = 28) with acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach > .70). Their relationship with other focal measures aligned with the relevant theory i.e., social networking usage questionnaire. Followed by conclusions, conceived limitations and suggestions for future researches also been highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: At least, 358,000 women worldwide die annually from pregnancy and childbirth-related problems. Obstetric hemorrhage is the single most significant cause of maternal mortality worldwide accounting for 25-30% of all maternal deaths. Aims and Objectives: The objective of the study is to see the usefulness/importance of shock index (SI) in obstetric hemorrhage (antepartum and post-partum hemorrhage) and to compare the performance of SI with conventional vital signs for prediction of maternal outcome. Materials and Methods: The descriptive study was conducted in 100 cases of hemorrhagic shock patients admitted in obstetrics and gynecology at Baba Raghav Das Medical College, Gorakhpur, between June 2020 and May 2021, on 100 subjects. Results: In our study, there were 100 patients. Patients with SI 0.6 to <1 were included in Group I which comprises 26% patients in which 57.69% patients required only intravenous (IV) fluid, while 30.77% patients needed blood transfusion. Patients with SI>1 were included in Group II which comprises 74% patients in which all patients required initial resuscitation with IV fluid and then blood transfusion, 21.62% patients require inotropic support, and 9.46% patients needed fresh frozen plasma transfusion. Maternal outcome in Group I patients is that only 15.38% patients required emergency lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). While in Group II, 28.95% patients required emergency LSCS, 5.26% patients required intensive care unit (ICU) admission for ventilator support, 3.95% went for cesarean hysterectomy, while 2.63% patients landed in end organ failure and expired. Conclusion: All patients with obstetric hemorrhage with SI>1 should receive immediate intervention such as blood transfusion need of ICU or surgical intervention. This is higher than the upper limit of normality in nonpregnant population. In low-resource settings, this simple parameter could improve outcomes because it has a significant ability to predict adverse maternal outcomes of hemorrhage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The birth of a baby through the vaginal route is a traditional way of delivery. But, at times normal vaginal delivery is not desirable due to various reasons. Under such circumstances, Lower section caesarean section (LSCS) is carried out to deliver the baby safely. There are rising concerns about the increasing rate of caesarean sections with wide variations in rates across the globe. Factors that influence the decision to perform a LSCS are often complex and multifactorial. Understanding these complexities is one of many steps to help stop the rise of any unnecessary LSCSs or prevent their overuse. Aim: To find out factors influencing the choice of caesarean delivery among recently delivered mothers through caesarean section and within puerperium. Method: A cross-sectional survey using pretested, self-administered, semistructured questionnaire was done between December 2022 to February 2023 among patients recently delivered through caesarean section and within puerperium. Result: A total of 250 participants were approached over a three-month period. Among them, 211 completed the survey. The majority of participants were in the age group 25 to 30 years, Hindu by religion, and residents of rural areas. Sixty-four participants perceived that LSCS was done for the safety of the baby. Educational status (p<0.001), place of previous delivery (p<0.001), and count of current LSCS (p=0.016) were the factors associated with caesarean delivery satisfaction and it was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: About one-third of the participants perceived that LSCS was done for the safety of the baby. The majority of participants were satisfied with the decision of LSCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study established whether belief in a just world is a mediator in relationship between altruistic behavior and perceived social responsibility among adults. A convenient sampling technique was used to collect data from 310 adults. Perceived Social Responsibility (PSRS), A Simplified 9-Items Version of the SRA Scale to Assess Altruism (9-SRA), and The Global Belief in a Just World Scale (BJW) were used to collect the data. Pearson correlation was used to find the relationship pattern in study variables. According to multiple regression analysis, believing in a just world and altruistic behavior are both good predictors of perceived social responsibility. Using hierarchical regression, a belief in a just world was discovered as a strong mediator in the relationship between altruistic behavior and perceived social responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postpartum depression (PPD) can predispose to physical and mental health problems in Pakistani women. However, PPD is associated with health and perceived social support, yet their causal relationship is unclear. Therefore, this study intended to evaluate the association of PPD with insomnia, mental health, and physical health. The convenience sampling technique was used to collect data from 320 (52.8%) young and middle-aged postpartum women, at the outpatient departments of obstetrics and gynecology of the Government Maula Bakhsh Hospital, District Head Quarter in Sargodha, Pakistan. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, patient health questionnaire, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were used to measure study variables. The results revealed a significant positive relationship between PPD and physical health (r = 0.45, p = 0.001), negative relationships with insomnia (r = −0.24, p < 0.001), and perceived social support (r = −0.38, p = 0.001). Results further confirmed that perceived social support played a moderating role (β = 0.97, p = 0.01) in the relationship between PPD and mental health among Pakistani women. This study concluded that perceived social support has an important role in PPD and the health of Pakistani women. The study also concluded that poor health is a risk indicator for the identification of aid in the early stages of postpartum among Pakistani women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was intended to examine the effect of psychosocial factors on the stigma of mental illness among people addicted to drugs who have relapsed in Punjab, Pakistan. A sample composed of 116 people addicted to drugs and who have relapsed was collected through the purposive sampling technique. Certain self-report measures were used to assess the pertinent study variables. The results elucidated that self-efficacy, social support, and conscientiousness were found to be negative predictors and neuroticism a positive predictor of stigma. The results also confirmed social support as being a significant moderator in the relationship between self-efficacy and stigma, and self-efficacy as being a significant moderator in the relationship between social support and stigma. It was safe to conclude that psychosocial factors such as self-efficacy, social support, personality traits and stigma have a significant role in causing addiction relapse. The conclusions made have been discussed thoroughly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low dietary diversity significantly interplays with children's growth failure. However, evidence of its crucial role in children's health remains inconclusive in developing countries such as India. This study attempts to find the association between dietary diversity and growth outcomes among children aged between 6 and 23 months in India using the fourth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), 2015–2016. A total of 67,278 mother-child pairs of children between the ages of 6–23 months and mothers aged 15–49 years were included in this study. Pearson's chi-square significance test and multivariable logistic regression were used to determine the association between dietary diversity and child growth outcomes (stunted, wasted, and underweight). The study found that the prevalence of stunting and severe stunting among children aged between 6 and 23 months were 35.9% and 16.2%; 23.8% and 8.5% represented wasting, and severe wasting; and more than 32%, 10% were underweight and severely underweight respectively. This present study found that having an inadequate minimum dietary diversity (<4 food groups) significantly increases the risk of being stunted (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.29; 95% confidence interval (CI); 1.21–1.38), wasted (AOR = 1.29; 95% CI; 1.21–1.38), and underweight (AOR = 1.47; 95% CI; 1.39–1.56). Further, it was noted that children who did not intake dairy products, eggs, and other fruits and vegetables were more likely to be stunted, wasted, and underweight and more likely to be severely stunted, wasted, and underweight. Therefore, additional nutrition-specific interventions are urgently needed to strengthen and enhance existing feeding interventions aimed at improving infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices, including complementary feeding practices among children aged between 6 and 23 months in India. The Government should focus such interventions more on states or regions where the prevalence of adequate minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and malnutrition is high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lockdown after the COVID-19 pandemic not only caused public health crises and income stress but also put millions at risk of food insecurity and malnutrition across the globe, especially in low and middle-income countries [LMICs]. This study evaluated the effects of financial stress and household socio-economic deprivation on the nutritional status of 1551 children under the age of five during COVID-19 in Pakistan. A self-administered questionnaire was used between November 2020 and April 2021 to collect information on age, height, children's weight, and socio-economic status from 1152 rural households from underdeveloped regions in Punjab, Pakistan. With the help of the proportionate simple random sampling method, this study employed a model (binary logistic regression) to calculate the likelihood of malnourishment. The findings showed that the stunting, underweight, and wasting prevalence rates during COVID-19 were 58.86%, 41.89%, and 8.11%, respectively, in the Bahawalpur region. According to the binary logistic regression analysis, among the household deprivation status (HDS) categories, the risks of childhood malnutrition were lesser in HDS-2 (OR = 0.05, 95% CI: 0. 005–0.879) and HDS-3 (OR = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.008–0.193). Similar to this, within the financial stress index (FSI) categories, the children in homes with medium financial stress had reduced odds of malnutrition (OR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.018–0.567), and the children in households with low financial stress had reduced risks of malnutrition (OR = 0.006, 95% CI: 0.005–0.061). The proposed research found that stunting and underweight increased by 17.26% and 12.29% during the COVID-19 lockdown in the Bahawalpur region. Additionally, financial stress and socio-economic deprivation strongly affected children's nutritional statuses during the COVID-19 lockdown in the Bahawalpur region of Southern Punjab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The vulnerability and prevalence of common psychiatric illnesses, that is, anxiety and depression are very high at the time of pregnancy in the socio‐cultural context of Southeast Asian low‐ middle‐income countries' pregnant women. However, the issue remains poorly understood despite the fact that pregnancy can be stressful for women, their families and is strongly connected with marital quality and perceived social support. The present study examines the impact of anxiety proneness, marital satisfaction, and perceived social support on fear of childbirth and development of depression among pregnant women. Design and Methods: Participants were purposively selected 136 pregnant women who were in the third trimester with ages ranging between 19 and 35 years and were selected through a purposive sampling technique from six hospitals in Pakistan. The STICSA, RAS, MSPSS, CAQ, and PADQ scales and questionnaires were used as study tools. Findings: Anxiety proneness positively predicted childbirth fear and depression; marital satisfaction and perceived presence of social support were negative predictors among pregnant women. Practice Implications: Obstetricians, nurses, midwives, and mental health professionals can imply these findings towards developing targeted antenatal programs that focus on the pregnant woman's mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) is a serious public health problem in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Therapeutic programs are often considered the most effective solution to this problem. However, multiple social and structural factors challenge the social inclusion, sustainability, and effectiveness of such programs. In this article, we aim to explore how poor and remote households face structural inequities and social exclusion in accessing nutrition-specific programs in Pakistan. The study specifically highlights significant reasons for the low coverage of the Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) program in one of the most marginalized districts of south Punjab. Qualitative data are collected using in-depth interviews and FGDs with mothers and health and nutrition officials. The study reveals that mothers' access to the program is restricted by multiple structural, logistical, social, and behavioral causes. At the district level, certain populations are served, while illiterate, and poor mothers with lower cultural capital from rural and remote areas are neglected. The lack of funding for nutrition causes the deprioritization of nutrition by the health bureaucracy. The subsequent work burden on Lady Health Workers (LHWs) and the lack of proper training of field staff impact the screening of SAM cases. Moreover, medical corruption in the distribution of therapeutic food, long distances, traveling or staying difficulties, the lack of social capital, and the stigmatization of mothers are other prominent difficulties. The study concludes that nutrition governance in Pakistan must address these critical challenges so that optimal therapeutic coverage can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Challenging job demands are those which require the use of high energy and thus may impair health but bring positive consequences too. The present study aimed to construct a measure for challenging job demands for university teachers. Methods: The study is based upon the model developed by Makhdoom and Malik (2018) which proposed three challenging job demands including Regulatory Load, Social Load, and Cognitive Demands. On the basis of the literature review, Time Pressure was also studied as a factor. First of all, the authors created an initial item pool of 19 items which were categorized into four factors. The finalized item pool was administered on two independent samples drawn from various universities of Pakistan. In the first stage, the university teachers (N = 201) from three universities of the Punjab province were approached. EFA concluded three-factor and 13 items, which were then administered upon a sample of university teachers (N = 600). Results: The CFA confirmed the three-factor structure of challenging job demands including Time Pressure, Cognitive Demands and Social Load. All the fit indices were within an acceptable range. The values of factor loadings and Cronbach Alpha justified the internal consistency and psychometric soundness of the newly developed measure. Discussion: The study concludes a psychometrically sound scale to measure challenging job demands in university teachers which will be helpful in future studies. The limitations of the study along with suggestions for future research and important theoretical and practical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The current study was designed to examine the relationship between health anxiety, cyberchondria (its constructs), and metacognitive beliefs. In addition, it also evaluated the moderating role of metacognitive beliefs in this relationship. Design and Method: The present study used the purposive sampling technique to acquire a sample of (N = 500) adults, among them (N = 256) women and (N = 244) men, and the age of the sample ranged from 20 to 50 years. Short Health Anxiety Inventory, Cyberchondria Severity Scale, and Metacognitions Questionnaire–Health Anxiety were used to operationalize the present study variables. Findings: The descriptive statistics revealed that all instruments have good psychometric properties, as Cronbach's alpha coefficients for all scales are ≥0.70. In addition to this, the Pearson correlation showed that all variables of the present study have a significant positive correlation with each other. Furthermore, the regression analysis described that health anxiety and metacognitive beliefs (biased thinking and beliefs about uncontrollable thoughts) were the significant positive predictors of cyberchondria. Moreover, moderation analysis showed that metacognitive beliefs significantly strengthened the association between health anxiety and cyberchondria and its constructs. Practical Implications: The present study will help medical practitioners to understand how metacognitive beliefs and health anxiety can cause an increase in cyberchondria. This will help them to design better treatment plans for people with cyberchondria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was based on the content analysis of the book Nabi-e-Akram صلى الله عليه وسلم batoor Mahir-e-Nafsiyat by Sayeda Sadia Ghaznavi. The core objective was to study the personality of Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم as a psychologist and to show that all the positive traits of the Big five model were presents in Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. Book Nabi-e-Akram (SAW) Batoor Mahir-e-Nafsiyat was the research sample to be content analyzed. Firstly, the contents of the book were analyzed to identify the major categories regarding the five-factor model of personality. Categories were identified from 8 units (Chapters) and then the categories of each unit were ranked in the units of analysis. After a thorough review of the book, 12 categories were identified, out of 30 categories of the five-factor model, including justice, which showed the profile of Holy Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم as a psychologist. The categories included assertiveness, positive emotions, fantasy, ideas, values, straightforwardness, altruism, compliance, modesty, tender mindedness, dutifulness and deliberation. The present study is the initiative to explore the personality of Holy Prophet Muhammad as a psychologist in the book Nabi-e-Akram صلى الله عليه وسلم batoor Mahir-e-Nafsiyat. The study has applied significance especially for Muslims across the world. Limitations of the study and suggestions for further research have also been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of many people, including medical students. The present study explored internet addiction and changes in sleep patterns among medical students during the pandemic and assessed the relationship between them. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in seven countries, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Guyana, India, Mexico, Pakistan, and Sudan, using a convenience sampling technique, an online survey comprising demographic details, information regarding COVID-19, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Results: In total, 2749 participants completed the questionnaire. Of the total, 67.6% scored above 30 in the IAT, suggesting the presence of an Internet addiction, and 73.5% scored equal and above 5 in the PSQI, suggesting poor sleep quality. Internet addiction was found to be significant predictors of poor sleep quality, causing 13.2% of the variance in poor sleep quality. Participants who reported COVID-19 related symptoms had disturbed sleep and higher internet addiction levels when compared with those who did not. Participants who reported a diagnosis of COVID-19 reported poor sleep quality. Those living with a COVID-19 diagnosed patient reported higher internet addiction and worse sleep quality compared with those who did not have any COVID-19 patients in their surroundings. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that internet addiction and poor sleep quality are two issues that require addressing amongst medical students. Medical training institutions should do their best to minimize their negative impact, particularly during the current COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are often comorbid mental health issues in older adults. The current study explored the prospective mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between depression and the quality of life in elderly with MCI. A second aim was to examine differences in depression, loneliness, and the quality of life in the elderly with MCI among gender groups, and type of residence groups. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey with purposive sampling was used. Older adults with MCI (N = 170) from old age homes in Lahore and Rawalpindi (n = 82) and family residences in Sargodha (n = 88) in Pakistan completed UCLA Loneliness Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, and Mild Cognitive Impairment Scale. Results: Most of the participants had severe to extreme depression (98.2%), and moderate to moderately high levels of loneliness (85.3%). Depression was significantly associated with loneliness (b = 0.29, P < 0.05) and poor quality of life in MCI (b = 0.49, P < 0.001). The indirect effect of depression on the quality of life in MCI through loneliness was significant (95% confidence interval (CI) [0.002, 0.156]). However, the indirect effect of quality of life in MCI on depression through loneliness was not significant (95% CI [−0.001, 0.043]). The elderly with MCI living in old age homes had higher depression, loneliness, and poor quality of life. Elderly women had higher levels of depression and poor quality of life, whereas older men were lonelier. Conclusion: The relationship between depression and quality of life in the elderly with MCI may be bidirectional, and loneliness partially mediates only one of these relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To examine the prevalence and relationship of smartphone addiction, nomophobia, and social anxiety. Methodology: The study was carried out in two phases i.e., Translation and Tryout and Main Study. Survey research was conducted on the sample of college and university adolescents (N = 1050) which was approached using convenience sampling. Results:Theregression analysis revealed that smartphone addiction is a significant predictor of social anxiety(β = .197, p< .001) and nomophobia (β = .58, p< .001).Findings showed that the prevalence of smartphone addiction was 13 % among male students and 13 % among female students whereas 15 % females and 11 % males were found to be higher on nomophobia. Besides this 15% males and 11%, females were high on social anxiety. Conclusion:Smartphone addiction is a significant predictor of nomophobia and social anxiety. It is equally prevalent among males and females. Nomophobia was high in female students.Contrary to this social anxiety was high in males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was an empirical attempt to examine the relationship of self-compassion and dysmorphic concern in the role of appearance contingent self-worth among university students. The sample of the current study was taken from the University of Sargodha (N = 335) while using multi-stage sampling. At first, four faculties from the University of Sargodha were selected through the lottery method. In the second stage departments from the four faculties were randomly selected through the lottery method. From selected departments, the fixed numbers of students (i.e., 25 students from each department) were approached based on convenience. Contingencies of Self-Worth Scale (CSW; Crocker, Luhtanen, Cooper, &Bouvrette, 2003), Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (Raes, Pommier, Neff, & Van Gucht, 2011), and Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire(DCQ; Oosthuizen, 1998) were used to measure the relevant constructs. Theregression analysis revealed that appearance contingent self-worth (β = -.02, p > .05) and self-compassion (β = .02, p> .05) are not the predictors of dysmorphic concern. The results of the study also showed that appearance contingent self-worth is mediating the relationship between self-compassion and dysmorphic concern. In the end, limitations, suggestions, and practical implications have also been thoroughly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescence and academic issues are the focus of ongoing research, yet there is still a need to explore adolescence ineducational contexts. The present studyaimed to findout the mediational role of Introjection in the relationship of conditional parental regard (CPR) on academic disengagement. The cross-sectional survey research design was employed, and Urdu translated versions of theParental Conditional Regard (Assor et al., 2004), Internal Compulsion Scale (ICS: Deci & Ryan, 1985), Behavioral and Emotional Engagement, and Disaffection Scale (BEEDS: Skinner et al., 2009), were used to collect data through purposive sampling within the range between 15-21 years (N = 450, M = 19.55, SD = 1.69).Pearson correlation (both mother and father) revealed that study variables were correlated in an expected direction. Further mediation analysis revealed that CPR (both mother and father) through Introjection has indirect predictive strength for academic disengagement.Findings suggest that the parenting dimension i.e., love withdrawal, promotemaladaptive behaviour among adolescents, and CPR through controlled motivation leads to an absence of motivation for academic engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescence is a crucial period that radically affects individuals' functioning in certain domains. Adolescence and significant parental, interpersonal, societal, and academic issue are the centre of ongoing research but still, there is a need to explore the adolescent phase within various contexts and domains. The present study was planned to find out Perceived Parental Conditional Regard (PCR)and Autonomy Support Parenting (ASP) as predictors of Self-Regulatory processes (internalization & identification) among purposively selected 450 adolescents with an age range of 15 -21 years (M = 19.55, SD = 1.69) through a cross-sectional survey research design. Domain-specific Parental Conditional Regard (DSPCR: Assor et al., 2004), Domain-specific Perceptions of Autonomy Support Parenting Scale (Bashir & Malik, 2020), Internal Compulsion Scale (ICS: Deci & Ryan, 1985), Choice Scale (Deci & Ryan, 1985), were used to collect data. Pearson product movement correlation analysis demonstrates PCR has a positive correlation with Internalisation but a negative correlation with identification; ASR has a positive correlation with identification and a negative correlation with internalization. Regression analysis revealed that parental conditional regard predicted internalization in pro-social and academic domains; whereas, autonomy support parenting predicted identification in pro-social, academic and emotion control domains among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The prime objective of the current study was assimilating and extending the knowledge as well as insights which are from earlier researches and exploring the impact of social adjustment, emotional stability on hope, and happiness of old age home residents. Design: Cross-sectional survey research design with purposive sampling was used. Place and duration of study: Present study was conducted in Pakistan in Feb-Dec 2020. Subject and Method: Older adults (N = 150), including Men (n = 75) and women (n = 75) age range 65 years to 85 years (M= 69.65; SD= 5.58), from old homes in Lahore and Rawalpindi of Pakistan, completed the Social Adjustment scale, Neuroticism subscales of NEO FFI), Subjective Happiness Scale), and Dispositional Hope Scale. Results and Conclusion: Pearson correlation indicated a significant correlation among all study variables. Linear regression analysis indicated that social adjustment and emotional stability are positive predictors of hope and happiness. Moreover, the effect of demographic variable (gender) was also determined. Findings from the t-test depicted that emotional stability, happiness and hope is high in older men than older women. So as a current study planned to investigate the impact of social adjustment, emotional stability on hope and happiness of old age home residents, the study's findings revealed that social adjustment and emotional stability are a significantly positive impact on hope and happiness. The findings are also beneficial for its implication in issues related to gerontology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the impact of work environment on the perception of workplace bullying, perceived stress and psychological wellbeing among doctors. Design: Correlational research design Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the different hospitals of two different cities i.e., Sargodha, and Bhalwal from December 2019 to May 2020. Participants and Method: A co-relational (predictive) research design study by using a cross-sectional method was conducted among 108 Doctors from Bhalwal and Sargodha. To measure the variables of the study work environment scale, perceived stress scale, Ryff's scale of psychological wellbeing and negative acts questionnaire were used. Results and Conclusion: Results reported that work environment is a significant negative predictor of perceived stress but is a non-significant positive predictor of psychological wellbeing. Results also reported that work environment is a significant negative predictor of workplace bullying. Findings also revealed the prevalence of workplace bullying among doctors. The findings highlight the role of the work environment in determining the psychological health of doctors. It helps the management of hospitals to understand how the working environment can play a healthy role in the performance of doctors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]