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The current study aimed to develop a standardized scale for clothing preferences for adolescents. Moreover, the mediating role of self-esteem would be explored in the relationship between clothing preferences and self-concept among adolescents. 200 adolescents, both males and females participated through the convenient sampling technique. The Fashion in Clothing Preference Scale FCPS (constructing scale), Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965) and Self-concept scale (Malhotra, 1981) were used to explore the key relationships. Study findings revealed that the Fashion in Clothing Scale carries three factors regarding Self-Reflection, Self-Satisfaction and Self-Acceptance with the variances of 43.18%, 9.37% and 7.43% respectively. Moreover, the self-esteem is acting as full mediator between the relationship of Clothing Preferences and selfconcept of individuals. The current study highlighted the role of self-esteem in fashion in clothing preferences and self-concept among Pakistani adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we aimed to identify and measure the risk factors for developing extremist tendencies. We thus developed a comprehensive risk assessment tool to identify extremism and violent tendencies among young people in the context of Pakistan. This research is being carried out in three successive studies that are built upon each other. In Study-I, we carried out detailed focused group discussions (FGDs) with psychologists, military personnel, religious scholars, police officers, educationists, and media analysts to identify any potential risk factors for extremism. Based upon the findings of FDGs and detailed literature review we generated an item pool comprising of 68 items to assess such risk factors among young people in Pakistan. A tryout for initial version of the newly developed test was conducted (n = 32) for the scale to assess preliminary psychometric properties and face validity of the scale. In study II, we carried out Exploratory Factor Analysis on a sample comprising of 365 young adults (age 16--30 years; female = 234; male = 131). The scree plot suggested retaining five factors, including lack of tolerance toward others, desire to have control over others, dependant self-worth, lack of religious tolerance, and lack of education. In study III, we recruited 347 participants 142 female (40%) and 205 male (58%) age ranged 16--28 years. The Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) model showed acceptable fit to the data, χ²(406) = 2181.890, p < .001; CFI = 0.91; RMSEA = 0.038; SRMR = 0.056. The CFA model largely confirmed the factorial structure we derived from EFA study II sample except "Lack of education" which was not sustained due to poor item loading. In contrast, religious intolerance, although identified as one of the risk factors, appears to contribute minimally to the variance within the model that we developed on Risk Assessment Tool for Extremism (RATE). We found strong positive correlation between Violent Extremism Beliefs Scale (VEBS) and RATE. Moreover, Risk Factors for Extremism have positive correlation with negative psychological outcomes including Depression, Anxiety, and Stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural sector provides a foundation stone for economy of Pakistan. The current concept of rural development is linked to economic welfare of rural people. It involves uplifting of certain indicators of development and satisfying the needs of fragile groups of rural communities. This study examined socio-economic factors of rural life which contribute in economic prosperity. A list of union councils and villages in tehsil Sargodha was obtained from local district office of the Population Welfare Department. All rural families live in tehsil Sargodha served as population in the study. Tehsil Sargodha was selected purposively. Of the 62 rural union councils, four were selected purposively and from each selected union council two villages were selected purposively. Hence, from each village 15 respondents were selected randomly which makes a sample of 120 respondents. During the study, demographic factors such as age, Education, family structure, and professions of the respondents were assessed. Complete regression model was applied with independent factors of educational opportunities, agri-business opportunities and training opportunities. The results were significant at 5% level of significance as F (3, 119) = 140.74; p< 0.05 and explained 78.4% of the variation in dependent factor of job opportunities for the respondents which is responsible for economic prosperity of rural communities. The results from second, third, fourth and fifth objectives respectively indicated that vocational education, cane food or auto workshop businesses, computer related job opportunities, and training in poultry farm management are the core requirements for economic prosperity of rural communities in the area. It is concluded that respondents were keen enough to get maximum opportunities to participate in economic activities in order to get financial independence and to promote rural business in the area. There is a dire need to invest in expert knowledge and vocational training opportunities to bring change in the skills level of the respondents in the study area. It is recommended to create job opportunities by boosting up educational and agri-business opportunities based on the needs, skills and by providing required training for economic wellbeing of the respondents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identity styles—informational, normative, and diffuse-avoidant—have been studied widely across North America and Europe but infrequently in “non-Western” cultures. We tested the factorial structure of the Identity Styles Inventory-5 (ISI-5) among 479 young adults in Pakistan. Findings supported the predicted three-factor solution, but only when numerous poorly performing items were deleted. We further tested associations among identity styles, identity commitment, and value priorities. As expected, informational and normative styles were associated with higher commitment, whereas diffuse-avoidant style was associated with lower commitment. The three identity styles showed a pattern of divergent associations with value priorities that mostly, but not entirely, replicated the pattern of associations previously found among U.S. and European samples. We conclude that Berzonsky’s three identity styles can be detected in a Pakistani cultural context but that the ISI-5 may not fully capture the breadth and complexity of identity formation processes among Pakistani youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much research and practice on gender and digital technologies focus on the potential of ICTs to empower women positively. However, ICTs also have negative impacts on women as well as men. This article explores such implications in the context of mobile device use in Pakistan. While digital harassment is commonplace globally, its extent in Pakistan is interesting because of the country's strong normative values and the complexity of the intersection of patriarchy, religion, and culture. We report on an online survey that examines the influence of personal characteristics on perceptions and experiences of sexual harassment through mobile devices. We conclude that some conventional stereotypes may be misleading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicidal ideation is an indicator of psychological distress and a proportion of people reporting suicidal ideation attempt or commits suicide. Mental illness of any type is strongly associated with suicidal ideation. Furthermore, the links between exposure to domestic violence and mental health problems are well established. Furthermore, a number of studies have reported an association between domestic violence and suicidal ideation. To study the link between domestic violence, mental health and suicidal ideation. Using data from a group of 650 Pakistani women, we explored the putative predictors of suicidal ideation using univariate and multiple logistic regression. Significant predictors were then entered into a path analysis in order to evaluate both the direct and indirect effects of domestic violence on the odds of a study participant reporting suicidal ideation. Mental disorders were observed to significantly predict suicidal ideation. Ability to negotiate conflict between couples appeared to both directly and indirectly, via mitigation against mental disorder, protect against suicidal ideation. The effect of verbal aggression on suicidal ideation appeared to be mostly mediated via its impact on mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on a qualitative study of poverty and development planning in Pakistan, asking if the concept of development varied between rural impoverished people (RP) and the official five-year plans (5P). The methodology used focus groups among 54 people in impoverished rural communities and policy analyses of the plans. The data showed a variety of differences in how the two perceive development. RP perceived development negatively, while 5P considered it positively; RP viewed development experientially, while 5P focused on facts and figures, ignoring psychosocial variables. Together, these factors may explain why those in impoverished rural societies feel dependent, powerless, and isolated, creating social and political alienation from urban areas and the government. The two groups can be integrated through empowerment, decentralisation of development plans, understanding of community importance and values, and enlivening facts and figures with stories to create an experiential embodiment that bridges gaps in society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]