Bahria Journal of Professional Psychology

Women in Prison: Unique Emotional Experiences as Mothers

Sanam Khalid — 2023-07-17

This paper is based on stress appraisal and anger expression of women in prisons while focusing particularly on the experiences of mothers and non-mothers in prison through quantitative comparative survey. A sample of 135 women (non-mothers n = 25, mothers n = 110) in prison aged between 20 to 55 years was drawn from Central Jail Kot Lakhpat in Lahore, Pakistan, using purposive sampling technique. The Stress Appraisal Measure (SAM), Anger Expression Scale (AES), and State Shame & Guilt Scale (SSGS) were used for data collection. Results showed that there was no significant difference between the levels of stress appraisal and anger expression of mothers and non-mothers in prison. Additionally, different expression of anger such as internalized, externalized and anger control was also explored and findings suggested no significant difference between convicted and under trial mothers. The study highlights the need for interventions and support for both groups in prison to help them manage their stress and anger effectively. Suggestions for future research have also been provided to further explore the emotional experiences of mothers in prison.

National Survey of Islamic Psychology Content in Psychology Programs in Pakistan

Sonia Mairaj Ahmad, PhD — 2023-07-17

This research explores the curriculum of various psychology programs offered in different universities across Pakistan for inclusion of Islamic content in the curriculum. The curriculum management authorities, like Deans, Directors, Head of Psychology Departments and Program Incharges were asked about the inclusion of Islamic studies and guidelines in the psychology courses taught at public and private sector universities in Pakistan. The qualitative analysis is suggesting that out of a sample of 24 universities, only 33% had courses on Islamic psychology and 67% did not offer any course or module on Islamic or Muslim psychology. The findings also include that 29% of the course content is focused on history of Muslim psychology and famous Arab scholars and is offered in undergraduate programs. The implications are first to explore and report existing Islamic content in Psychology programs. Second to promote the significance of inclusion of content related to Islamic psychology, Islamic and religious based therapies and trainings based on Quran and Sunnah in the curriculum. This research is an endeavor to highlight how the curriculum of various university programs are far behind and lacking in recent innovations in religion-based techniques of therapy, treatment and counseling based on Islamic principles.

Marital Satisfaction, Attachment Styles and Quality Of Life among Married Women

Amna Shafiq — 2023-07-17

This research examined the relationship between marital satisfaction, attachment styles and quality of life among married women. It was hypothesized that there would be a relationship between marital satisfaction and quality of life and attachment styles are likely to moderate between them. Quantitative correlational survey research design was used to conduct the research. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to collect data from 80 married women age ranging from 25-45 years (M=32; SD=1.2). Demographic sheet, ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (Olson & Fowers, 1993), Adult Attachment Scale (Collins & Read, 1990), and WHOQOL-BREF (WHO, 1997) were used to collect data. Results revealed that marital satisfaction and secure attachment style were positively correlated to quality of life along with four domains. Secure attachment style act as a moderator between marital satisfaction and physical, environmental health and social relationships. Finding of this study has implications for mothers in understanding how their interactions influence children.

Effect of Participation in Flow Experience Activity on Depressive Symptoms in University Students: A Quasi Experimental Study

Amra Khan — 2023-07-17

The purpose of this research is to explore the efficacy of flow experience as a group intervention to reduce depressive symptoms among university students. Sample comprised of 17 university students, aged 18 to 23 years (M= 20; SD= 1.56). Participants were recruited through multi stage sampling and final selection was made on the basis of scores on Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised (CESD-R, Van Dam & Earleywine 2011). Participants were given Flow Activity Identification Questionnaire (FAIQ), to identify flow experience activity. FAIQ was developed by authors during first preparatory phase of this research. Participants participated in the identified activity for 90 minutes each week for four weeks. Results showed significant decline in depressive symptoms among participants after participation in flow experience activity. It is concluded that flow experience is an effective group intervention that can be used for students experiencing depressive symptoms.

Role of Self-determination Related Needs and Academic Locus of Control in Academic Achievement (GPA) among University Students

Zubana Afzal — 2023-07-17

The cross-sectional study was carried out to explore the role of academic locus of control learning as an explanatory mechanism between the relationships of self-determination based needs and GPA. The sample comprised 279 (male = 128, female = 151) students of Quaid-i-Azam University from different departments. Assessment measures were Basic Psychological Needs Scale (Deci & Ryan, 2000), Academic Locus of Control Scale (Trice, 1985) and last semester GPA as an indicator of academic achievement. The reliabilities of the questionnaire were satisfactory. Self-determination related needs) were positively related internal locus of control. The strongest predictors were autonomy, relatedness and academic locus of control in predicting GPA. Academic locus of control was non-significant mediator for autonomy and relatedness in predicting GPA, but it played mediating role for competence in predicting GPA. The findings provided the better understanding of role of satisfaction of self-determination related needs and academic locus of control in academic achievement among university students.