Pakistan Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences
Pakistan Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences (abbreviated as Pak. J. Humanit. Soc. Sci.) is an international research journal that is published on a quarterly basis by International Research Alliance for Sustainable Development - iRASD. PJHSS publishes double-blind and peer-reviewed research in specific fields of humanities and social sciences and is committed to providing open access to all its published content. PJHSS publishes research based on its originality, importance, interdisciplinary interest, timeliness, accessibility, elegance, and surprising conclusions. PJHSS has been publishing since 2013. Publisher: International Research Alliance for Sustainable Development - iRASD Frequency: Quarterly Access: Open Medium: Print and Online Publication Charges: Click HERE for information Peer Review Process: Double-blind Online ISSN: 2415-007X Print ISSN: 2709-801X
International Research Alliance for Sustainable Development iRASD
Do Emotions Run Differently with Gender? A Cross-sectional Investigation on the Gender-Related Disparities in Emotional Intelligence and Emotional Eating among Varsity Sprinters
After a long term and consistent focus on the psychological well-being of varsity students and athletes separately, the attention of the relevant practitioners and researchers has been shifted towards varsity athletes. Particularly, varsity sprinters may fall among the most influenced varsity athlete group. Consistent exposure to these negative psychological factors may promote emotional dysregulation while leading them to low Emotional Intelligence (EI) and elevated Emotional Eating (EmE) behaviors. Gender, in addition, might also emerge as a pivotal variable in the exploration of both EI and EmE. This study, therefore, sought to explore the gender-related disparities in both EI and EmE behaviors among varsity sprinters. A final sample of 116 varsity sprinters of which 74 were male sprinters and 42 were female sprinters were included in the analysis. A demographic tool comprising of personal information related questions, BEIS-10 and EEQ were utilized for gathering data. The Mann-Whitney U test and two-step hierarchical multiple regression analysis were applied on the gathered data. The results revealed that the EmE behaviors were notably high among female varsity sprinters as compared to male varsity sprinters. Consistently, male varsity sprinters reported high scores on all components of EI than female varsity sprinters. Lastly, for the possible predictors of EmE behavior among varsity sprinters, gender remained the only significant predictor while confirming its dominant role in predicting EmE behaviors among varsity sprinters. These findings highlight the need for gender-specific interventions that may address emotional regulation strategies beyond general EI skills among varsity sprinters.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kamran Iftikhar, Fariq Ahmed, Muhammad Azam, Asif Ali, Muhammad Farooq Shahan http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Punjab Sahulat Bazaars Authority: Pakistan’s Only Public Welfare Institution of Distinction, Elevated from Company to Statutory Authority Through a Unique Business and Operational Mode
This paper examines Punjab Sahulat Bazaars Authority (PSBA) since it is the only government welfare organization in Pakistan that has managed to transform itself into a statutory institution while maintaining a specially developed business and operating model as a Section 42 company. Based on qualitative research, the paper will use the evidence provided by the legislative documents, governmental records, independent audits, and media reviews to determine the legal status and financial independence as well as performance of PSBA. During the era of strategic management of Naveed Rafaqat Ahmad, PSBA provided innovative developments like solar powered markets, digital displays of prices, inclusive vendor systems that helped women, and mobile bazaars to serve underserved regions. These interventions helped PSBA to provide consumer needs every day at prices as low as 35 percent lower than the market rates with no subsidies. The results place PSBA in the category of a transparent, citizen-responsive and a law-authorized institution, providing a model to be emulated in the developing economies concerning public welfare innovation, market efficiency, and institutional reform. This study adopts a qualitative documentary case-study design, using triangulation of legislative texts, independent audits, daily pricing data, and verified media sources to ensure methodological rigor and credibility of findings.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shabbir Sarwar http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Bullying to Citizenship Loss and Withdrawal: The Roles of Politics and Resilience in Pakistan’s HEI Sector
Grounded in Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, this study examines the direct effects of workplace bullying (WPB) on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and work withdrawal behavior (WDB), as well as the indirect role of perceived organizational politics (POP) and the moderating role of employee resilience (EPR) within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Pakistan. Data were collected from 235 employees working in the HEI sector, and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied using SmartPLS and SPSS to analyze the proposed relationships. The results reveal that WPB is negatively associated with OCB and positively associated with WDB. Furthermore, POP partially mediates the relationships between WPB, OCB, and WDB. In addition, EPR was found to buffer the effect of WPB on POP, thereby reducing its intensity. This study provides valuable insights for executives and policymakers in Pakistani HEIs by highlighting the detrimental impact of WPB on employees’ attitudes and behaviors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the effects of WPB on OCB and WDB through POP, with EPR as a moderating factor. Moreover, the results underscore the need for HEIs in Pakistan to develop effective policies and resilience-building interventions to curb workplace bullying and foster a supportive organizational environment.
Copyright (c) 2025 Asma Tariq, Muhammad Tasnim Khan, Hafeez ur Rehman, Furrukh Bashir http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Modeling Sustainable Performance Through Leadership: The Interplay of Engagement and Top Management Support
The main objective of the study is to find the influence of different styles of leadership, specifically servant and spiritual leadership, on sustainable performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan by taking employee’s engagement as mediator and top management support as a moderator. A total sample size of 503 participants from different SMEs was used to gather data, employing a purposive sampling technique. The results indicate that both servant and spiritual leadership both have a positive and significant impact on sustainable performance. The mediating role of employee’s engagement and moderating role of top management support were found to be significant, highlighting their importance in the overall leadership-performance dynamic. This study enhances the literature by offering evidence on the impact of leadership styles on sustainable performance in the context of Pakistani SMEs. It offers practical understandings for leaders and policymakers on how to harness the potential of servant and spiritual leadership to achieve sustainability. By highlighting the importance of moderator and mediator, the study provides a roadmap for enhancing organizational performance through targeted leadership development and supportive management practices.
Copyright (c) 2025 Iram Rahmat, Sami Ullah http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Green Innovation for Sustainable Competitive Advantage: A Resource-Based View Perspective on SMEs in Pakistan
Green innovation's impact on Pakistani manufacturing SMEs' environmental and financial performance is examined in this article. The Resource-Based View (RBV) was used to study product and process green innovation. We used Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling to examine data from an online survey of 381 Punjabi SMEs. Green innovation is positively correlated with environmental and financial performance by 62.7 and 41.9, respectively. According to the research, SMEs can achieve dual performance by supporting environmentally friendly product designs, energy-saving technology, and sustainable production procedures. This leads to more profits and environmental performance. The research articles supplement the literature in the sense that they demonstrate that green innovation capabilities are valuable and distinctive organisational resources that provide sustainable competitive advantage. This means that the small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) are supposed to be strategic in their investments in the new green technology and processes. The policy makers should support them financially, by regulations and training.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdul Nafay Sajid, Asad Iqbal; Raja Muhammad Ahsan Ilyas http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
From Calling to Commitment: Exploring the Link Between Leader-Career Calling and Employee Job Satisfaction
This study analyzes the influence of leader career calling on employee job satisfaction in the higher education sector of Pakistan. Data were collected from 250 faculty members of different universities through a structured questionnaire. Leader career calling, employee motivation, and job satisfaction were measured using established scales, and the data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Research results show that leader career calling significantly predicts employee job satisfaction. At the same time, employee motivation is positively affected by leader career calling and, in turn, enhances job satisfaction. Furthermore, employee motivation partially mediates the relationship between leader career calling and employee job satisfaction. To promote employee well-being and organizational effectiveness, universities and other institutions should develop leaders who view their roles as purposeful callings and inspire intrinsic motivation among employees.
Copyright (c) 2025 Zahra Masood Bhutta, Saeed Ahmad, Muhammad Naseer Altaf Shah http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Systematic Review of Social Capital and Resilience in the Post-COVID Era: Implications for Sustainability
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly altered the dynamics of social capital, including trust, networks, and collaborative action within communities. Lockdowns, social distancing protocols, and disruptions to conventional engagement modes significantly impacted these elements, particularly among marginalized populations. This review analyzes the evolving role of social capital in fostering resilience, cohesion, and sustainable recovery in the post-COVID era. Employing a systematic literature review, peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and reputable reports published pre- and post-pandemic were selected through Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria prioritized empirical and theoretical insights relevant to post-pandemic contexts. Core dimensions of social capital—trust, reciprocity, and connectedness—have faced challenges, such as erosion of trust and digital inequality. However, digital platforms enabled new modes of engagement and trust-building. Thematic synthesis revealed dual aspects of social capital in recovery—both obstacles and opportunities. Social capital is critical in advancing community resilience and sustainable development. Digital inclusion, equitable engagement, and community-based programs must be prioritized. A conceptual framework is proposed linking social capital dimensions to post-pandemic recovery and environmental resilience.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tasnia Fatin, Sazali Abd Wahab http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Comparative Study of Learning Behaviour of Students of Public and Private Universities in Islamabad
Education is now universally recognized to be the prime key to the moral, cultural, political, and socio-economic development of a nation. Every individual has a variety of behaviors, which might be positive or negative, and can vary according to their favorability and unfavorability for various attitudinal objects. The main objectives of the study was to find out learning behaviors, teacher-student relationships, classroom environments, and compare educational quality among students of selected public and private universities in Islamabad, Pakistan. A quantitative, descriptive, and comparative methodology was utilized. A total of 250 students (125 from public schools and 125 from private schools) filled out a 47-item questionnaire in person between June and July 2019. The questions were divided into four categories: learning behavior, teacher-student interaction, classroom environment, and quality of education. The value of Cronbach's alpha for each subscale ranged from 0.69 to 0.88, indicating the instrument's reliability. According to the findings, the students of private universities reported higher levels of educational quality, more supportive teacher-student relationships, better classroom environments, and more positive learning behavior compared to public universities. In the light of constructivist interpretation, the results show that teacher support, institutional resources, and interactive environments all contribute to better learning outcomes. This paper includes a discussion of the real-world significance of teaching methods and higher education policy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maria Yaqoob, Faria Ibad Mirza http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Role of Cultural Storytelling in Branding Pakistani Fashion Houses
This research study explored how cultural storytelling can be important in creating the brands of Pakistani fashion houses. Pakistani designers use the heritage material like textiles, crafts as well as historical fabric to appeal either locally or globally to a wide audience to generate unique identities. The integration of these mainstream assets helped the designers to tell the story, gain competitive advantage, and differentiate in the market. However, the literature does not talk about the strategic building and marketing of such narrative structures. It was to this gap that this study turns to analyze how the firm has used the concept of heritage as a form of branding through the incorporation of practices such as artisanal methods, modernized traditions and local theme by leading designers like Sania Maskatiya, Elan and Hussain Rehar. It delves into the marketing narrations they develop and their outcome to success on the market. The main themes were as follows: the designers are merging the cultural heritage with the modern brands and tools with storytelling are the most beneficial in market narratives. The study deployed a qualitative case study methodology and is based on semi-structured interviews, analysis of brand materials and observations in the fashion events. Thematic analysis was used in analyzing data based on Cultural Branding Theory and Narrative Paradigm Theory. The proposed results demonstrate how these strategies will be used to increase the brand identity, maintain the culture and global competitiveness. This is a contribution to the literature on fashion and cultural marketing in developing markets dedicated to the designer, marketers, and the policymakers.
Copyright (c) 2025 Noor-e- Sahar, Ifra Irshad, Afzaal Yousaf http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Analyzing Teachers' Perspectives Regarding Antonym-Based Instructions for Vocabulary Acquisition of Undergraduate ESL Saudi Students
The focus of this research is to analyze the ESL teachers' perspectives about using contrastive pair activities of antonyms in vocabulary acquisition strategies to undergraduate ESL students in different private and public colleges and universities in Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. The purpose is to prepare an objective evaluation of these perspectives to find gaps and subsequently suggest recommendations for increasing vocabulary. To address the main question, the study uses both qualitative and quantitative approaches with the structured interviews comprising 36 questions of 120 selected ESL teachers and recording observations of the live instructions in the classroom settings of the same teachers. The teachers have been categorized into more experienced and less experienced ones with equality in gender and experience both. MAXQDA and SPSS have been utilized to analyze qualitative and quantitative data respectively. The qualitative analysis shows that more experienced teachers have consistently expressed positivity about cognitive and other benefits despite having some reservations about barriers, while the majority of less experienced ones have expressed dissatisfaction about the same, indicating barriers with similar results from the quantification of the same. The significance of the study lies in assigning centrality to the teachers' opinion about using contrastive pair activities for enhancing the active vocabulary of the students in Jazan region. The data analysis and recommendations lead to a need for further longitudinal studies about students' engagement patterns and other related areas.
Copyright (c) 2025 Amnah Ali M Essa http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Critical Role of Public Trust and Coordination in Supply Chain Performance: Empirical Evidence from National and International NGOs in Pakistan
The current study investigated the humanitarian supply chain performance effected by supply chain transparency, public trust and public coordination and drawing with resource-based theory. Methodology/Design- Employees of national and international NGOs in Pakistan including in data collection of 380 valid response and data were analysed by SmartPLS. The findings reveal that the direct and significant impact of supply chain transparency, public trust and public coordination on humanitarian supply chain performance. Additionally, the findings provide validation that each of these components has a significant positive association with HSCP, emphasizing the strategic benefit of non-physical resources in humanitarian operations. In practical terms, the discoveries are a significant point of reference to managers and policy-makers in terms of providing some level of resource allocation with technologies, like blockchain that can operationalize transparency and data securitization which the study will conclude, is a significant factor in building trust with the public and enhancing public stakeholder engagements with participations in the humanitarian network with greater effectiveness and resilience, and which can also enable the transition to physical asset allocation to more optimally leverage social and informational resources.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sundas Fatima, Muhammad Shafiq http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Role of Language in Digital Marginalization: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Linguistic Exclusion in Online Platforms and Policies
Digital technologies have revolutionized the access to communications, information and governance but language is an essential axis of inequality in digital transition. The supremacy of English and other international languages in the online space has established a status in the sense that those who speak marginalized or minor languages tend to have difficulties in their access to participation. The present study examines how the language used in the context of digital marginalization is examined with a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) of such policies, user interfaces, and communication on large Internet platforms such as Meta, YouTube, and Twitter. The theoretical focus involves finding answers to the question of how language policies and interface designs help exclude the speakers of minority and indigenous languages in their full access to the digital world. Based on three research objectives, the research study critically examines linguistic patterns, visual semiotics, framing as well as ideological constructions found in digital governance texts. Following a qualitative research design, the research adopts textual analysis, discourse coding, intertextuality, and contextual reading to unlock the prioritization of dominant global languages and vague modality, depersonalized pronouns as expressions of linguistic hierarchies. The findings shows linguistic exclusions are not accidental as they are ideologically embedded and thus define user access, user engagement, and cultural identity. Future researchers can further enhance the demand of a legally binding multilingual digital norms and user-centred designing policy and linguistic right to operate the basics of equitable digital citizenship.
Copyright (c) 2025 Asad Khan, Adil Hussain http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Mediating Role of Phubbing in the Relationship Between Social Media Usage and Fear of Missing Out Among Adults
The fast growth of the social media has fundamentally transformed the ways of human communication, causing the human population to be more dependent on mobile devices as opposed to face-to-face communication. This change is linked to various concerns such as phubbing and the fear of missing out (FoMO) that have negative impacts on emotional health and human relations. The current study aimed at exploring the connection between the use of social media, fear of missing out (FOMO), and phubbing in a group of young adults in Pakistan. Further, the research hypothesized the presence of the mediating role of phubbing between social media use and FoMO. The study used a quantitative and cross-sectional design. Measures of social media usage, phubbing, and FoMO were done through the use of standardized instruments. A convenience sample of 300 adults in Rawalpindi was used to collect data, which were analysed using SPSS. The analyses found positive but strong correlations between social media usage, FoMO, and phubbing. Mediation analysis established that phubbing was significantly mediating the association that existed between social media use and FoMO. In addition, educational attainment had a significant impact on those variables as compared to gender or age. The findings are indicative of the importance of developing mindful digital use as a method of reducing FoMO and phubbing. The constraints of the study are a small sampling structure and use of self-reports measures only. The future studies are supposed to research the functions of emotional regulation and coping mechanisms in connection to digital behavior.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Mujtaba, Mohammad Zeshan http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Exploring the link between Industrial Development and CO2 Emission in Selected Developing Countries
This study examines both the short-run and long-run effects of population, industrial value added, nuclear energy, and energy intensity on carbon emissions in selected developing countries over the period 1990-2024, employing the Panel ARDL bounds testing approach. The analysis uses yearly balanced panel data, with unit root properties tested through the Im-Pesaran-Shin method. The findings indicate that technological advancements in industrialization contribute to a reduction in CO? emissions in the long run. Nuclear energy shows a positive relationship with emissions in both the short and long run, likely due to the generation of radioactive waste, while energy intensity is positively and significantly associated with CO? emissions in both time frames. Diagnostics from the panel ARDL confirm the robustness of the model, and both CUSUM and CUSUM-squared tests indicate no structural breaks during the study period. Overall, the study suggests that adopting modern, environmentally friendly technologies can help lower CO? emissions in these developing countries, and it emphasizes the importance of addressing environmental degradation at an early stage in the short run.
Copyright (c) 2025 Allah Ditta , Rizwan Ahmed Satti, Rashid Ahmad, Muhammad Ali Awan http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Linguistic Adaptation in Pakistani EFL Textbooks: A Corpus-Based Analysis of Glocalization
This study analyzes how the global or literary texts in Pakistani EFL textbooks are adapted to manage the textual complexity particularly linguistic standards in order to make them familiar to the local educational needs and contexts. The study further compares and contrasts the original English source texts with their adapted and simplified versions, exploring the restructured language for local learners. Using digital tools, Text Ease and Readability Assessor and Lumos Text Analyzer, find out linguistic complexity indicators like Average Word Length, Average Sentence Length and Syllable Length Average along with readability metric analysis of both corpora (original and adapted), measuring Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, SMOG Index, Gunning Fog Index, Coleman-Liau Index, FORCAST Grade Level, Powers-Sumner-Kearl Grade, and Raygor Readability in both text versions. The analysis reveals how glocalized versions have simplification of syntax, vocabulary and sentence structure. The metrics of readability provide empirical evidence of linguistic adaptation within the domain of glocalization, helping textbook designers and providing substantial input to authors and applied linguistics researchers. Moreover, it will provide a lens to evaluate EFL materials.
Copyright (c) 2025 Liaqat Ali Mohsin, Muhammad Asad Habib http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Psychosocial Predictors of Relapse Among Patients with Substance Use in Pakistan
Relapse in people with substance use disorders (SUDs) is among the most significant issues to be considered in terms of public health, especially in Pakistan, where the number of substance users is increasing, and the psychosocial factors influencing relapse are not well researched. The research focuses on the relationship between perceived stress and perceived stigma and the risk of relapse in 178 patients (116 males, 62 females) aged between 20 and 65 years and taking part in the rehabilitation centers in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. With the help of validated tools (PSS, PSAS, SRRS) and descriptive statistics, correlation, regression analysis, and independent-samples t-tests, the results obtained demonstrate that perceived stress (? = .39, p < .001) and perceived stigma (? = .15, p = .028) significantly predict relapse, 20% of which is explained. The women and jobless people expressed a lot of stress and when people started taking drugs earlier it became more vulnerable to drug use. This paper indicates that stress-management and stigma-reduction interventions should be incorporated into rehabilitation programs. Future studies need to have large and more diverse samples and longitudinal designs to enhance relapse-prevention strategies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nosheen Nida Hashmi, Aiman Bibi, Adil Khan, Wajeeha Riaz , Muhammad Rahat Shah http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Shapes, Textures and Customer Responses – A Study of Visual Design Features
This study examines the effects of two visual design features (i.e., dimensionality of shape and texture) on psychological responses and behavioral intentions of customers towards perfume containers. The boundary condition of buying in online and/or offline settings for the same effects is also studied. Cue utilization theory was used in developing the conceptual model. Responses were collected through two surveys, each conducted with 200 respondents. Respondents included potential customers of perfumes, including students and faculty members from the educational institutions. The dimensionality of shape and visual texture of perfume containers have significant differential effects on psychological responses and behavioral intentions of customers. Findings mainly indicate that the ‘cuboid’ shape and the ‘glass’ texture of perfume containers generate more favorable customer responses. Moreover, the buying mode acts as a boundary condition for multiple effects. Findings provide valuable implications for practitioners, including designers, producers, marketers, retailers, etailers, and managers of perfume products. Such implications are particularly related to the containers (packaging) of perfumes. Existing research on understanding the effects of two important design features (i.e., shape and texture) on customer responses is quite limited. In addition, since product design features and customer responses towards them may evolve over time in various contexts, the research on understanding their relationship needs to be updated.
Copyright (c) 2025 Novaera Naveed, Raza Ali, Muhammad Haroon Hafeez, Hashir Afzal http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Power of Parental Bonds: Predicting Alexithymia and Psychological Distress in Young Adults
The bond between parents and children has a profound impact on the emotional and psychological development of young adults. This is likely to lead to alexithymia and psychological suffering in Pakistanis whose personal and psychological well–being is largely associated with the nature of the family system. In such instances, parental negligence, combined with authoritarian styles, can lead to this outcome. This study's focus was to analyse the predictive role of the bonds between a parent and child in the area of stress, anxiety, depression, and alexithymia in young adults. Using a convenience sampling technique, this study employed a quantitative cross-sectional research design. The research participants were 183 adults, aged 18-30 years, 98 females and 85 males, participated from three different institutions located in Multan, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad. Participants completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) for this study. Authoritarian factors in father bonding were a significant predictor of alexithymia (? = 0.44, SE = 0.29, p < 0.001, 95% CI = [0.35, 0.97]) and accounted for 20% of the variation (R² = 0.20, F(1, 177) = 12.66, p < 0.001). Parental bonding explained 37, 61, and 55% of the variance in depression (R² = .37, F (1,177) = 31.69, p < .001), anxiety (R² = .61, F (1,177) = 29.37, p < .001), and stress (R² = .55, F (1,177) = 27.69, p < .001) respectively. Furthermore, psychological distress i.e. depression, anxiety, and stress were associated positively with two parenting styles i.e. ambivalent and authoritarian. These findings reflect that parental bonding is a significant predictor of psychological distress as well as alexithymia among adults especially in the context of Pakistan. This suggests that the inappropriate nurturing and overprotection can contribute towards the emergence of maladaptive personality traits such as alexithymia and increase the adolescents’ susceptibility towards psychological distress.
Copyright (c) 2025 Fatima Khan, Nabia Siddiquei, Aafia Rasool, Hassan Rauf http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Factors of Marital Conflicts: A Phenomenological Analysis in Pakistan
Marital conflicts are multi-layered issues that significantly influence the psychosocial functioning of couples and families. It is important to understand this phenomenon within its culture in which it unfolds and is deeply rooted. Therefore, a qualitative study design and interpretative phenomenological technique were used. To explore the study domain of marital interpersonal conflicts, which are defined as recurrent difficulties and problems in relating with other people, an interview guide was devised. For the data collection, seven semi-structured interviews and four focus groups were conducted. Men and women from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds who were married for at least 2 years and have a minimum of one child were recruited through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis discovered six culturally reinforced superordinate themes, including Family (In-Laws) Influence, Lack of Personal Respect and Appreciation, Egocentric and Temperamental-Driven Strain, Marital Incompatibility, Dominance and Control and Destructive Relational Behaviors. These themes further identified multiple factors, which are significant contributors to increased conflicts, such as intrapersonal factors like emotional regulation, behaviors and personality traits, as well as interpersonal characteristics like lack of support, trust, and breach of boundaries, etc. This study emphasizes the importance of culturally relevant interventions for married couples, alongside a discussion of the findings and limitations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Umaiza Bashir, Amna Khawar, Amina Muazzam http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Influenced to Be Fit? How Instagram Fitness Influencers Shape University Students’ Lives
Instagram has transformed into a prominent social media platform that significantly influences body-image perception, mental wellbeing, and lifestyle choices of its followers. The promotion of “fitspiration” on appearance focused channels like Instagram has facilitated fitness influencers to showcase idealize body images and workouts, which are aimed to inspire healthy behaviors but may also encourage toxic self-comparison. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the emotional, behavioral and psychological outcomes of following the Instagram fitness influencers among university students in Pakistan. A qualitative exploratory research design was employed in this study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews by using a purposive sample of 10 university students (5 men & 5 women) aged between 18-24 years (M=22.3, SD=1.6), all of whom actively followed fitness influencers on Instagram. The data was analyzed by means of thematic analysis to identify codes and themes within the dataset. Eight major themes were identified; inspirational motivational journey, motivational drivers, healthy engagement, emotional and psychological impact, behavioral and lifestyle transformations, perceived body image and self-evaluation, fitness influencers’ impressions, and recommendations for body positivity. Although there were reports of improved physical activity and healthier habits among some participants, others were characterized by adverse emotional responses, such as body dissatisfaction and lack of confidence. Therefore, this study highlights the significance of inclusive and diverse body-positive communication as a way of minimizing the effects of unrealistic body ideals. These observations reveal the multifaceted role of the influencers in body image formation and signal the need to conduct additional research on a variety of platforms and demographics.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sana Khan, Saira Irfan, Wajeeha Tahir http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Antecedents of transfer of training with mediating role of motivation to learn and moderating role of self-efficacy
This study investigates how supervisor support, peer support, and organizational learning culture influence the motivation to learn, which subsequently affects the transfer of training, with self-efficacy as a moderating variable. The objective is to evaluate which factors most effectively drive post-training behavioral implementation in Karachi’s service sector. A quantitative, cross-sectional dataset was collected using a structured Google Forms survey from employees in education, banking, and telecom industries. Data were collected during 2024, and after screening procedures, 293 valid responses were analyzed. PLS-SEM (SmartPLS 3) was applied to test hypotheses, while SPSS was used for preliminary data screening and descriptive statistics. Findings reveal that peer support is the strongest predictor of motivation to learn, followed by supervisor support, while organizational learning culture had no significant effect on motivation to learn. Motivation to learn had a strong positive impact on transfer of training. Furthermore, self-efficacy positively influenced transfer of training, but its controlling effect between inspiration to learn and transmission of training was negative, indicating unexpected behavioral dynamics. Organizations should strengthen peer learning mechanisms, reinforce supervisor engagement, and design self-efficacy–based interventions to improve training outcomes while reassessing the effectiveness of existing learning culture policies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sidra Afsar, Khalid Hameed Khan, Aamer Hayat Khan, Ghazmeen http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Transforming Higher Education: Tackling Financial Constraints and Academia-Industry Gaps
The goal of this study is to give Pakistan's smartest kids game-based learning tools that can help the country's economy and society grow. But progress has stalled due to weak administrative structures, chronic underfunding, poor management, outdated courses, and significant differences between men and women. The main goal of the project is to identify and fix these basic problems so that the way gaming is taught can change, and it should have a significant impact. Drawing on Human Capital Theory and Institutional Theory, this study formulates?a theoretical framework and implications for the construction of a modern education system that is open to learning from everywhere. The data came from semi-structured interviews and a focused literature study. NVivo then put the pieces that were previously scattered together to form a whole that made sense. Five long-standing problems were found: chronic underfunding, bad management, disorganised courses, widespread gender bias, and weak links between education, business, and research. The situation, above all, illustrates the interdependence of these difficulties and their habit of making the necessary reforms hard to implement, thus limiting the employment prospects of the graduates. Alternatives, such as different models of educational financing, new leadership, standardized curricula, pay equity, and stronger connections between universities and industry, can help to solve the issues. The current research result delivers directions to implement the reform in game education for both teachers and administrators. The report says that changing how the business is set up will not only make it run more smoothly, but it will also help make schools that are among the best in the world at finding and developing talent.
Copyright (c) 2025 Zohaib Hassan Sain, Ijaz Mahmood, Ramaisa Aqdas, Fazeyha Zirwa Rana http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Cognitive Functioning and Emotional Regulation in Older Adults
The present correlational study was aimed at examining the relationship between cognitive functioning (CF) and emotional regulation (ER) to determine the gender differences between them. To explore these dimensions, a sample of 200 community-dwelling Older Adults (M=100, F=100) with an age range of 60+ has been selected using purposive sampling from Lahore district, Punjab. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) were used to assess both variables. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 27. The t-test results revealed that there exists gender differences in CF but not evident in ER. The correlational analysis suggested a positive correlation between CF and cognitive reappraisal(CR) and a negative correlation was found between CF and expressive suppression (ES. The findings of the current study can be implicated in the field of Clinical Psychology to establish programs that will help improve mental well-being of aged people by exploring their emotional experiences. Effective emotional regulation strategy which is CR, can enhance CF and resilience in older adults, allowing them to better navigate age-related challenges.
Copyright (c) 2025 Izzah Latif, Hidna Iqbal, Aliha Rashid, Sadia Yaseen, Muhammad Zohaib, Laraib Fatima, Sara Nabeel http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Assessing the Research Students’ Perceptions Regarding Their Supervisory Experiences and Well-being
Research experiences may be an indicator of mental well-being among research students in postgraduate institutions. Due to its dire needs, it was felt to investigate the research experiences and well-being of research students. The study objectives were to explore the research experiences and to examine the mental well-being of varsity students. Cross-sectional survey study was used for this research. A total of 190 research students of two faculties from a public-sector university were the participants for this research study. The data were collected by using the Postgraduate Research Experience Questionnaire (PREQ) and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS). The results of this study showed that most male students had higher levels of well-being compared to female research students. As a result of the study, the correlation matrix revealed that supervisory experiences has moderate positive correlation with students’ well-being (r = .527, p < .01). Good supervision had positive effects on the well-being of research students. The beta coefficient ? of .151 indicates that there is a positive relationship between supervisory experiences and wellbeing, meaning that as supervisory experiences increase, wellbeing is also likely to increase. The t-value of 2.09 specifies that the relationship between supervisory experiences and well-being is statistically significant. In-time feedback from the supervisor might enhance the well-being of research students. The study recommends making a proper system that assures the availability of a supervisor, managing meetings with supervisees, and a proper feedback from both supervisor and supervisee.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jawairiyah Mattihullah, Syed Zubair Haider http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Sustainability in Fashion Design Practice: A Systematic Review
Sustainability in fashion is an important aspect to secure fashion for the new generation. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the sustainability in fashion design practices and to explore the integration of circular economy principles into fashion design. This study is based on a systematic review of previous studies on fashion and sustainable practices in fashion. For this purpose, different articles from different countries are selected, including Pakistan. This study uses the PRISMA 2020 methodology to fulfill the objectives of the study. The result of the study indicates that there are many sustainable practices are being implemented in different countries, and Pakistan as well. But there is still insufficiency in the research on sustainable fashion, which covers the luxury items, jewelry, clothing, and general products. This review of the study provides an important direction to policymakers, future studies, and the fashion industry in different countries.
Copyright (c) 2025 Umbreen Kanwal Dogar, Shahid Zaheer, Fizzah Arshad Rao http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0