Religious orientation and vulnerability to anxiety in adults

The role of religion in mental health issues is greatly understudied. The purpose of the present research is to determine the role of religious orientation in the development of anxiety in adults. Correlational study. Karachi, Pakistan. After a detailed literature review it is assumed that there will be a relationship between religious orientation and anxiety. The sample used in order to test this hypothesis consisted of 212 participants out of whom 53 were Muslims, 53 were Christians, 53 were Hindus and 53 were Parsis. Their ages ranged between 25 to 45 years. The entire sample had at least a graduation degree. To measure the variables of religious orientation and anxiety, a general scale of religious orientation, Age Universal I-E scale was used. The SA-45 was used to tap the level of anxiety. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis were computed to translate the data in statistical language. The results reveal significant predictive relationship between religious orientation and anxiety [R[2].036, F=7.919, p<.01]. These findings are very critical considering the present global circumstances. Their implications for future research and applications are also discussed

Perceived social support and depression among postnatal women in Pakistan

The Present study examines the predictive relationship of perceived social support with depression among postnatal women. After detailed review of literature it was hypothesized that perceived lack of social support would predict depression in postnatal women. Sample of current study, consisting of 90 married postnatal women, with the age range of 25-40 years, who were assessed within four weeks after delivery. Moreover, all three socioeconomic classes [low, middle and high] were considered. [Nonsupport] Subscale of Personality Assessment Inventory [PAI; Morey, 1991] and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS; Cox, Holden, and Sagovsky, 1987] were administered to assess the variables, of perceived lack of social support and depression among postnatal women, respectively. Linear regression was also calculated to determine the predictive relationship of perceived lack of social support with depression among postnatal women. Analysis revealed highly significant relationship between variables [F = 11.008, df=l, 88, p<.01]

Gender differences in depressive symptomatology among adolescents

The present study aimed at investigating the differences on the variable of depressive symptomatology among male and female adolescents. Between Group Design/Comparative Study. Different Educational Institutions of Karachi from January 2007-December 2007. After detailed literature review, following hypothesis was framed. :There would be a difference among male and female adolescents on the variableof depressive symptomatology. The sample consisted of 200 adolescents [76 girls and 124 boys] selected from different Educational Institutions of Karachi. Their ages ranged from 17-20 years with the mean age 19.1[SD=. 807].Research measures administered were Semi-Structured Interview Form and Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale, 2[nd] ed. [RADS-2][1]. Descriptive Statistics and t-test were computed to interpret the data in statistical terminology. The analysis reveals that female adolescents scored significantly higher than male adolescents on the variable of Depressive Symptomatology [t = 3.417, df=198, p<05]. The findings of the present study highlight the significant role of gender in depressive symptomatology and have implications for clinical interventions and also suggest avenues for future research

Depression during pregnancy: a comparative study between women with planned and unplanned pregnancy

The aim of the research was to assess difference on the variable of depression among pregnant women [planned and unplanned pregnancies]. After detail literature review it was assumed that women with planned pregnancies would score low on depression as compared to women with unplanned pregnancies. A sample of 54 pregnant women was selected consisting of 37 women with planned and 17 with unplanned pregnancies. Their age range was from 19 to 35 years and with at least 10[th] grade of educational level. After administration of demographic form, to assess depression Siddiqui Shah Depression Scale [Siddiqui and Shah 1997] was administered, t-test was computed to assess difference on the variable of depression among women with planned and unplanned pregnancies. Result shows that the difference on variable of Depression among two groups was not significant [t=-J.732, p> .05, df= 52]

Trait emotional intelligence as a determinant of life satisfaction and subjective happiness

This study examined the relationship of trait emotional intelligence with life satisfaction and subjective happiness in university students. After detailed literature review the following hypotheses were formulated; a] There will be a positive relationship between trait emotional intelligence and life satisfaction b] There will be a positive relationship between trait emotional intelligence and subjective happiness. The sample of present study consisted of 70 university students. Among them 28 were males and 42 were females. The age range was from 18 to 30 years with a mean age of 23.64 years [ +/- SD = 3.65]. Their education level was from Intermediate to Masters. The sample was recruited from University of Karachi, Karachi. Demographic information sheet was used to take personal information of the participants. Satisfaction with Life Scale [Diener et al, 1985], Subjective Happiness Scale [Lyubomirsky and Lepper, 1999] and Trait Emotional Intelligence Scale [Petrides and Furnham, 2003] were administered to measure the variables of life satisfaction, subjective happiness and trait emotional intelligence respectively. Pear son's product moment coefficient of correlation 'r' was applied to determine the relationship of trait emotional intelligence with life satisfaction and with subjective happiness. Over all analysis indicates a significant positive correlation of trait emotional intelligence with life satisfaction [r = 0.362, p <.01] and subjective happiness [r = 0.553, p <.01]

Psychosocial determinants of depression in prenatal and postnatal period

The present study examined the predictive relationship of psychosocial variables [marital adjustment, perceived lack of social support and socioeconomic status] with depression in prenatal and postnatal period. After detailed review of literature it was hypothesized that a] Psychosocial variables [marital adjustment, perceived lack of social support, and socioeconomic status] would predict depression in prenatal period; b] Psychosocial variables [marital adjustment, perceived lack of social support and socioeconomic status] would predict depression in postnatal period. Sample of the 155 pregnant women were assessed during third trimester in prenatal period. The age range of participants was from 25-40 years with a mean age of 28.2 years [SD=3.95], the minimum duration of marriage was two years and minimum qualification was graduation. All three socioeconomic status [low socioeconomic status = 33, middle socioeconomic status = 63, higher socioeconomic status = 59] were included in the sample. However, due to attrition the postnatal sample was reduced from 155 to 90 women [assessed within 4 weeks after delivery] with a mean age of 28.4 years [SD=3.39]; and approximately similar profile of socioeconomic status i.e. [low socioeconomic status = 23, middle socioeconomic status - 35, higher socioeconomic status - 32]. Semi structured interview form for psychological assessment was administered. Moreover, Dyadic Adjustment Scale [DAS; Spanier, 2001], 'Nonsupport' Subscale of Personality Assessment Inventory [PAI; Morey, 1991], and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EDPS; Cox, Holden, and Sagovsky, 1987] were administered to assess the variables of maritaladjustment, perceived lack of social support and depression in prenatal period respectively. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was re-administered during postnatal period [within 4 weeks after delivery] to assess depression in postnatal period. Stepwise Regression Analysis was applied to investigate the predictive relationship of psychosocial variables [marital adjustment, perceived lack of social support and socioeconomic status] with depression in prenatal and postnatal period. Results revealed the significance of psychosocial variables in prenatal period, with marital adjustment playing major role in predicting depression in prenatal period. Perceived lack of social support, although being non significant in overall model, appears to have its significance in association with marital adjustment in determining depression in prenatal period. However, socioeconomic status was found as a non significant predictor of depression in prenatal period. Moreover, the psychosocial variable of marital adjustment appeared as a significant predictor of depression in postnatal period. However, results failed to demonstrate the significance of perceived lack of social support and socioeconomic status as predictors of depression in postnatal period

Depressive symptomatology in adolescents with borderline personality features

The purpose of present research was to investigate association of borderline personality features with depressive symptomatology in adolescents. After detailed literature review following hypothesis was formulated: [1] Borderline Personality Features would be positively associated with depressive symptomatology in adolescents. The sample of the present research consisted of 100 students [50 females and 50 males] recruited from different departments of University of Karachi. Their ages ranged from 18-20 years and their qualification was at least intermediate. Borderline Personality Features Scale of Personality Assessment Inventory [PAI; Morey, 1991] and Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale-2 [RADS-2; Reynold, 2002] were administered in order to measure borderline personality features and depressive symptomatology, respectively. Pearson Product Moment Coefficient of Correlation was computed to assess relationships among the variables i.e. borderline personality features and depressive symptomatology. The results were consistent with the hypothesis as borderline personality features significantly correlated with depressive symptomatology [r=.446, p<. 05]

Attributional style and hopelessness: vulnerability to depressive symptomatology in adolescence

The objective of the present study was twofold. First, it aimed at investigating the predictive relationship of negative attributional style with depressive symptomatology in adolescents. Secondly, it was examined whether hopelessness mediates the relationship of negative attributional style with depressive symptomatology in adolescents. After detailed literature review, following hypotheses were framed: [1] Negative Attributional Style would predict Depressive Symptomatology in adolescents, [2] Hopelessness would predict Depressive Symptomatology in adolescents, [3] Negative Attributional Style would predict Hopelessness in adolescents, [4] Hopelessness would mediate the relationship of Negative Attributional Style with Depressive Symptomatology in adolescents. The sample consisted of 200 adolescents recruited from four Business Institutions of Karachi: Shaheed Zulfikar AH Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology [SZABIST] Iqra University [IV]; Institute of Business Management [loBM]; and Pakistan Air Force-Karachi Institute of Economics and Technology [PAF-KIET]. The ages of the participants ranged from 17-20 years with the mean age of 19.17 years. Participants completed a battery of self-report research measures including Semi-Structured Interview Form, Attributional Style Questionnaire [ASQ; Peterson, Semmel, Von Baeyer, Abramson, Metalsky, and Seligman, 1982], Beck Hopelessness Scale [BHS; Beck, Weissman, Lester, and Trexler, 1974], and Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale, 2[nd] ed. [RADS-2; Reynolds, 2002]. Descriptive Statistics, Linear Regression Analysis, Stepwise Regression Analysis, and Pearson Product Moment Coefficient of Correlation 'were computed to interpret the data in statistical terminology. The analysis reveals a significant predictive relationship of Negative Attributional Style with Depressive Symptomatology [R[2] = .077, F = 16.560, df =1, 198, p <.05]; Hopelessness with Depressive Symptomatology [R[2] =.336, F = 100.134, df=l, 198, p <.05]; and Negative Attributional Style with Hopelessness [R[2] = .048, F= 9.892, df =1, 198, p <.05] Moreover, Hopelessness significantly mediated the relationship of Negative Attributional Style with Depressive Symptomatology [F = 55.391, df = 2, 197, p <.05]. These findings have implications for educational and clinical interventions and these will also guide further preventative research in examining cognitive variables as a precursor to depressive symptomatology

comparative study of marital adjustment and self esteem among husbands of working and non-working wives

The present study investigates the difference in the level of Marital Adjustment and Self-esteem between the husbands of working and non-working wives. After detailed literature review following hypotheses have been formulated, [1] husbands of working wives would have lower level of marital adjustment as compared to the husbands of nonworking wives [2] husbands of working wives would have low self esteem as compared to the husbands of nonworking wives. The sample of the present research consisted of 55 married males with an age range of 30-45 years and qualification of at least graduation. Marital Adjustment was measured by the Dyadic Adjustment Scale [DAS] [Spanier, 2001], and Self Esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self esteem Scale [Rosenberg 1965]. [t test] was used to compute the difference and results showed that there is no significant difference in the level of marital adjustment [t = .944, df = 53, p>.05] and self esteem [t - 1.481, df = 53, p>.05] between the husbands of working and nonworking wives

Neuroticism and its effect on marital quality

The present study investigates the variability in the level of neuroticism and its effect on marital quality with special reference to dyadic satisfaction and affectional expression in working women. A comparative study. Karachi, Pakistan from March 2005 to April 2006: After detailed literature review it was hypothesized that a] Married women with high scores on neuroticism will scores low on dyadic satisfaction as compared to the married women with low score on neuroticism, b] Married women with high scores on neuroticism will score low on affectional expression as compared to the married women with low scores on neuroticism. Sample of study consists of 61 married working women, divided into two groups: a] females with high scores on neuroticism [n=32], b] females with low scores on neuroticism [n=29]. The age of the subjects ranged from 25 years to 45 years. Their duration of marriage was at least 2 years. The minimum educational level of subjects was graduation. Purposive sampling was done and participants were selected form different organizations including schools, banks and hospitals. They were matched on the basis of age, duration of marriage and educational level. The subjects first completed the personal information questionnaire and then the subscale of Neuroticism taken from Neo Five Factor Inventory, [1] followed by administration of subscales of Dyadic Satisfaction and Affectional Expression taken from Dyadic Adjustment Scale [2]. t-test was computed to calculate the mean difference on the variables of Dyadic Satisfaction and Affectional Expression of married working women with high and low scores on neuroticism. Results are indicative of significant difference on the variables of dyadic satisfaction [t=4.539, df=59, p<0.05] and affectional expression [t=2.881, df=59, p<0. 05] between two groups [females with high neuroticism and females with low neuroticism]. Level of neuroticism has significant effects on Dyadic Satisfaction and Affectional Expression in married working women

Body image as a determinant of self esteem and depression in married females

The present study investigates the relationship of body image with self esteem and depression among married females. After detailed literature review certain hypotheses have been formulated, i.e., [1] body image would be positively related to self esteem, [2] body image would be negatively related to depression. The sample of the present research consisted of 42 married females with an age range of 25-35 years and qualification of at least graduation. Body Image was measured with the Body Esteem Scale [Franzoi and Shields, 1984] and Self Esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale [Rosenberg, 1965], while Depression was measured using Center for Epidemiologic Studies of Depression scale [Radloff, 1977]. Data analysis involved the use of Pearson Product Moment Correlation and the results show that there is a significant positive relationship between body image and self esteem, and insignificant negative relationship between body image and depression

Religious orientation and schizotypal personality traits: a correlational study

The present study examined the relationship between religious orientation and schizotypal personality traits. To investigate the relation between the two variables it was hypothesized that an intrinsic orientation towards religion would be negatively related to schizotypal personality traits and an extrinsic orientation towards religion would be positively related to schizotypal personality traits. To assess the relation between two variables sample included 53 students [23 males and 30 females] from University of Karachi. The age range of the sample was between 20 - 30 years [X= 22.84 years] with a minimum qualification of graduation. The Age-Universal Religious Orientation Scale [Gorsuch and Venable, 1983] and Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, SPQ [Raine, 1991] were administered to assess the religious orientation and presence of Schizotypal Personality traits. The data was analyzed by using the Pearson product moment coefficient correlation. The results indicate insignificant relationship between intrinsic religious orientation and schizotypal personality traits [r = 0.192, p > 0.05] and extrinsic religious orientation and schizotypal personality traits [r = 0.142, p > 0.05]