Gender differences in factors associated with suicidal ideation among adolescents

The objectives of study were: to examine the gender differences in suicidal ideation and associated risk factors, and to identify the contributing factors to suicidal ideation for male and female adolescents. The 545 students [208 males and 337 females] with age range of 16 to 19 years, were administered Personal Information Form, Urdu translated versions of Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation Inventory, Aga Khan University Anxiety and Depression Scale, Beck Hopelessness Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Social Support Questionnaire, and Religious Coping Scale. The t-test indicated gender difference on suicidal ideation and symptoms of anxiety-depression. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that nuclear family system, diagnosis of physical/ mental illness in family members, suicide attempts by friends, symptoms of anxiety-depression, level of satisfaction with social support, and negative religious coping are significantly increasing odd ratios for both gender. Suicide attempt in past, and by family members, and hopelessness emerged as significant contributing factors of suicidal ideation among females. Self-esteem appeared to be factor behind increased odd ratios of suicidal ideation for males. Implications of the study are suggested

Translation and adaptation of perceived social self efficacy scale [PSSE]

The objective of the present study is to adapt the scale of Perceived Social Self-Efficacy [PSSE; Smith and Betz, 2000] in Urdu [national language of Pakistan] and to estimate the reliability of Urdu version of Perceived Social Self-Efficacy. The process of translation included Expert Panel approach, Forward translation and Back translation. Linguistic equivalence of the translated version of Perceived Social Self-Efficacy was checked on a sample of bilingual adolescent students. Moreover reliability of scale was established on a sample of adolescent students with the age range of 16-l9yrs, mean age 17.09yrs. High degree of Cronbach alpha of Urdu version was found on the sample of 67 adolescent students with coefficient alpha .902. Test retest reliability over one week interval was r=.887 significant at .01 level. Translated version was found reliable in Pakistan. Implications and recommendation for future researches are discussed

Socio demographic characteristics of male heroin addicts

Current descriptive study on heroin addiction in Karachi, Pakistan was conducted to explore the socio demographic characteristics of male addicts who belong to lower socioeconomic status. Descriptive study. Karachi, Pakistan. The sample of 306 heroin addicts was taken from Karachi, Pakistan. Detailed interviews were conducted according to the form developed by researchers. Means, standard deviations and percentages were calculated by using SPSS [V.12]. The results indicate that mean age of the sample was 32.87 [range- 10-70 years]. The majority of [62%] individuals had gotten education below 5[th] grade, 42 [13.72%] had gotten education till 5[th] grade. 58.2% of addicts were single. The mean of total duration of drug use in our sample was 11.99 years [range= 1-41 years]. 34.3% of addicts were involved in different crimes and were arrested. In overall sample 51% were involved in pre marital and extra marital sexual relations

Self concept in intellectually gifted secondary school children

The objective of the present research was to investigate the difference of self concept between intellectually gifted and non-gifted secondary school children. Comparative Study. different private secondary schools of Karachi. Duration of the study was from May, 2008 to April, 2009. After detailed review of literature the following hypothesis was formulated: there would be a significant difference between intellectually gifted and non-gifted secondary school children on the variable of positive self. The sample consisted of 197 secondary school children, recruited from different private sector secondary schools of Karachi, including 93 [47.20%] children intellectually gifted [IQ = 130 and above] and 104 [52.80%] non-gifted secondary school children [IQ of 90 -109]. The age range of the entire sample was from 12 years to 16 years [Mean age = 14.09 years]. Their minimum education was grade seventh [7] and maximum education was grade tenth [10]. The sample belonged to middle and upper socioeconomic status. The measures used in the research included, Personal Information Form, Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scale[1], that was administered to assess the intellectual functioning and Reynolds Adolescent Adjustment Screening Inventory[2], that was administered to assess the self concept of the participants. The results showed a significant difference between intellectual gifted and non gifted secondary school children on the variable of positive self [df =195, t=7.615, p<.05]

Exploring determinants of academic achievement among college students of age between 16-18 years

This study was designed to assess the effect of emotional intelligence and self esteem on academic achievement of adolescents. It was hypothesized that: [Emotional Intelligence and self esteem would predict academic achievement of adolescents]. The sample consisted of 112 college going adolescent students [61 males and 51 females] between age ranges of 16 to 18 years. Entire sample was recruited from middle socio economic status. Initially the participants were requested to fill the demographic form and then to measure the level of Emotional Intelligence and Self Esteem, the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire [TEIQue-SF; Petrides, and Furnham, 2003] and Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale [Rosenberg, 1965] was administered respectively. Multiple regression analysis was used in order to explore the predictive relationship of Emotional Intelligence and Self esteem with academic achievement. Results showed Emotional Intelligence and Self Esteem as significant predictors of academic achievement [R[2] = .156, F[2, 109] = 10.067, p<001]]

Translation and adaptation of brief fear of negative evaluation [BFNE] scale in Pakistan

The objective of the present study is to translate and adapt Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale [BFNE; Leary, 1983] in national language [Urdu] and estimation of its psychometric properties. After the process of Forward, back translation and committee approach the linguistic equivalence of the translated version of the scale was assessed on a sample of 71 bilingual adolescent students with the age range of 16-19 years, randomly selected from different schools of Karachi. The estimate shows significant results [r- .614] at .01 significant level. The split half reliability estimate was found to be .788, which is significant at .01 probability level. The Cronbach's alpha of the Urdu version of the BFNE scale is .762 indicating considerable internal consistency of the translated version of BFNE. The Urdu version of BFNE has found to be a reliable scale for adolescents in Pakistan

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]

Body image dissatisfaction as an indicator of low self-esteem and disturbed eating attitude in adults

The present research was conducted in order to assess the relationship of body image dissatisfaction with low self-esteem and disturbed eating attitude in adults. After detailed literature review certain hypotheses were formulated: [1] There would be a negative relationship between body image dissatisfaction and self-esteem in adults. [2] There would be a positive relationship between body image dissatisfaction and disturbed eating attitude in adults. The sample of the research consisted of 50 males and 50 females with an age range of 20-25 years, belonging to middle class socioeconomic status and with the qualification of at least graduation. Body image dissatisfaction was measured by the Body-Esteem Scale-Revised [BES; Mendelson, White, and Mendelson, 1998]; Self-esteem was measured by using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale [RSES; Rosenberg, 1965], while Eating attitude was measured using the Eating Attitude Test [EAT; Garner and Garfinkel, 1979]. Data analysis was done using Pears on Product Moment Coefficient of Correlation. The results were consistent with the first hypothesis as body image dissatisfaction was negatively correlated with self-esteem [r=-.293, p<.05]. The results were inconsistent with the second hypothesis as insignificant correlation was found between body image dissatisfaction and eating attitude. 106, p>. 05]

Communication deviance and inconsistent control in family: a study on male juvenile offenders

The purpose of the present research was to determine the role of perceived communication deviance and inconsistent control [parental] in the family of male Juvenile offenders [age 12 yrs-18 yrs] through its comparison with their non-offender counterparts. Sample of the present research consisted of 200 adolescents divided into two groups of offenders and non-offenders from low socioeconomic status. General Scale of Family Assessment Measure-Version III [FAM-III] was administered in order to measure the level of Communication, whereas Dyadic Relationship Scale was used to measure Control among the family members of male offenders and non offenders. Student's test was calculated in order to determine the differences in the level of Communication, and Control among family members of both groups. The results showed significant differences on the variables of Communication and Control among the family members of offenders and their non-offender counterparts. The problem of relationship between family and the adolescent children should be taken into consideration while designing effective programs for the prevention of delinquency

Non -injectable use of heroin: patterns and demographic characteristics of addicts in karachi, Pakistan

Current descriptive study on heroin addiction in Karachi, Pakistan is conducted to explore the patterns and socio-demographic characteristics of male addicts who belong to lower socioeconomic status. The sample of 100 heroin addicts was taken from two treatment centers of Karachi who are providing free of cost treatments. Detailed interviews were conducted according to the form developed by examiners and then this information was confirmed from the record of the treatment centers. Means, standard deviations and percentages were calculated by using SPSS [V.I2]. The results indicate that mean age of the sample was 36.41 [range-21-68 yrs.], 42% of addicts initiated drugs during the age of 16-20 years, Majority of data had gotten education till middle [34%] and 41% of addicts were middle born. 54% were married, 77% belonged to Joint family structure. 78% were employed, 92% had monthly income of less than 14000 Rs., 53% depend upon wage or salary. 17% reported the presence of a drug user in the family. Mean of total duration of drug use was 16.90 years [range=1-41 yrs.], Mean duration of Heroin use of our sample was 13.12 years [range=1-23 yrs.], majority [69%] of the sample use Heroin by smoking, reason for initiation of Drug use was found to be the friends and peer groups influences [57%], 80% were admitted in Rehabilitation centres for one to ten treatments in the past and 40% reported criminal history

Antisocial features and aggression in drug addicts: a comparative study

To determine the differences between the Drug Addicts and Control [Normal] group on the variables of Aggression and Antisocial features. A comparative study. Sadaqat Clinic, and New Horizons Care Center, Karachi, in April 2005 to May 2006. Drug Addict patients who were Poly drug users and under treatment were selected. After detailed literature review it was hypothesized that 1] Drug Addicts would score high on the variable of aggression as compared to control group. 2] Drug Addicts would score high on the variable of Antisocial Features as compared to control group. The sample consisted of two groups with equal number of drug addict patients [n=25] and normal participants [n=25]. The age range of both groups was from 25-40 [Mean=32.14] years and minimal educational level was middle. Aggression subscale and Antisocial features Subscale of Personality Assessment Inventory [PAI] were administered to measure the variables of Aggression and Antisocial features of drug addicts and Control group. t-test was applied to determine the difference between drug addicts and Control group on the variables of Aggression and Antisocial features. Results showed the significant difference between drug addicts and Control group on the variables of aggression [t=6.012, df=48, p<0.05] and Antisocial features [t=7.828, df=48, p<0.05]. Findings show that Drug Addicts have high level of aggression and antisocial features as compared to Control [normal] group

Suicide probability and depression among male prisoners

The present research was conducted in order to assess the differences among unconvicted and convicted male prisoners on the variables of suicide probability and depression. After detailed literature review it was hypothesized that the unconvicted prisoners would have higher Suicide Probability and Depression as compared to convicted prisoners. The sample consisted of two groups [20 unconvicted prisoners and 20 convicted prisoners] recruited from Sukkar Jail. The age range of both the groups was from 25 - 40 years. Suicide Probability Scale [SPS, Cull and Gill, 1988] and Beck Depression Inventory [BDI, Beck, 1961] were administered in order to determine Suicide Probability and Depression respectively in unconvinced and convicted prisoners. T-test was calculated in order to see the differences in suicide probability and depression between unconvinced and convicted prisoners. Results showed unconvinced prisoners scored higher on Suicide Probability [t= 3.591,p< .05, df=38] and on Depression [t= 2.542, p< -05, df=38] as compared to convicted prisoners