Name: Muhammad Usman Dost

Cyber Confessions: A Self – Disclosure inquisition in Human Chatbot Interactions

Abstract

With the increase in digitally mediated human interactions, the question arises: can the

resonance of human interaction be rivalled or even subdued by artificial agents of

interactions? This study explored the psychological impact of three distinct modes of

communication—face-to-face (physical), human-to-human online (digital), and human-to-AI

(chatbot)—on self-disclosure, trust, shame, and social presence. A matched sample of 150

individuals comprising of 36 men (M = 21.33, SD = 1.22) and 114 women (21.76, SD = 1.24)

obtained from purposive sampling, participated in semi – structured interview across these

conditions. The statistical analysis of the study divulged that participants engaging with AI

chatbots experienced significantly diminished trust and social presence compared to those

interacting with human counterparts. Interestingly, online human interaction elicited the

highest levels of trust but also the greatest feelings of shame, suggesting a paradox of

vulnerability in digital spaces. While self-disclosure did not differ significantly across groups,

a subtle reticence was noted in AI-mediated conversations. This evidence throws some light

on the psychological fabric of high-tech mediated intimacy, pointing not only at the potential

and excitement but emotional constraints of cyberspace companionship. Amid a cultural

environment where modesty, identity, and connection meet and greet, the research work has

come at the right time to insightfully understand how up and coming technology is

transforming the sphere of one-to-one affiliation.

First Author: Hafiza Zainab Amir, Centre for Clinical Psychology (CCP), University of
the Punjab
Co-Author: Dr. Humaira Naz, Assistant Professor, CCP, University of the Punjab

Abstract
This study explored the influence of parasocial relationships and social comparison on
identity development among adolescents who follow family vloggers in Pakistan. It was
hypothesized that parasocial relationships and social comparison would positively predict the
diffuse unhealthy development of identity, and social comparison would mediate between
parasocial relationships and identity development. The sample included 150 adolescents aged
12–18 years (M= 14.45; SD=1.62) recruited through purposive sampling from academic
institutions. A correlational research design was employed. Data were collected using three
standardized tools: the Parasocial Relationships in Social Media Scale (PRISM), the Iowa-
Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure (INCOM), and the Assessment of Identity
Development in Adolescence–Short (AIDA-S). Statistical analyses included reliability
analysis, Pearson correlation, hierarchical regression, and mediation analysis. Results
revealed significant positive correlations between parasocial relationships and (diffused)
identity development, particularly identity incoherence. Social comparison of opinion and
identification with the family vloggers predicted identity discontinuity, while social
comparison of ability and interest in the lives of family vloggers predicted identity
incoherence. Mediation analysis further showed that the comparison of ability significantly
mediated the relationship between the subscales (knowledge about family vloggers and
interaction with the family vloggers) parasocial relationships with vloggers, and identity
development.

Keywords: parasocial relationships, social comparison, identity development,

Roll No. BS-CP-21-M-14 (Session : 2021-2025)

Research Title : Body Image Concerns, Hijab Preferences and Social Interaction
Anxiety in Young Muslim Women

Abstract
This study examines the nature of relationships between the practices of hijab wearing, body
image concerns and social interaction anxiety in young Muslim women. In particular, it
examines whether the varieties of hijabs (level of body covering) can moderate the
relationship between body image dissatisfaction and social anxiety. This study adopted a
cross sectional research design and collected data from 349 university students between the
ages of 19 and 25 years (M = 21.95, SD = 1.48) from four universities of Lahore, Pakistan.
Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used to analyze the data through
both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of quantitative data analysis showed the
greater the feeling of physical appearance is a matter of concern, the more the level of social
anxiety. A moderation test (Hayes Process, Model 1) also revealed that the type of hijab worn
had a significant effect on relationship between body image concerns and social anxiety. Use
of a veil was found to be most beneficial by producing a lower social anxiety and body image
dissatisfaction than a scarf or no hijab, possibly a psychological buffering effect of less
practical body covering. The Interaction effects indicated that a correlate of stronger
influence of body image concerns by women wearing scarves and those who did not wear
hijab was on the social anxiety. In addition, the research highlighted significant social and
cultural dynamics, which included variation in hijab styles between the socioeconomic
classes and discrimination or pressure to remove the hijab by the minority of the participants.
All in all, these results support the idea that hijab-wearing practices have a multifaceted,
situationally dependent, psychological and social impact that requires taking into
consideration religious commitment, identity, and other pressures tied to the appearance.
Keywords: hijab, body Image concerns, social interaction anxiety, veil, scarf
Name: Noor ul ain

Title: Impact of screen time on emotional regulation and executive functioning in adolescents

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the impact of screen time on emotional regulation and executive

functioning among adolescents, with a particular focus on the mediating role of emotional

regulation. The correlational design was used to collect data from a sample of 241

adolescents, aged 11 to 18 years, across six public and private educational institutions in

Lahore, Pakistan. The participants were selected using purposive sampling to ensure a

representative sample for analysis. The instruments used included Screen Time-Based

Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire, Adolescents’ Emotion Regulation Strategies

Questionnaire – Extended (AERSQ-E), and the Executive Skills Questionnaire – Revised

(ESQ-R). The data was analyzed using SPSS, applying descriptive statistics, Pearson

product-moment correlation, and mediation analysis through Hayes’ Process Macro (Model

4). Contrary to the initial hypothesis, screen time was found to have a weak positive

relationship with executive functioning. The positive reorientation, social support, has a

positive relationship with executive functioning. However, Creative expression and

distraction did not show significant effects. Mediation analysis revealed that rumination and

aggressive outlet negatively mediated this relationship. These findings suggest that while

higher screen time is often criticized, it can enhance executive functioning when associated

with constructive content and adaptive emotional strategies. The study emphasized the

importance of considering the quality and purpose of screen use rather than solely its

duration.
Ayesha Ahsan

FINANCIAL BEHAVIOR, RISK TAKING, LOCUS OF CONTROL AND

FINANCIAL STRESS IN INDIVIDUALS FACING INFLATION HARDSHIP.

Abstract

The study aimed to explore the predictive role of financial behavior and risk taking on

financial stress along with the mediating effect of locus of control. Financial stress is growing

particularly in populations who are experiencing inflation hardship. A correlational research

design was used; the sample consisted of 200 people aged 21 to 55 years (M=36.27;

SD=7.75) who were selected through purposive sampling. Standardized self report measures

were administered to assess financial behavior, risk taking, economic locus of control

(internal, chance, external, and powerful) and financial stress. The results revealed that

financial behavior significantly predicted financial stress with economic locus of control

(internal) partially mediating this relationship. Individuals with stronger internal belief

showed high financial stress under inflation hardship. Economic locus of control (powerful)

did not mediate the relationship between financial behavior and stress but showed a strong

negative independent effect on stress levels. In the case of risk taking partial mediation was

found through economic locus of control (powerful) suggesting that individuals engaging in

financial risk while receiving external powerful control experience less stress. But economic

locus of control (internal) did not mediate the relationship between risk taking and stress all it

still independently predicted stress outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of

locus of control beliefs in shaping financial well-being under conditions of financial hardship.

Keywords: Financial Behavior, Risk-Taking, Financial Stress, Locus of Control,

Mediation Analysis, Inflation Hardship, population.

Adults

First Author: Aiman Malik, Centre for Clinical Psychology, University of the Punjab,

Lahore.

Co-Author: Dr. Faiza Safdar, Assistant Professor, Centre for Clinical Psychology,

University of the Punjab, Lahore.

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to inspect the impact of social comparison and

justice sensitivity on schadenfreude in university students. The hypotheses of this study

were, Schadenfreude would be higher when misfortune occurred to the students of the rival

university (out-group), schadenfreude would be higher when the failure was perceived as

deserved. The N=200 (50 each scenario) aged 18 to 27 were taken through convenience

sampling. The measures that were utilized included the Schadenfreude Scale, the Rosenberg

Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1979), and the Short Dark Triad Scale (Jones & Paulhus,

2013). 2-way ANOVA analysis was done, and the results showed that group comparison

(in-group and out-group) had a non-significant impact on schadenfreude, while justice

sensitivity had a significant effect on schadenfreude and the interaction effect of social

comparison, and justice sensitivity was also non-significant.

Keywords: Schadenfreude, Group Comparison and Justice Sensitivity.

Impact of Cognitive Biases on Conspiracy Mentality in Young Adults

Abstract

The purpose of the present research was to study the impact of cognitive biases such

as epistemic mistrust and threat sensitivity on conspiracy mentality in young adults. Present

research proposed 3 hypothesis (1) Individuals in epistemic mistrust condition are likely have

high conspiracy mentality as compare to control group. (2) Individuals in threat sensitivity

condition are likely have high conspiracy mentality as compare to control group. (3)

Individuals in combined condition are likely have high conspiracy mentality as compare

to other experimental groups. The sample size was N=200 with age range 18-30. The sample

divided into 4 groups i.e., epistemic mistrust group, threat sensitivity group, combined group

and control group (N=50 in each group). Convenient sampling strategy was used.

Experimental research design between-subject was used. Demographic sheet along with tools

such as Epistemic Trust, Mistrust, and Credulity Questionnaire (ETMCQ) (Campbell et al.,

2021), Threat Sensitivity Scale (TSS) (March et al., 2024), Conspiracy Mentality

Questionnaire (CMQ) (Imhoff & Bruder, 2014) were used. One-way ANOVA analysis was

done, and the results showed that there was differences between groups.

Keywords: Cognitive Biases, Epistemic Mistrust, Threat Sensitivity, Conspiracy

Mentality
 Abdullah Javed

Social Media Usage, FOMO and Procrastination among Young Adults

Abstract

study examined the relationship between the use of social media, fear of missing out (FOMO)

and procrastination among young students. A purposive sample of 258 students aged between

18 and 25 (M = 21.01, SD = 1.54) was used to complete the Social Media Usage

Questionnaire (M = 16.60, SD = 5.68, 5 = 0.70), the Fear of Missing Out Scale (M = 2.57,

SD = 0.65, 5 = 0.72), and the General Procrastination Scale (M = 59.4). The Pearson

correlation was significant where social media usage presented a positive relationship with

FOMO, (r = .46, p < .01), and social media usage with procrastination, (r = .22, p < .01) but

not with the relationship between FOMO and procrastination, (r = .11, p > .05). Multiple

linear regression indicated that the use of social media was a significant predictor of

procrastination (B = .24, B = .21, p = .002), but FOMO was not (B = .06, B = .006, p = .929),

and the model explained 4.7 percent of the variance (R 2 = .047). Independent t -tests

revealed that males (M = 16.86, SD = 5.59) had a significantly higher FOMO score than

females (M = 16.38, SD = 5.76), t(256) = 2.24, p = .03, d = 0.28. There was no substantial

difference in terms of gender when it came to social media use and procrastination. These

results indicate that social media conduct is more critical in determining procrastination than

emotional variables such as FOMO and the importance of digital behavior, self-regulation,

and cultural background in defining academic delay among the Pakistani youth.

Keywords: social media usage, FOMO, procrastination, young adults.

The Moderating Role of Psychological Flexibility in the Relationship Between Fear

of Negative Evaluation And Academic Procrastination

Abstract

The current study aimed to explore the relationship between fear of negative
evaluation and academic procrastination and determine the moderating role of
psychological flexibility in this association among university students. The sample
was composed of 250 undergraduate students from different universities of Pakistan.
Standardized self-report questionnaires were utilized such as the Brief Fear of
Negative Evaluation Scale (BFNE), Procrastination Assessment Scale for Students
(PASS), and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ). Descriptive statistics,
test of reliability, Pearson correlation, and moderation analysis utilizing PROCESS
Macro Model 1 were carried out utilizing SPSS. Findings indicated that the
correlation between psychological flexibility and academic procrastination was
positive and significant, indicating that more psychological inflexibility leads to more
procrastination compared to less. Yet, fear of negative evaluation was not
significantly related to psychological flexibility or procrastination on the zero-order
level. Moderation analysis indicated that psychological flexibility significantly
moderated the association between fear of negative evaluation and academic
procrastination. In particular, low psychological flexibility correlated with a negative
association between evaluative fear and procrastination, while in high psychological
flexibility, it became positive. The results indicate that psychological flexibility plays an
important role in determining how people respond to evaluative fears, hence influencing
procrastination.
The research highlights the need to include psychological flexibility training within
student welfare programs to alleviate procrastination and maintain good coping.
Theory, pedagogical practice, and research implications in the future are discussed.
Keywords: Fear of negative evaluation, academic procrastination, psychological flexibility,
moderation, university students.
Name: Azka Ramzan
Research Title: Parenting Styles, Perfectionism and Imposter Syndrome in First Generation
University Students
Abstract
First Generation University Students lack guidance from their parents as how to meet
with the demands of the higher education system, meanwhile it contributes towards the
development of Perfectionistic tendencies and Imposter Syndrome in those students. The aim
of this research has to investigate as how Authoritarian, Authoritative, Permissive and
Neglectful Parenting Styles pave the way for Adaptive and Maladaptive Perfectionism and
Imposter Syndrome and how Perfectionism as a mediator, mediates the role between
Parenting Styles and Imposter Syndrome in First Generation University Students. A
quantitative study was conducted with 210 participants age range from 17-22 , which were all
First Generation University Students enrolled in Public and Private Universities. Parenting
Style Circumplex Inventory, Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale Revised and Short
Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale were used to access the Parenting Styles, Perfectionism
and Imposter Syndrome respectively. One Way ANOVA showed statistically significant
group differences based on Parenting Styles of Perfectionism scores and Impostor scores with
higher Adaptive Perfectionism and lower Impostor Syndrome found as associated with
Authoritative Parenting. Pearson correlations indicated that Maladaptive Perfectionism was
significantly correlated with Impostor Syndrome (r = .59, p <.01) but Adaptive Perfectionism
was only weakly negatively related. The mediation analysis and linear regression also
supported Maladaptive Perfectionism to create relationship between Authoritarian Parenting
and Imposter Syndrome (B = 1.91, 95% CI [1.03, 2.80]), which indicated that the Parenting
Styles were linked to Impostor Syndrome via the Perfectionistic qualities. The findings
highlighted the need for parental awareness and targeted psychological support to mitigate
impostor feelings and maladaptive perfectionism in first-generation university students.
Key words: Parenting Styles, Perfectionism, Imposter Syndrome, First Generation University
Students.
 SELF-CONSTRUAL, EMOTIONAL DYSREGULATION, AND RELATIONSHIP
SABOTAGE IN MARRIED INDIVIDUALS

Marwa Zahid

Abstract

The present study aimed to explore the relationship between self-construal, emotional
dysregulation, and relationship sabotage in married individuals. It also focused on identifying
the mediating role of emotional dysregulation and its components on the effect of self-
construal on relationship sabotage. Gender differences were also seen for these three
variables. The research design used in this study was correlational, and a purposive sampling
technique was used to collect the data from 200 married adults (100 females and 100 males)
aged between 25 to 50 years (M= 35.78; SD= 7.63) through self-report questionnaires.
Correlational analysis revealed that independent self-construal was negatively correlated with
emotional dysregulation and relationship sabotage. Likewise, interdependent self-construal
was positively correlated with these variables. Regression analysis showed that covariates
accounted for 4% of the variance, with variances of 8% and 28% for self-construal and
emotional dysregulation, respectively. All three models were significant, hence predicted
relationship sabotage. After running the mediation analysis, it was seen that emotional
dysregulation significantly mediated the relationship between independent self-construal and
relationship sabotage, but showed no mediation between interdependent self-construal and
relationship sabotage. An independent sample t-test revealed that females reported higher
interdependent self-construal, emotional dysregulation, and relationship sabotage than males.
Independent self-construal was more prevalent in males. This study adds to the literature as
limited studies exist on relationship sabotage, especially in Pakistan. This study will help
individuals to know the importance of marriage counseling, especially in addressing emotional
regulation issues and relationship sabotage in couple interventions. Self-report questionnaires,
lack of causality inferences, and qualitative reasons were the limitations of the study.
Keywords: Self-construal, emotional dysregulation, relationship sabotage, married
adults
Name: Hameed Khan

Psychosocial Correlates of Physical and Psychological Consequences in Women of

Exploitative Marriage

Abstract

This study examined the psychosocial predictors of psychological distress and post-traumatic

stress symptoms among women living in early, non-consensual marital arrangements in

Balochistan, Pakistan. Using a cross-sectional design, 81 participants completed standardized

measures assessing stigma, cognitive emotion regulation, social support, depression, anxiety,

stress, and trauma symptoms. Descriptive findings indicated moderate levels of overall

stigma (M = 18.94, SD = 8.29), trauma symptoms (M = 33.64, SD = 15.86), stress (M = 9.40,

SD = 3.71), anxiety (M = 8.83, SD = 3.82), and depression (M = 8.88, SD = 4.22), reflecting

substantial psychological vulnerability within the sample. Regression analyses showed that

public stigma and present-focused difficulties were associated with greater trauma

symptomatology, while fear of positive thinking demonstrated an inverse relationship,

suggesting avoidance-based cognitive patterns in trauma maintenance. Rumination emerged

as a significant predictor of depressive symptoms, highlighting the role of repetitive negative

thinking in emotional distress. Satisfaction with social support functioned as a protective

factor, whereas the mere availability of relationships did not significantly buffer distress.

Overall, findings underscore the psychological burden imposed by socially sanctioned marital

coercion and emphasize the clinical importance of addressing internalized stigma,

maladaptive cognitive coping, and relational quality in trauma-informed, culturally

responsive interventions. The study contributes region-specific evidence to the limited

literature on women’s mental health in patriarchal, collectivist settings and offers guidance

for culturally grounded mental health services and policy advocacy.

Interoceptive awareness, Alexithymia and Anxiety in Young Adults.

Abstract

The present study studied the relationships among Interoceptive Awareness, Alexithymia,

and Anxiety in Young Adults. A sample of 250 university students (125 men, 125 women)

participated in the study. Participants completed the Multidimensional Assessment of

Interoceptive Awareness (Mehling et al., 2012), Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire (Preece et

al., 2018), and Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (Zung, 1971). Correlation research design

was used. The hypothesis are, There is likely to be a relationship alexithymia, and anxiety,

there is a likely to be a relationship in between Interoceptive awareness and alexithymia,

Interoceptive awareness significantly predicts alexithymia, there is gender difference in

Interoceptive Awareness, Alexithymia, and Anxiety. Pearson correlation analyses found that

Interoceptive awareness correlate with Alexithymia. Alexithymia showed no significant

relationship with anxiety. Interoceptive awareness also show no relation with anxiety.

Regression analysis showed that Non-distracting and Emotional Awareness domains of

interoceptive awareness significantly predicted alexithymia, and the overall model was

statistically significant, F (8, 241) = 3.56, p = .001. Gender comparisons revealed that

females scored higher on Emotional Awareness t(250) = –2.32, p = .021,and males on Not-

Worrying t(250) = 2.10, p = .037 subscale of interoceptive awareness, with no significant

gender differences in overall alexithymia or anxiety. The study provides insights into how

bodily awareness may coexist with emotional dysregulation in non- Western populations,

suggesting the need for culturally adapted psychological assessments and interventions.

Keywords

Interoceptive Awareness, Alexithymia, Anxiety, Young Adults, Gender Differences

Exploring Existential Crisis in Young Muslim Adults

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the phenomenon of existential crisis in young Muslim adults

in Pakistan, aiming to understand how identity, meaning, and faith are experienced during

periods of psychological and spiritual distress. Using in-depth semi-structured interviews

with four male and four female participants aged 18–25, the study employed thematic

analysis to extract six key themes, including identity confusion, emotional and cognitive

turmoil, disconnection from relationships and faith, and the struggle to find purpose. The

findings highlight how existential distress manifests in emotional suffering, anxiety, negative

self-concept, and social withdrawal, often triggered by personal loss, fractured family

dynamics, and societal pressures. Religion played a complex dual role—both as a source of

internal conflict and as a means of healing and grounding. Despite the crisis, participants

demonstrated resilience through coping strategies such as prayer, spiritual reflection, and

striving toward personal growth. The study offers important insights for clinicians and

community seeking to provide culturally and religiously sensitive support to Muslim youth

navigating existential concerns.

Perceived Parent Adult Relationship, Dark Triad & Conflict Resolution Styles

The current study was a correlational study aimed at discovering the relationship between

perceived parent-adult relationships, the Dark Triad, and conflict resolution styles in young

adults. Furthermore, it examined whether the Dark Triad predicts conflict resolution styles.

The sample was collected through purposive sampling (a type of non-probability sampling)

and consisted of university students from both public and private sectors, aged between 18

and 26 years. Data were collected from 273 young adults with a mean age of 21.24 years (SD

= 1.92) across 8 departments of respective universities in Lahore, Pakistan. Participants

completed demographic information, The Parent-Adult Child Relationship Questionnaire, the

Short Dark Triad (SD3), and the Conflict Resolution Styles Inventory (CRSI). Urdu

translated versions of these tools were used after obtaining permission from the authors and

translating the tools into Urdu. The research data were analyzed using reliability, correlation,

and regression analysis. A significant relationship between Perceived Parent-Adult

Relationships (Mother Regard, Mother Responsibility, Father Regard, Father Responsibility,

Father Control), Dark Triad (Narcissism, Machiavellianism, Psychopathy), and Conflict

Resolution Styles (Conflict Engagement, Positive Problem Solving, Self-Protection,

Avoidance) was found. Conflict resolution styles (Conflict engagement and Self-protection)

were predicted by Father Control. Conflict resolution styles (Conflict engagement and Self

protection) were also predicted by Dark Triad traits (Narcissism and Psychopathy). By

emphasizing the influence of the complex connection between parents and adults on the Dark

Triad and conflict resolution styles within the framework of Pakistani culture, the current

study opens the door for constructive societal development. Keywords: Perceived Parent-

Adult Relationship, Dark Triad, Conflict Resolution Styles, Young Adults.

THE IMPACT OF PERCEIVED DESERVINGNESS AND ACHIEVER TYPE ON

ENVY AND SCHADENFREUDE IN WORKING ADULTS

Abstract

A 2×2 between-subjects qusai-experimental design was utilized in this study, in order to

investigate the effects of achiever type, with levels of tall poppy and average achiever, and

perceived deservingness, with levels of deserved and undeserved success on emotional

responses chiefly on schadenfreude, benign envy, malicious envy, achievement responsibility

and failure responsibility, also the influence of all these variables on schadenfreude. The

sample consisted of 80 working adults recruited through random sampling from various

occupational sectors in Lahore, Pakistan. Participants were exposed to constructed vignettes

and completed self-report questionnaires in order to assess their emotional and cognitive

reactions. Data were analyzed using MANOVA in order to investigate the main and

interaction effects of achiever type and perceived deservingness. The results revealed that

schadenfreude was significantly higher in the tall poppy and undeserved success conditions.

Benign envy was more associated with deserved success, whereas malicious envy was

elevated in the context of undeserved recognition. Attribution of responsibility success and

responsibility failure varied based on the perceived deservingness and status of the target.

These findings highlight the complex interplay of social comparison, merit judgments and

emotional reactions in competitive contexts..

MEDIA MASCULINITY IDEALS, EMOTIONAL REGULATION, MASCULINE

ROLE STRESS IN YOUNG ADULT

Abstract

The current study was a correlational study intended to discover a relationship of Media

Masculinity Ideals, Emotional Regulation and Masculine Role Stress in young adult men.

Furthermore, emotional regulation acting as a mediator between predictor (Media

Masculinity Ideals) and outcome (Masculine Role Stress) was also examined. The type of

Non-Probability sampling used was purposive sampling, where the sample included

university students in both the state and the private sector, aged between 18-35 years. Data of

200 young adults’ men was collected from public and private universities of Lahore Pakistan.

The research was analyzed by using reliability, correlation and Mediation analysis. The

findings reveal significant correlation between Media masculinity ideals Emotional

regulation and Masculine role stress the high internalization of ideals lead to emotional

suppression which then lead to masculine role stress. There was no mediation effect of

Emotional regulation in the relationship of media masculinity ideals and masculine role

stress. Further studies should explore diverse population and longitudinal impacts to enhance

the under stress of masculinity evolution in Pakistani culture.

Keywords: Media Masculinity Ideals, Emotional Regulation, Masculine Role Stress, Young

Adult Men, Mental Health, Masculinity Norms.