IUB Journal of Social Sciences

Impact of Digital Marketing on the Tourism Industry Business Profitability of UAE through the role of Effectiveness

Zarmeen Durrani , Asbah Zia , Tatheer Yawar Ali , Muhammad Naeem Shahid — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This Paper explores the influence of digital marketing impact and tourism attraction on business profitability through the mediating role of effectiveness. Researcher use a structured questionnaire as the primary instrument for collecting quantitative data and analyzing numerical data methodically, a researcher using a quantitative research design can better understand the connection between UAE businesses' success in the tourism industry and their use of digital marketing. Data were investigated through SPSS Version 26 and SEM (structural equation modeling) using Smart PLS Version 4 software. The results show that digital marketing impact has positive influence on digital marketing effectiveness and business profitability, Tourism attraction has impact on tourism industry effectiveness and business profitability, Perceived Digital Marketing Effectiveness has positive impact on business profitability. The results provide practical implications for organizations seeking to increase business profitability. Organizations can improve digital marketing effectiveness and business profitability by using digital marketing impact and tourism attraction.

Teachers’ Perceptions about Continuous Professional Development and its Impact on Teaching Competencies

Farhat Nasim, Muhammad Saeed Shakir, Sarfraz Hussain, Atia Taj — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Continuous professional development (CPD) is a key component in enhancing teachers' competencies and knowledge. The study explores teachers' perspectives on continuous professional development (CPD) and its impact on teaching competencies in Pakistan's secondary school system. It emphasizes the importance of effective CPD initiatives to improve teaching competencies and address practical issues faced by teachers, emphasizing the need for continuous professional development to enhance teaching effectiveness. A descriptive survey research design was used to gather data from 419 secondary school teachers using questionnaires. The results show that continuous professional development positively impacts teaching competencies such as lesson planning, instructional practices, classroom management, assessment, and student progress evaluation. This indicates that continuous professional development is beneficial for teachers. It reveals that teachers strongly believe that continuous professional development programs enhance their teaching competencies. It emphasizes the importance of understanding teacher views to customize CPD programs to individual needs.

Mathematics Teacher’s Behaviour and Student’s Anxiety: A Study at Secondary Level

Fahd Naveed Kausar — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

A person's behaviour is a response to his surroundings that he exhibits at different times. Behaviour is defined as one's conduct, manner of carrying oneself, or what one does, particularly in reaction to external stimuli. The study's goal is to investigate secondary school students' perceptions of teacher conduct and anxiety in mathematics. The secondary school pupils in Lahore made up the study's population. 250 secondary school students made up the study's sample. The researcher created the questionnaire. Following data collection, the information was organized and subsequently examined using software (SPSS). The data was first entered into SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) and categorised and classified numerically, such as 1, 2, 3. The study's conclusions showed that students' nervousness and their opinions of the behaviour of their maths lecturers were related to the degree of agreement.

Keywords: mathematics teachers, behaviour, students’ anxiety, secondary level

Exploring the Indigenous Remedies for Maternal Health in South Punjab

Altaf Ghani, Muhammad Sajid Nadeem , Dure Sadaf — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Culture influences every aspect of life including health. This study investigates the traditional indigenous remedies for maternal health in South Punjab, providing insight into prevailing attitudes and customs within the local populations. The study investigates the use of herbal medications, adherence to traditional guidance, and the involvement of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in maternal care. For this purpose, the phenomenological research design was used to conduct qualitative research in the district Rajanpur of South Punjab. In-depth interviews were conducted with six TBAs and three spiritual healers which were selected through snowball sampling. Data was analyzed through thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti software. The persisting belief in the authenticity of herbal treatments is prevalent in the local community, supported by socio-cultural values. The study highlights the essential contribution of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in delivering psychological, emotional, and healthcare assistance. In addition, spiritual and religious healers have a prominent role, emphasizing belief-based techniques. The conclusion recommends strategies to enhance knowledge, integrate indigenous practices with contemporary medical techniques, and engage people in comprehensive healthcare.

Relationship between Narcissism and Selfie Posting Behavior; Mediating Role of Loneliness and Self-esteem among Adolescents

Samreen Umar, Najma Iqbal Malik, Nida Tariq, Ayesha Tariq — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Narcissism is characterized by an abnormally high sense of self-importance that leads to different mental health issues. The current study was aimed at observing the mediating role of loneliness and self-esteem between narcissism and selfie-posting behavior among adolescents. To examine the psychometric properties of scales, a sample of 300 students was collected and further divided into two groups of male (n = 193) and female (n = 107) participants by using a convenient sampling strategy. The age range of participants was from 18 to 35 years old. Urdu-translated versions of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory by Raskin and Hall (1988), the Selfitis Scale by Amna Amjad (2017), the UCLA Loneliness Scale by Russell, Peplau, and Cutrona (1980), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale by Rosenberg (1965) were used to analyze the constructs of this study. The findings of the current study show a significant relationship between variables such as narcissism that is positively correlated with selfie-posting behavior, loneliness, and self-esteem. Regression analysis revealed that narcissism significantly predicts selfie-posting behavior. Mediation analysis shows the significant mediation of loneliness between narcissism and selfie-posting behavior. Mediation results are non-significant in the case of self-esteem. The implications of the current study suggest the need for interventions to deal with loneliness and alleviate the potentially detrimental effects of narcissism on the behaviors associated with selfie posting. These interventions may encourage healthy online behaviors among adolescents by encouraging social bonds and lowering loneliness. Further limitations of the study are discussed, and suggestions for future research are provided.

The Impact of Dispositional Optimism and Self-determination on Wellbeing of Job Seeker Young Adults

Ayesha Fazal Karim , Farah Malik , Sumaira Ayub — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The present study aimed to find out that 1) dispositional optimism and self-determination are positively related to well-being in job seekers young adults, and 2) to find out the predicting role of dispositional optimism and self-determination in determining the well-being of job seekers. The study was based on a correlational research design. A purposive sample of 192 job seekers young adults aged 19 to 27 years (M =22, SD=1.25) was taken as a sample. The sample consisted of 91 men and 101 women from four different universities in Lahore. Urdu versions of the Life orientation test-revised (Scheier et al., 1985), Self-determination scale (Deci & Ryan, 2000), Mental health continuum short-form (Keyes & Ryff, 1998) and self-constructed demographic information sheet were used for assessment. The results showed that dispositional optimism, self-determination, and well-being are positively related to young job seekers. Further, dispositional optimism and self-determination were found as positive predictors of well-being in job-seeking young adults. Further, the results also indicated that men have higher social well-being as compared to women. The limitations and suggestions are also discussed.

Analyzing the Impact of Reflective Writing on Students’ Self Efficacy, Perceived Stress, and Psychological Wellbeing

Mehvish Shafiq, Sarwat Sultan, Nida Shafiq — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Students grapple with stress during university life, especially in the last semester, the transitioning period towards the practical phase of life. Self-help skills like reflective writing facilitate students by enhancing their understanding of capabilities and using their resources to deal with the challenges. Therefore, the present study focused on empirically the effects of reflective writing on the perceived stress, self-efficacy, and, well-being of students using a randomized control group pretest-posttest-follow-up research design. Following an experimental approach, a sample of 39 undergraduate female students categorized into experimental (n=19) and control (n=20) groups provided data on three measures of self-efficacy, perceived stress, and psychological well-being at pre, post, and follow-up testing. Participants in the experimental group were engaged in reflective writing intervention for two weeks while the control group was not. Data analysis through Mixed Between-Within ANOVA, indicated that the participants of the experimental group reported significantly decreased perceived stress; and an increased self-efficacy and psychological well-being at post and follow-up testing than the control group. These findings have several implications for students, teachers, parents, and psychologists who can utilize the reflective writing intervention as a potentially effective strategy for promoting self-efficacy and psychological well-being that will surely decrease stress among adolescents.

The Macroeconomic Determinants of Stock Price Volatility in Pakistan: An Empirical Investigation

Asma Awan, Furrukh Bashir, Nimra Shahbaz, Ismat Nasim — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Stock price volatility has been a source of prime interest in the capital markets because stock markets are crucial in any economy in terms of their implications. This study empirically investigates the factors influencing stock price volatility in Pakistan using monthly data (January 2015 to December 2021). This study uses the three-month moving standard deviation method to compute stock price volatility. The ARDL technique is used to analyze the factors of stock price volatility. In the long run, a significant and positive relationship exists between the exchange rate, supply of money, interest rate, and stock price volatility. Whereas, the industrial production index and money supply have a statistically significant and positive association with stock price volatility in the short run. However, the consumer price index, exchange rate, and rate of interest exhibit a significant and inverse association with stock price volatility in the short run. The diagnostic check of estimated coefficients is also done to ensure the best, most linear, and unbiased estimates. To check the sensitivity of the estimated coefficients concerning significance, sign, and magnitude the volatility of the stock prices is also calculated using the ARCH model. The empirical findings on average are moderately robust. It is strongly recommended that the central bank and government develop monetary and fiscal policies focused on exchange rate stability and monetary expansion stability.

Emotional Dissonance Mediating Between Secondary Traumatic Stress and Burnout: Probing Postgraduate Mental Healthcare Trainees

Sukaina Tariq, Faiz Younas , Shazia Qayyum — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This research endeavor intended to probe the mediating role of emotional dissonance between secondary traumatic stress and burnout in postgraduate mental health trainees. Following APA-mandated ethical guidelines; a purposive sample of 248 mental health trainees was recruited from various universities and mental health facilities in Lahore. The results established a significant positive association between secondary traumatic stress and burnout while a negative correlation between emotional dissonance and burnout. Furthermore, while secondary traumatic stress positively predicted burnout, however emotional dissonance negatively predicted burnout among mental health trainees. Lastly, findings also suggested that emotional dissonance partially mediates between secondary traumatic stress and burnout. Other than making a valuable addition to the existing research scholarship by bringing in the mediating role of emotional dissonance, these findings also have significant implications for clinical, counseling, and other public health-related settings as they highlight the psychological toll that mental health trainees go through while rending professional services in the field. Academicians and policymakers can also be engaged to develop mechanisms so that novice trainees and students can be provided with tools to effectively deal with workplace challenges.

Role of Religio-Political Activism of TLP in Shaping Security Challenges for Pakistan

Sara Ahmad, Sadia Mahmood Falki — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

ABSTRACT

The substantial increase in support for conservative and far-right parties is a growing trend in South Asian politics. It is a part of emergent global tendencies of political polarization and the resultant rise of anti-democratic political forces around the world caused by diverse and unlike reasons. The subsequent outcomes of polarization propensities are steady societal discord and democratic erosion in both the global north and south countries. However, the adverse consequences of the rise of radical and far-right forces are comparatively more apparent in some of the South Asian states due to existing authoritarian traits in respective political systems and frequent political instrumentalization of religion into politics for the legitimacy of governments and regimes. In Pakistan, far-right parties remained less successful in electoral politics which led them to emphasize more on their ability to mobilize people in the name of religion in the form of agitation, protest, and violent demonstrations against the government. The display of radicalized discourses through street power often challenged the writ of the state and from time to time, these far-right groups like Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP) secured their bargaining position to pressure the government in Pakistan to overlook their violations of law and crimes to disturb law and order situation. The religio-political activism of far-right parties in Pakistan is deeply grounded in their discernment of an Islamic state which led them to see religion as an absolute authority over government and society while justifying their political power claims. The underlying study through the case study of TLP, tends to understand that how these religious political parties view the state and society in Pakistan. The emergence of TLP, its radical discourses, and the rise of gradual support to this religious party reflected the growing trend of polarization, anti-democratic trends, and its far-reaching consequences on national integration and most importantly in the larger context of the security of Pakistan.

Crafting success: How Cognitive Styles Moderate Emotional Intelligence for Project Outcomes

Saima Arzeen, Naeema Arzeen , Uzma Dayan , Muttahid Shah — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study uses cognitive style as a moderator to investigate the correlation between emotional intelligence and project success in the telecommunications industry. A quantitative study design employed convenient sampling to examine the role of emotional intelligence. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 150 managers participating in PTCL projects in the twin cities of Pakistan. The characteristics related to the questions were scrutinized and evaluated using Likert scales. The results confirmed the hypothesis and showed that emotional intelligence has a favorable and significant impact on project success, mediated by cognitive styles. The study enhances our comprehension of emotional intelligence from both a theoretical and practical standpoint. Additionally, the literature review acknowledges the study's limitations and suggests potential future directions.

A Study to Compare Relationship between Situated Learning Model Methodology and Reflective Insight of Community Projects Carried Through Preservice Teachers from Public Sector Universities

Bazgha Saleem Khan, Afifa Khanam , Tajammal Rasool , Sarwat Fatima — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This research explores the relationship between the Situated Learning Model Methodology (SLM) and Reflective Insight in community projects undertaken by preservice teachers from public sector universities. Adopting a sequential explanatory design, data was collected over a semester in two phases from 66 participants at a public sector university in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. Quantitative analysis, utilizing an independent sample t-test, preceded the integration of qualitative data. Pearson’s correlation identified a significant relationship between the multidimensional SLM and reflections, revealing variations in preservice teachers' reflections on knowledge, disposition, and attitude. The study advocates for the adoption of SLM methodology, aligning with Krathwohl's recommendation for realistic explanations in real-life settings.

Navigating Mental Health Complexities: The Interplay of Depression, Self-esteem, Literacy, and Gender

Salbia Abbas, Sehar Ishaq Butt , Rukhsar Shafique , Safwa Batool — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Current research explored a nexus among depression, self-esteem, literacy and gender. Empirical cross-sectional study employing quantitative method involved the collection of data from 500 individuals using purposive sampling. The sample was equally divided between genders, with 250 participants identifying as female—125 educated and 125 uneducated. The remaining 250 were male, with an even distribution of 125 educated and 125 uneducated individuals. Data collection utilized two measurement scales: the Beck Depression Inventory and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale ( in both Urdu and English versions) level of education was assessed through demographics. Results of correlations between Depression and Self-esteem revealed a significant negative relationship (r = -.523, p < 0.01), indicating that as Depression escalates; there's a corresponding decline in Self-esteem. This emphasizes the interdependency between these psychological facets, underscoring how fluctuations in one can influence the other—critical insight in understanding mental health dynamics. Moreover, the correlation involving Literacy, Depression, and Self-esteem (r = .009, p < 0.01) showcased an intriguing relationship. As Literacy levels rise, Depression tends to decrease while Self-esteem concurrently ascends. The correlation involving Gender, Depression, and Self-esteem (r = -.026, p < 0.001) revealed a negative relationship, implying a link between gender and mental health outcomes. Self-esteem, Literacy, and Gender, emphasizing females' preference for supernatural explanations over-reporting depression. It highlighted education's potential protective role against Depression and the need for improved literacy to understand mental health complexities. Widespread awareness is crucial to dispel misconceptions and enable accurate diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues in communities.

Interest-Based Banking Model: Historical Development and Inception of Islamic Banks

Syed Muhammad Abdul Rehman Shah, Rehan Tahir , Gohar Khan , Muhammad Ali — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Banking institutions have become integral to an economy by supplying credit and other financial services to existing markets. The concept of central banking emerged to regulate banking activities and control them through a sound supervisory framework. In recent days, a central bank has been responsible for regulating the monetary and credit systems of a country. Muslim society has been conducting its economic activities through money and dealing with some banking-type activities since its inception. Thus, it is worth exploring and reviewing the historical development of the interest-based banking model to understand the dynamics of conventional banking in depth and to propose alternate modes of Islamic finance. Islamic banking has experienced tremendous growth in recent decades, with diversified services for retail and corporate customers. Yet, until now, we knew less about the topic from a historical perspective. Therefore, this paper aims to review the literature about the interest-based banking model over time and the modern practices of Islamic banks all over the globe. Banking institutions are playing an important role in attaining economic growth and stable markets. Concerned central banks are recommended to provide a supportive environment to banking institutions and welcome Islamic banks for financial inclusion in Muslim-majority territories.

Influence of Parenting Style on Children’s Behavior in Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Muhammad Kamran, Kashif Iqbal, Syeda Baseera Zahra, Zartashia Kynat Javaid — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study explored the influence of the parenting styles of the parents on the behavior of the children from southern Punjab, Pakistan, through a qualitative research design. A purposive sampling technique was used, and a semi-structured interview protocol was developed for data collection. The five parents (mothers) whose parenting styles had to be measured were from different backgrounds and socio-economic statuses. The participants were approached through personal sources and contacts after complying with the complete research ethics. The validity of the instrument was examined through the expert opinion (N = 03), while the reliability of the instrument was assured through the extensive literature that addressed parenting styles. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis by finding three major themes that emerged from the categories of interviews, which are parents’ behavior, ineffective parenting, and reasons for leaving educational institutes. The findings of the study revealed that authoritative and permissive parenting styles are used by most parents (mothers). Additionally, this study concluded that delinquent behaviors in children are a result of various factors of domestic life, e.g., false beliefs of the parents, low self-esteem of the children, mystification by parents, and communication gaps between parents and the children. The study recommends that regular training for parents on improving the quality of positive parenting styles should be conducted through the collaboration of public and private partnerships. Moreover, community-based rehabilitation centres must be established to raise awareness of parenting styles.

Exploring Stigma among Patients with Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review

Mafia Shahzadi, Muhammad Riaz , Madeeha Imtiaz , Ishrat Rana — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This paper explores stigmatization among patients with substance use disorder and how it affects the addiction severity and treatment. The PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, OvidSP Science Direct, PubMed, Clinical Trials.gov, and Web of Science databases were searched for experimental studies and randomized controlled trials about SUDs published in peer-reviewed English-language journals between 2020 and 2023. This review was carried out from January 2023 to June 2023. (03 years only). Out of the 314 first found papers, 10 were examined and assessed, and 41 (or 13%) underwent full-text examination (Figure). There were 6 studies done in the USA and 1 each in Korea, Egypt, Taiwan, Turkey, Italy, China, and Pakistan. All 13 studies were based on the incidence of stigma among patients diagnosed with SUDs. The finding showed that stigma in its various forms affects the treatment of individuals with SUDs. In crucial domains including health care, work, insurance, and legislation, stigmatized language can erect obstacles for people attempting to recover and contribute significantly to society. Stigma and unfavourable public perceptions of SUDs, stigma among those who have SUDs are correlated with the intensity of their addiction and may lessen with sobriety. Stigma affects not only mental health, but also social relationships, and the overall well-being of individuals.

Analysing the Impact of Macroeconomics Variables on Poverty in Pakistan: A Fresh Insight using ARDL to Cointegration Analysis

Ayesha Awan, Sohaib Shahid , Saif Ur Rahman , Muhammad Ali Baig — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The aim for this examines is to describe the effect of macro-economic aspects affecting reduction in poverty. This analyses approximately the concept that how can get rid of poverty by working on macroeconomic variables. The Data is taken from WDI for the duration of 1998 to 2022 of Pakistan. An econometric model ARDL is used to analyse short- and long-term results. Research has proven that poverty may be reduced with the aid of the selected macroeconomic variables. Furthermore, in line with the study's findings, the Education has great impact on economic by reducing poverty. Economy stability growth plays a vital role in eliminating poverty. Inflation presents insignificant impact in short & long duration as it increases poverty so inflation must be in control. This research reveals that all the determinants of the model are statistically great. Gross capital formation is negatively related to poverty and helps in lowering it while the opposite three determinants are positively associated. This study has a novel contribution to literature in the domain Economy growth and poverty knowledge. It is unique in a way to integrate the knowledge in academics and awareness about poverty elimination in Pakistan among students & scholar. Moreover, the observation recommends that the government overview its guidelines & possibility by lessen poverty using education, to control inflation and enhance GDP to boost economic growth.

From Screen to Scene: A Qualitative Analysis of Smartphone-Zombie (Smombie) Phenomenon

Asma Yunus, Ruqia Safdar Bajwa, Shahzad Khavar Mushtaq, Zanab Safdar — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This scientific article aims to conduct an exploratory case study of smombies – people seeking satiation through heavy engagement with their handsets, leading to a lack of awareness in their immediate settings. A recent tragedy occurred in a large metropolitan area in southern Punjab, Pakistan, where a student lost his life because he was absorbed in the phone. This death attracted the attention of the researchers to study the dynamics involved in this accident. Drawing from an interdisciplinary approach, the research meticulously examines the social, psychological, and cultural factors contributing to smartphone-induced distraction. The methodology deployed includes an extensive review of secondary literature, coupled with primary research involving qualitative interviews with individuals closely related to the victim, such as friends, family, classmates, and instructors. The intricacies addressed in the study highlight the sophistication and severity of the problem that extends far from simple distraction to important cultural and lifestyle dimensions. To summarize, not only do the authors deliver the message urging the audience to take action, but they have also grounded several proposals for further research and policy recommendations. These lessons are expected to enable the formation of a comprehensive framework of evidence that will drive the consolidated work towards addressing the broader issues of smartphone use in the context of pedestrian safety.

Diversity Inclusion for Business and Economy: Analyzing Financial Literacy of Young Women Entrepreneurs and their Personality

Mina Kharal , Muhammad Sajid Tufail , Moeed Ahmad Sandhu — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study focuses on the entrepreneurial intention, the personality of the young women, and the entrepreneurial orientation. This research used a quantitative design based on the answers to the questionnaire conducted in 2021 and 2022 on a sample of 150 female students from three important Pakistani universities. The theory of planned behavior is used to support this research work. From the methodological point of view, several hypotheses have been developed and tested using path coefficient, checking reliability and validity through factor loadings, Cronbach alpha, AVE, and discriminate validity respectively. The results illustrate that there is a positive impact of financial literacy on female entrepreneur’s intentions to start a new business if they have an entrepreneurial orientation and a suitable personality trait that is openness to experience. Based on the existing literature, it is seen that in South Asian perspective and specifically in Pakistani context, very few studies have been conducted on this specific area and in this context. Therefore the stud presents theoretical as well as practical implications for future call mom furthermore it also guides the policymakers and those people who are in the helm of educational institutions of base for further improvement.

Psychological Capital and Hedonic Well-being: Mediating Role of Eudaimonic Well-being in School Teachers

Rumaisa Arfan, Shazia Habib, Irsa Fatima Makhdoom — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The current study intended to explore the mediating role of eudaimonic well-being in relationship with psychological capital and hedonic well-being among school teachers. The correlational research design was implemented. The sample of school teachers (N = 250) from different government and private schools in Sargodha District, Pakistan, were approached through a purposive sampling approach. The age range of the sample of school teachers was between 25 to 45 years (Mage= 31, SD= 9.38). The measures used were the Psychological Capital Questionnaire,(Luthans et al., 2007), Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-being (Ryff, 1989a), and the Subjective Happiness Scale (Lyubomirsky & Lepper, 1999). For data analyses, the Pearson Product Moment Correlation through Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Mediation analysis by using PROCESS Macro(Hayes, 2012) was computed. The results of correlation analysis revealed that psychological capital has a significant positive correlation with eudaimonic well-being (r = .51^** p< 0.01) and hedonic well-being (r = .45^** p< 0.01). The findings of mediation analysis show that eudaimonic well-being partially mediates the relationship between psychological capital and hedonic well-being among school teachers. The findings of the present study can be utilized to enhance the levels of educator’s well-being (specifically eudaimonic well-being) which in turn will positively affect their hedonic well-being. In educational set-ups, various strategies of targeted interventions such as well-being therapy along with cognitive behavior therapy can be implemented with the help of school psychologists to boost the educator’s levels of well-being.

Association of Alexithymia, Loneliness and Psychological Distress among University Students

Hina Imran, Saba Ehsaan , Mafia Shahzadi , Madeeha Imtiaz — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

To explore the association between Alexithymia, loneliness, and psychological distress among university students. A total of 331 participants were taken from the different universities of Lahore, Punjab. The participants' ages ranged from 17 to 25 years old. The sample consisted of male (n=50.8%) and female (n=49.8%) The sample was taken using a convenience sampling technique. The following measures were used to assess the findings: Demographic form, Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and Loneliness Scale. Findings indicate that alexithymia had a strong positive correlation with psychological suffering and loneliness and loneliness was significantly positively correlated with psychological distress. Furthermore, females exhibited higher levels of alexithymia, loneliness, and psychological suffering compared to males. It is concluded that lack of emotional insight and communication difficulties lead to challenges in forming and maintaining meaningful connections with others, resulting in feelings of loneliness.

Assessing the Impact of Urbanization on Land Use and Land Temperature in Lahore: An Empirical Analysis Using GIS Mapping

Muhammad Ahmad, Saima Sarwar — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The objective of this research is to examine the influences of changing land use and land cover on the land surface temperature (LST) of the Lahore metropolitan area. The study region is a rapidly urbanizing city in Pakistan, where land development has accelerated dramatically during the last 30 years. The satellite images acquired by LSAT-5 (TM) and LSAT-8 (OLI) are used to calculate land temperature and its various features. They are processed in the software named ERDAS imagine-14 and supervised classification is performed to calculate the area covered by major land features. The Persistence Matrix, a GIS analysis, is used to see if the Lahore urban area is developing at the expense of agricultural land over time. The results demonstrate that over the research period, urbanization accelerated in tandem with the loss of agricultural land. The ARDL model's findings suggest that Lahore's rapid urbanization has a significantly positive link with land surface temperature (LST), while cultivation area has an inverse relationship with land surface temperature (LST).

Exploring Gender Dynamics in On-Farm Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Food Security among Smallholder Farmers in South Punjab, Pakistan

Muhammad Ramzan Sheikh, Anam Fida, Sana Sultan — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study aims to explore the determinants of on-farm climate change adaptation strategies along with food security in the South Punjab Province of Pakistan. On-farm climate change adaptation strategies are the actions that farmers apply to mitigate the influence of climate change on their specific farms. The study stands out by comprehensively addressing five sub-strategies of on-farm adaptation strategies. The previous studies employed qualitative techniques or frequency analysis, but this study applied regression analysis. Notably, there is a dearth of research on the intersection of gender, climate change adaptation, and food security in South Punjab. The study collected data from 1152 small landholders in four divisions (Multan, Bahawalpur, DG Khan) of South Punjab with a sample size of 384 small landholders from each division by using the Krejcie & Morgan (1970) sample size determination formula. The study employed a binary logistic technique to estimate the results. The findings suggest that male farmers exhibit greater confidence in adopting on-farm climate change adaptation measures compared to their female counterparts. Planned adaptation strategies demonstrate a positive influence on autonomous climate change adaptation measures. Additionally, the study identifies various constraints or barriers, such as limited access to services, shortage of non-land assets, and farmers’ constrained income, as primary obstacles in the adoption of on-farm strategies. The study further reveals that food security negatively influences the adoption of on-farm strategies.