Journal of Social Sciences Research & Policy (JSSRP)

Love as a Chemical Reaction: Unveiling the Molecular Bonds and Transformative Power in The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak

2024-12-29T12:52:27+00:00

This research looks at the concept of love in Elif Shafak’s The Forty Rules of Love through the lens of chemistry, making analogies between chemical interactions and emotional and spiritual connections among characters. By viewing love as a “chemical reaction,” the study investigates how attraction, transformation, and personal growth in the novel parallel chemical processes such molecular bonding, reactions, and catalysis. It posits that the story’s relationships can be seen as both emotional and molecular events, with attraction serving as a catalyst, character bonds representing chemical interactions, and personal transformation reflecting chemical reactions. This interdisciplinary approach provides a deeper insight into the novel’s exploration of love and self-realization, while also offering a novel perspective on the integration of scientific concepts with literary analysis. By using chemical theories to interpret the narrative, the study presents a unique understanding of the transformative power of love, mirroring the fundamental processes that govern both human experience and the physical world.

Youth Attitude towards Volunteerism and its Association with their Civic Engagement

2025-01-15T07:05:05+00:00

Volunteerism is the corner stone of civic engagement, however, little has known about the attitude of youth towards volunteerism and its impact on their civic engagement. This study is conducted with the aim to ascertain the association between youth attitude towards volunteerism and their level of civic engagement at District Charsadda. A survey was conducted using structured questionnaire to collect data from students of Bacha Khan University Charsadda and its affiliated colleges. Data was analyzed using chi square statistics to measure the association between youth attitude towards volunteerism and their civic engagement. A highly significant association was found between various aspects of youth attitude towards volunteerism and the level of civic engagement. It is concluded that attitude towards volunteerism have a strong impact on the youth civic engagement in society. In order to develop positive attitude among youth in Pakistan, awareness raising on the spirit of volunteerism and youth involvement in volunteer activities are need to make then positively engaged in social sphere.

The Student Persona: A Neo-Jungian Analysis of Personal Growth and Emotional Wellness among University Students

2025-01-09T04:47:24+00:00

ABSTRACT

This study is conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the unconscious archetypal energies at play behind a student persona. Pearson-Marr Archetypal Indicator was used to assess archetypes in relation to student persona and level of personal growth in university students. Subjective-psychological Well-being Scale was supplemented to gauge the level of life satisfaction and emotional wellness. Result indicated that most students were found to be at individuated level, prioritizing personal growth during their education journey. The results support the research assumptions that integration of archetypal energies is positively associated with personal growth, life satisfaction and emotional wellness where education mediates this relationship and enhances personal growth and emotional wellness. There were indications in the students’ archetypal profile that they were innately Warriors, Rulers, and Caregivers which fuel their sprit to navigate effectively in the competitive educational environments. The results do affirm the gender wise differences regarding archetypal identification of university students. University students demonstrated well-integrated archetypes, contributing to subject-psychological wellbeing and making the education a transformative experience. It is concluded that archetypes play significant role in personal and academic journey. Future research can focus on the influence of archetypes on career choices and professional growth.

The Mediating Role of Negative Core Beliefs in Parental Acceptance Rejection and Cognitive Distortion Among Young Adults

2025-01-01T16:55:31+00:00

Theoretically parental acceptance rejection explains directly link with negative core beliefs and cognitive distortion but yet this association need further empirical. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mediating effects of negative core beliefs in formation of various cognitive distortion among Pakistani normative sample of young adult between age range of 18 to 25 years. A cross-sectional correlation research design was used, and 325 participants were included by using convenient sampling technique. The following standardized measures were used to collect data (a) the Parental Acceptance-Rejection Scale, (b) Negative Core Belief Inventory, and (c) Cognitive Distortion Scale. The results showed a significant positive association between parental acceptance-rejection, negative core beliefs, and cognitive distortion, where negative core beliefs, particularly related to "mind reading and should stataments”, predicted by parental acceptance-rejection. The overall negative core belief played a significant partial mediating role in the relationship between parental acceptance-rejection and specific cognitive distortions. However, mother's acceptance and rejection were found to be a significant factor associated with negative core beliefs and cognitive distortion, whereas, father's acceptance and rejection did not have a significant impact on cognitive distortion. The study concluded that negative core beliefs about the self were a more pivotal mediator in the relationship between parental acceptance-rejection and cognitive distortion. While, mother’s rejection played a vital role in the formation of negative core beliefs and cognitive distortions.

ASSESSING THE SOCIOECONOMIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF STREET CRIME ON COMMUNITY PEACE AND VICTIM RESILIENCE

2025-01-14T16:08:14+00:00

Street crime poses a significant threat to community peace and individual resilience, disrupting the socioeconomic and psychological well-being of societies. This study investigates the prevalence and multifaceted consequences of street crime, employing a mixed-methods approach to provide comprehensive insights. Key findings indicate that street crime imposes substantial socioeconomic burdens, including financial losses and increased security expenditures, disproportionately affecting low-income households. The psychological toll is equally profound, with victims experiencing fear, anxiety, and trauma that often lead to long-term emotional distress. The research further reveals a strong correlation between the intensity of street crime and the erosion of community cohesion, as fear of victimization weakens social bonds and trust among residents. Despite these challenges, the study identifies strategies to enhance victim resilience and restore community peace. These include strengthening law enforcement-community collaboration, fostering social support networks, and implementing community-based crime prevention programs. The findings underscore the need for holistic policy interventions that address both the root causes of street crime and its widespread impacts. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders striving to mitigate the pervasive effects of street crime and promote safer, more resilient urban environments.

From Postcolonialism to Post-9/11: Examining the Socio-psychological Corollaries on Youth in The Domestic Crusaders by Wajahat Ali

2025-01-14T16:06:27+00:00

This paper considers the pivotal nexus of postcolonialism with post 9/11, and the latter's impact on the young characters in Wajahat Ali’s The Domestic Crusaders. This article asserts that new realities ushered by the post 9/11, the war on terror, and the neo-imperialistic policies of the US mark the beginning of a new era that can be equated to the postcolonial era, stemming from the events which emerged after the fall of the Twin Towers. Socio-psychological difficulties are experienced by the young Muslim expatriates in the US since they faced identity crises, otherness and resistance. US policy towards the Muslims focused on religion and ethnicity, together with the post-911 resurgent nationalism in the sense of identity crises in the American context, replicates the binary conflicts that existed in the colonial world; Self/Other, West/East, Master/Slave, and White/Brown. A qualitative method of data collection has been used in this research. For the conceptual framework, the research examines the social and psychological dimensions of postcolonial literary theory in light of the concepts of Homi. K. Bhabha, and other eminent theorists. In the field of social psychology, the study utilizes Erik Erikson's concepts outlined in the book Identity: Youth and Crisis and the parameters developed by Robert T. Carter concerning PTSIM: a hypothetical psychological theory. This paper’s specific focus on the representation of the socio-psychological impact of post-9/11 on young characters and their consequent reactions adds more to the dynamics of contemporary literature.

Satire: A Double-Edged Sword in English Literature

2025-01-26T06:17:50+00:00

This research paper delves into the role of satire, in English literature by exploring how it serves as a tool for both entertainment and criticism simultaneously with its edged nature being a defining characteristic that can either combat malevolence or be misused for motives like any other weapon would be used for good or evil purposes depending on the wielders intentions and actions. Taking a look at writings by figures, like Swift and Orwell allows us to delve deeper into how satire pushes boundaries of societal norms and encourages introspection on important issues. Using satire is quite complex and controversial as writers have to be careful not to offend while still making observations; this article sheds light on the impact of satire, on public conversations and societal progress in English literature; the essence of satire is its dual purpose of entertaining and enlightening by highlighting societal flaws through exaggeration and parody to provoke critical thinking, about established conventions. This study delves into the role of satire, as a two tool in the realm of English literature by investigating renowned works, like Swifts “ A Modest Proposal “ and Orwells “ Animal Farm.” The examination focuses on how satire’s used to challenge established conventions and encourage reflection. This article explores the role of satire in English literature, its connection to humor and ethical considerations, and its relevance in entertaining and challenging readers, informing public conversation, leading to change, and warning of misapplication.

Understanding the Impact of Brain Drain with Challenges, Strategies, and Implications at Higher Level in Pakistani Context: A Social Work Perspective

2025-01-26T07:07:09+00:00

The phenomenon of brain drain, marked by the migration of skilled professionals from developing countries to more developed regions, poses significant challenges for the socio-economic development of Pakistan. This study explores the impact of brain drain within the Pakistani context, focusing on the challenges faced by the higher education and healthcare sectors, as well as the strategies employed to mitigate this loss. From a social work perspective, the research delves into the socio-cultural implications of this migration, addressing the underlying causes and potential solutions to curb the trend. The review of research studies will be based on an inductive methodology, focusing on various factors fueling the migration of skilled professionals from Pakistan and their temporary settlements abroad. The targeted population will include groups studied in previous research, such as physicians, teachers, technicians, engineers, and Ph.D. scholars. Inclusion and exclusion criteria for the selection of studies will be established. Both quantitative and qualitative data analysis will be included in this review paper. The research and conclusions demonstrate that talented individuals are advantageous to the nation because they have the capacity to improve it. On the other hand, their migration puts their native country's development in jeopardy.

The Push and Pull Factors of Placing Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Orphanages in Pakistan

2025-01-05T17:08:28+00:00

Worldwide, 2.9 million of children have been placed in residential care either by their parents or guardians and relatives. However, placing the orphans and vulnerable children in residential care facilities is increasing overwhelmingly. For Pakistan, the situation is not bizarre as we too have placed 0.5 million out of 4.2 million orphans in residential care facilities. The aim of this study is to explore the push and pull factors that have compelled parents and guardians of orphans and vulnerable children to place them in residential care facilities. The study is based on document analysis i.e. research papers, books, and research theses. The data reveals that the death of parents, erosion of the joint and extended family system, natural and made-made disasters, stigmatization of illegitimate and disabled children, poverty and unemployment of the biological parents, efficacy of the residential care, and the presence of qualified and well- trained residential care providers have compelled hundreds of thousands parents and guardians to place orphans and vulnerable children in residential care facilities in Pakistan. This study suggests that the government of Pakistan should take serious measures to provide the OVC with basic necessities of life in form of home care model as alongside the negative consequences the residential care model is six time more expensive than the ordinary family based care model.

Social and Cultural Practices Regarding Sequence of Adolescence Female Pregnancy at Schools and Collages: A Qualitative Ethnographic Case Studies

2025-02-01T15:55:54+00:00

The focus of the study is on adolescent pregnant females and customary practices related to early marriages when they are studying at schools and colleges. Children are capital and investment of society, and adolescent pregnancy is against the spirit of ethnography. Early marriages and anti-child marriages are rising phenomena in the entire world. In this modern era, women’s empowerment is a globalized subject. It’s become a hot issue because adolescent girls have a baby at the same time, and they have to go to school to get an education. Pakistani culture and norms impede women’s basic rights, and women’s seclusion (in the shape of Pardah) exists because the roots of hierarchy, feudal, and patriarchal systems are still strong. Various traditions jeopardize Pakistani culture in the contour of (Vani, lanai, Swara, and Sang Chati), etc. A qualitative research study was conducted, and 12 cases from Punjab, Pakistan, were analyzed using a purposive sampling technique. The result and findings revealed that customary practices are imposed on female adolescents and make them extensive adolescent mothers in Pakistani society. On behalf of common customary practices, adolescent mothers have to face domestic violence like children, abuse, financial, economic, and psychological misuse, and sometimes resolving feuds and conflicts. Adolsent girls suffer from different kinds of tribulations regarding their education and career. For example, their classmates and teachers consider such girls injudicious and stereotyped. The present analysis concluded that adolescent mothers knobbed gears during their education and also did every chore of the household. The phenomenon of adolescent girls and pregnancy is crucial, and the worst consequence of pubescent mothers is hurting the global movement for women’s empowerment.

Impact of Inadequate Instructional Methods on English Speaking Skills of Students At Higher secondary Level

2025-02-02T08:25:42+00:00

The current study focuses on the impact of teachers' inadequate instructional methods practice on the English-speaking skills of students in the district of Charsadda in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The prime objective of the study was to pinpoint the impact of inadequate instructional methods at the higher secondary level and how they negatively affect the students' English-speaking skills. the study is quantitative in nature where the data was collected from the 225 respondents. The sample size for the data collection was taken through the Sekran sample size determination table, while looking at the time and resources the researcher selected the number of schools randomly. The collected data were then analyzed through a statistical package for social sciences software and were presented in the form of frequencies and percentages. The researcher applied the chi-square test for the association between dependent and independent variables. Results of the analyzed data showed that inadequate instructional methods were not participatory, had no forum for discussion in English and with peers in English, and there is no room for improvement in identifying students' mistakes. Due to such inadequate instructional methods, the students were not able to speak in English and improved their speaking skills at the higher secondary level. The study recommended that an online learning management system should be introduced at the higher secondary level and up-and-coming teaching methods should be made mandatory for the new teachers. Similarly, refresher training, new and innovative instructional techniques and professional training should be mandatory for all English teachers at higher secondary level.

Exploring the Factors Affecting Police Service Delivery in District Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: An Analysis of Public Perspective

2025-02-01T16:52:55+00:00

Police, as one of the law enforcement agencies, ensure peace and security in different parts of the country, including district Swat. However, their effective service delivery and significance were affected during the wave of militancy and Talibanization in district Swat, which led to chaos and insecurity in the area. This daunting situation of insecurity resulted in public despair and distrust, even in the presence of the Police. Meanwhile, many of the local inhabitants raised questions about police services. This less effective role of the Police and the resultant insecurity became the subject of the researchers' discussion. In this study, an attempt has been made to unveil the public perspective on police failure in their services. It also seeks and addresses policy changes to improve policing and mitigate these issues to ensure effective police services in the region. This study was conducted in the Swat district. The study employed qualitative methodologies like interviews and observations to capture a rich, in-depth community perspective. Research participants were chosen based on their experiences and familiarity with the police department. The collected data have been analyzed in the form of various themes. The findings show that many factors have affected the service delivery of Police. However, the significant factors among them are insufficient resources, the indulgence of Police in corruption, trust deficit and lack of cooperation, and slow police response to the crime scenes. However, sufficient resources, trust building, public cooperation and coordination, and rigorous and quick response to crime and criminality are some measures that can make Police more effective in their service delivery.

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) Among Adolescents: Life Skill Training as a Pathway to Resilience and Emotional Regulation

2025-02-02T07:12:07+00:00

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a widespread public health concern among adolescents, often linked to emotional dysregulation and ineffective coping strategies. This quasi-experimental study evaluated the impact of a culturally relevant life skills training program on emotional regulation and resilience in adolescents aged 16 to 19 diagnosed with NSSI behaviors. A total of 40 participants Each of 20 groups contains 10 boys and 10 Girls in the control and experimental groups. They were recruited from Sarhad Hospital for Psychiatric Diseases (SHPD) and the Center for Psychotherapy and Psychiatry in Peshawar, and were randomly assigned to an experimental (life skills training) or control group. Pre- and post-assessments were conducted using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and the Functional Assessment of Self-Mutilation (FASM). While there was a weak non-significant correlation between pre- and post-intervention DERS-NSSI scores (r = .249, p = .291), post-intervention scores showed significant improvement (M = -18.70, p = .011), with a medium effect size (Cohen’s d = -0.627, Hedges' g = -0.615). The intervention significantly enhanced emotional regulation and resilience, with NSSI-specific outcomes also showing substantial improvement. These findings underscore the transformative potential of life skills training in reducing emotional dysregulation, enhancing resilience, and addressing NSSI behaviors in adolescents. The study's findings offer insights into culturally tailored interventions and provide evidence for integrating life skills programs to address adolescent mental health challenges.

Utilizing Artificial Intelligence to Improve Teachers’ Knowledge and Instructional Strategies in Special Education Setting

2025-02-05T05:07:15+00:00

Teachers in special education settings are utilizing artificial intelligence, a technology that mimics the human brain, to enhance their knowledge and instructional strategies. To achieve the objectives of the study, we used a quantitative research design, and the sample included 300 special education teachers selected by a simple random sampling technique. The researchers themselves developed a questionnaire for the assessment process, vetted it through expert review and factor analysis, and demonstrated its high reliability with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.85. The study's progress, which was based on SPSS, indicates that AI integration is this initiative's 1st most important aspect. This tool has enabled their personalized learning and improved their performance in normal schools with other students. The work's findings suggest a potential solution. The study's results indicate that such tools could prove beneficial for individuals residing in remote, resource-constrained rural areas, potentially bridging the gap between urban and rural areas. We must concentrate on this area and enlighten more educators about the advantages of professional development and AI intervention, both of which can adapt to a diverse learning environment. These ideas highlight the full potential of AI in special education, not only as a more accommodating and successful tool in the classroom but also as a foundation for future research on its long-term impacts.

Unveiling the Effects of Workplace Harassment on Women Workers in the Higher Education Institutions, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

2025-01-21T11:22:39+00:00

Harassment is a pervasive problem that occurs in various workplaces, such as in the health sector, organizations, and educational institutions. The issue of harassment impacts female workers, with the nature and intensity of these effects varying. Harassment affects women personally, socially, and psychologically and has an effect on women's occupations and occupational performance. This study aimed to understand the personal and psychological effects of workplace harassment on working women and aims to assess the effect of harassment on women's occupational performance. The study employs a quantitative research method and a phenomenological research design. Data was collected through a proportionate sampling technique from female faculty members while employing an interview guide that consisted of open-ended questions. Data was collected in various universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which include Hazara University, the University of Peshawar, and Agriculture University Peshawar. Data was collected from 15 respondents while the researcher reached saturation point at the 12th interview. The collected data was analyzed thematically as suggested by Braun and Clarke (2006). Three major themes were extracted: personal effects, psychological effects, and effects on occupational performance due to workplace harassment. The results show that workplace harassment (WPH) affects women personally, psychologically, and professionally. It causes them to face verbal insults, shouting, and comments from male colleagues, which lowers their confidence and instills feelings of insecurity. Additionally, the fear of going alone to the office contributes to anxiety, depression, and mental stress among female workers. Furthermore, workplace harassment (WPH) negatively impacts the occupational performance of female workers, hindering their ability to focus on their classes, conduct research, and write articles. This pressure can lead to resignation or force them to change jobs due to the hostile environment.

Evaluating Agricultural Policies Introduced in the 1950s and their Impacts on Pakistan’s Economy

2025-02-04T16:17:15+00:00

In the year 1947 Pakistan was, in reality, an agrarian country. The share of the agriculture sector in the national GDP was explicitly greater than that of other sectors such as the manufacturing sector and services sector. In the early years, the reason for greater agriculture share in the national GDP was due to underdeveloped industrial infrastructure and lack of labour force in the services sector. To sum it up, the lack of industrial infrastructure, few areas of services and lack of technical education paved the way for the agriculture sector to grow and develop. These were certain structural factors responsible for the decent growth rate in the agriculture sector. The process of the Green Revolution has been discussed in great length. The economic and political cost in the shape of the debacle of East Pakistan and such other implications of the agricultural policies was the main rationale of this paper.

The Impact of Video Game Usage on Academic Achievements among Secondary School Students in District Dir Lower

2025-02-13T12:26:53+00:00

As the world increasingly becomes interconnected, often referred to as a 'global village,' this concept was first introduced by Canadian scholar Marshall McLuhan in 1960. The rapid advancement of technology has brought about numerous changes, some of which have simplified life, while others have introduced new complexities. One such development is the emergence and widespread popularity of video games. This study examines the impact of video game usage on academic achievements among secondary school students in District Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A correlational survey design was employed to conduct this study. A close-ended instrument comprising 15 items was used to collect data through a five-point Likert Scale Questionnaire. Data were collected from 278 students across 07 secondary schools using a simple random sampling technique. The analysis, including Pearson's correlation, revealed a strong positive relationship between the effects of video games and students’ academic achievements. In reflection of the findings, it is suggested that the given model should be applied in other tiers of education to bring new outcomes.

An Analysis of the Payout Decisions around CEO Retirements

2025-02-18T07:33:38+00:00

This study aims to analyse the dividend payouts of close-to-retirement CEOs. Our motivation comes from the fact that as the CEO gets closer to retirement his pension entitlements increase substantially making his equity-based incentives to turn systematically towards debt. This makes the CEO implement financial policies that are less risky and would conserve cash in the firm. We are particularly interested in analyzing this behaviour in the firm’s dividend payouts. Using panel data of UK non-financial firms from the FTSE-250 from 2013 to 2017, we specifically test whether a close-to-retirement CEO impacts the decision and level of dividend payouts. We classify a CEO as close to retirement if he is 55 or above. Panel logistic regressions and Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) techniques to address heteroskedasticity and auto-correlation, are used to test the relationships. Our findings suggest that a close-to-retirement CEO would favour a payout decision and would also increase the level of dividend payments, particularly in the presence of growth opportunities to safeguard the free cash flows from being invested in risky investments that would otherwise affect the continuity of his pension entitlements after retirement.