Foundation University Journal of Psychology

Translation and Validation of Drug-related Locus of Control in Urdu for Substance Use Disorder

Muqaddas Asif — 2025-07-29

Introduction

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) poses significant public health challenges globally. Understanding factors influencing SUD development, such as Locus of Control (LoC), is crucial for effective intervention strategies. The Drug-related Locus of Control (D-LOC) Scale measures beliefs regarding control over drug-related behaviors but lacks validation in Urdu-speaking populations.

Methods

This cross-sectional study translated and validated the D-LOC Scale into Urdu for individuals with SUD. The translation was completed through a rigorous process using MAPI guidelines. The translated version was initially pilot-tested with five participants and refined as necessary. Data was collected from 200 Urdu-speaking adults aged 18 and above with SUD diagnoses, using nonprobability purposive sampling.

Results

CFA results indicated the Urdu version of the D-LOC Scale (15 items) had acceptable fit indices p < 0.01 and good internal consistency (? = 0.878). The results also supported the reliability and convergent validity of the translated scale.

Conclusion

The study underscored the scale’s linguistic precision and cultural relevance for assessing D-LOC in individuals with SUD, enhancing accessibility and applicability in clinical and research settings. The rigorous translation process ensured linguistic accuracy and cultural sensitivity, bridging gaps in psychometric tools for SUD research. Findings support the scale’s reliability and validity in Urdu, facilitating comprehensive assessments of the target population.

Demographic Comparisons for Family Functioning, Distress Tolerance and Resilience in Adolescents

Mariam Jabeen — 2025-07-29

Background: Family functioning is related to the tolerance level of the individual and resilience from the growth of mental health and well-being. This research was carried out to explore the demographic difference between family functioning, distress tolerance, and resilience in adolescents.

Method: Cross-Sectional research design was used. A sample of N=663 students from different educational backgrounds was selected using convenience sampling. A Family Assessment Device (FAD), Distress Tolerance Scale, and Resilience Scale were used and data was collected both online and manually.

Results: The findings of the research indicated significant gender differences in family functioning, distress tolerance, and resilience of adolescents. A significant difference was found in the resilience of the firstborn and lastborn. Findings underscore differences across birth order, educational level, family income, and family relationships in family functioning distress tolerance, and resilience, moreover, a significant difference was found in the dimension of family functioning, distress tolerance, and resilience in adolescents.

Conclusion: This Study concluded that family income or socioeconomic status also has a great impact on the family functioning in affective control, behavior response, problem-solving, family roles, and affective response. Distress tolerance with its dimensions that include tolerance, regulation, and absorption is also influenced by the socioeconomic status or family income background. Resilience in the form of emotional regulation was found to be different in adolescents based on the family income low to high.

Predictors of Difficulties in Treatment Adherence in Patients with Mental Health Disorders: Role of Personality and Paranormal Beliefs

Shamaila Shamshad — 2025-07-29

Objectives. The decision to use mental health services can be influenced by personality characteristics and casual beliefs that people with different mental health disorders hold about the reasons for their condition. Therefore, the present study aimed to find out the association and predictors of personality traits, paranormal beliefs, and difficulties in treatment adherence in patients with mental health disorders.

Method. The study used a correlational research design. Purposive sampling was used to collect data from 210 patients (Male= 107, Female = 103) from different hospitals in Lahore.

Results. Results showed that neuroticism had a positive association while openness had a negative association with paranormal beliefs and difficulties in treatment adherence. Hierarchical regression showed that age, gender, residential area, neuroticism, and paranormal beliefs are significant positive predictors of difficulties in treatment adherence. Females exhibited more neuroticism, had high paranormal beliefs, and were more vulnerable to having difficulties in treatment adherence as compared to male participants of the research. In terms of mean difference, unemployed patients scored high on difficulties in treatment adherence as compared to patients with occupation. The ANOVA indicated that there was a significant difference in types of disorders in terms of neuroticism and difficulties in treatment adherence.

Conclusion & Implication. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to adopt a more patient-centered approach to treatment planning. Mental health practitioners, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, should assess adherence barriers on an individual basis and implement strategies to enhance compliance.

Experiences of Pakistani Women Visiting Bari Imam Shrine

Mishal Fatima — 2025-07-29

Background. Shrines are very important in Pakistan because they provide sacred space for worshipping and communal congregations, especially for women who participate in practices based on religion, culture, and social norms. The research will focus on understanding the belief systems and practices governing experiences related to visiting shrines that embody a true reflection of cultural significance for such sites.

Method. Using a qualitative approach, interviews with 16 women aged 25 to 35 who frequently visit the Imam Bari shrine were conducted in Islamabad, Pakistan. Interviews in Urdu were executed through Braun and Clarke's thematic method of analysis in 2012. Transcripts and field notes detailed numerous types of experiences and varying perspectives associated with shrine visitation.

Results. Participants described deep connection with the divine through rituals and prayers to receive blessings, guidance, and healing at the shrine. Many reported that they experienced peace and tranquility and solace in the shrine's spiritual atmosphere.

Conclusion. The study emphasized empowerment and resilience in women since the shrine community accepts, unites, and offers them the opportunity for mutual support and emotional expression. Moreover, it had a strong link with the cultural traditions and ancestral customs as well as familial obligation. Awareness of these beliefs and practices would provide an understanding to the cultural legacy and social significance of shrine visitation among women in Pakistani society.

Impact of Machiavellianism and Problematic Internet Use in Cyberbullying Perpetration: Role of Demographic Variables

Maryam Javed — 2025-07-29

The present study aimed to examine the impact of Machiavellianism and problematic internet use on cyberbullying perpetration. Moreover, the study also illuminates the role of various demographics of family system, gender, and education of parents. Drawing upon the purposive sample of 433 university students aged 18 to 25 years (M = 21.17, SD = 1.89), measures of Machiavellianism Subscale of the Short Dark Triad (Jones & Paulhus, 2014), the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (Thatcher & Goolman, 2005), and the Cyberbullying Perpetration Scale (Lee et al., 2017) were used to assess study variables. The findings reveal that Machiavellianism and problematic internet use positively predicted cyberbullying perpetration. The study also found the significant moderating role of the family system in the intricate relationship between Machiavellianism and cyberbullying perpetration. Significant group differences were also found in the gender and parental education of university students. Boys had higher inclinations toward Machiavellianism, problematic internet use, and cyberbullying perpetration. Lower parental education was also linked to cyberbullying, suggesting that parental knowledge and life events influence online behavior. This research contributes to the understanding of the relationships between personality traits, internet use, and cyberbullying perpetration among university students. The findings underscore the importance of considering family dynamics and socio-demographic factors in comprehending the complexities of online behavior.