Clinical and Counselling Psychology Review

Attachment Dimensions as Moderators of the Relationship Between Partner Phubbing and Marital Satisfaction in Generation Z

Bibi Kainat Khilji — 2025-12-31

The current study explored the relationships between partner phubbing, attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and marital satisfaction in the context of Generation Z married Pakistani adults through cross-sectional correlational design. A total of 300 married individuals (18-28 years) were chosen using purposive sampling strategy. The Partner Phubbing Scale, Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised questionnaire, and Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale were used to collect data. To analyze the data, hierarchical regression analysis, moderated mediation (PROCESS Model 5), and independent sample t-tests were used. The results indicated that marital satisfaction was negatively related to partner phubbing. The relationship between phubbing of the partner and marital satisfaction was partially mediated by attachment anxiety with attachment avoidance intensifying the relationship and was a form of moderated mediation. Conditional indirect effects also indicated that the anxiety-mediated effect was greater in increased levels of avoidance. Attachment dimensions described a substantial amount of variance in marital satisfaction, but no significant gender difference was reported in partner phubbing, attachment patterns, and marital satisfaction. The results of these studies show the harmful impact of technology-related distraction and insecure attachment tendencies on the status of marital well-being among digitally connected youthful couples and indicate the necessity of awareness and preventive counseling measures.

Family Communication Patterns, Alexithymia, and Functions of Non-suicidal Self-injury among a Clinical Sample of Young Female Adults

Iqra Arif — 2025-12-31

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) refers to the conscious or intentional attempt to harm oneself without the aim of suicide (Klonsky, 2011). This study aims to identify family communication patterns and alexithymia as the correlates and predictors of two functions of NSSI (interpersonal & intrapersonal) among a sample of 82 (M_{age =}21.76; SD =2.34) young adult females with mental health disorders and a history of NSSI. This study used a correlational research design, and through a purposive sampling strategy, the data were collected from a government hospital in Lahore. The study used the Revised Family Communication Patterns Scale (Koerner & Fitzpatrick, 2002), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (Bagby et al., 2009), and Inventory of Statements about Self-Injury (Klonsky & Glenn, 2009). The findings revealed a strong positive and significant relationship of conformity orientation (a subscale of family communication patterns), difficulty in identifying feelings, and difficulty in describing feelings (two facets of alexithymia) with intrapersonal function of NSSI. The intrapersonal function of NSSI was also significantly and positively predicted by difficulties in describing feelings of Alexithymia. The findings of the study contribute to the indigenous literature and help mental health professionals design interventions in treating NSSI targeting emotional regulation and parent-child communication.

Gratitude and Mental Well-being in Individuals with Physical Disabilities: The Mediating Role of Coping Competence

Shamsa Siddiq — 2025-12-31

The current study examined the mediating role of coping competence in the relationship between gratitude and mental well-being in individuals with physical disabilities. The study used a correlational research design and enrolled a purposive sample of 390 individuals with physical disabilities. The sample was taken from three centers in Abbottabad city, Pakistan and its age ranged between 18 to 37 years (M = 27.07, SD = 5.51). The Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF), the Gratitude Questionnaire, and the Coping Competence Questionnaire (CCQ) were used for assessment. Results indicated a significant positive relationship between gratitude, mental well-being, and coping competence among individuals with physical disabilities. Additionally, coping competence was found to significantly mediate in the relationship between gratitude and mental well-being. The analysis also revealed that females exhibited higher levels of coping competence and mental well-being. Furthermore, age and family monthly income were found to significantly influence the mental well-being of individuals with physical disabilities. This study is important because its findings may encourage mental and, and medical health professionals to develop gratitude-based training programs for individuals with physical disabilities.

The Callous-unemotional Traits and Cyberbullying among Adolescents: Role of Perceived Anonymity

Hamail Tahir — 2025-12-31

This research was intended to investigate the relationship between callous-unemotional (CU) traits (callousness, unemotional, and uncaring) and cyberbullying among adolescents. Moreover, the study also examined how the perceived anonymity affects this relationship through a cross-sectional research design. The study enrolled N = 400 students, using convenience sampling strategy, between the age of 10 to 19 years. The sample included n = 207 (males) and n = 193 females. To collect the data participants, were approached in academic settings at schools and colleges. Participation was voluntary. The findings revealed that CU traits were significantly and positively associated with cyberbullying among adolescents and perceived anonymity moderated the relationship. Results showed that males were more indulged in CU traits and cyberbullying than females. The findings also revealed characteristics associated with CU traits and how these characteristics increase adolescent’s risk of cyberbullying. The purpose of the study was to understand the psychological and behavioral mechanisms that contribute to harmful online behaviors and to guide prevention and intervention efforts. The study proposed recommendations to conduct intervention programs in order to change adolescents’ beliefs about their actions in cyberspace.

Efficacy of Positive Psychotherapy (PPT) in Reducing the Symptoms of Depression and Improving Satisfaction with Life among University Students

Amina Shahzadi — 2025-12-31

Positive psychotherapy (PPT) is considered one of the optimal therapeutic strategies in management of depression for its role in contributing to positive emotions, engagement in life, improving interpersonal relationships, and meaning in life. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PPT in reducing the symptoms of depression among university students. In addition, it also examined the role of PPT in enhancing life satisfaction among the students. For this, a sample of N = 22 undergraduate students was recruited who appeared in the entrance exam (MDCAT) for admission in medical colleges, however couldn’t get admission in medical college. All these students were assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale and met the criteria depression during their initial assessment. They were divided in two groups i.e., control (no-treatment) and experimental group. The experimental group received six group-sessions of PPT planned considering Seligman et al. (2006)’s work. At post-intervention level, the assessment was replicated for both groups in order to examine the group differences. The findings revealed that PPT remained effective in reducing depressive symptomatology and improving life satisfaction among university students in five major domains including satisfaction with self, family, educational institution, friends, and living environment. The study was concluded to be a significant contribution in the literature, encouraging the use of PPT in clinical settings. The study findings highlight the efficacy of brief third wave therapeutic interventions in promoting mental health and well-being over traditional therapies.