Applied Psychology Review

Moderating Role of ChatGPT Usage between Self-Efficacy and Student Engagement Among Students in Pakistan: Toward Academic Technoutopia

Syed Mujtaba, Mahnoor Ali — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the interaction effect of ChatGPT usage and self-efficacy on student engagement to provide corroborative evidence for AI-integration into curricula. Data were collected from 163 female and 134 male undergraduate students using the General Self-Efficacy Scale and Higher Education Student Engagement Scale. Results from Student’s t-test showed higher self-efficacy and online engagement among frequent users of ChatGPT, whereas higher levels of peer engagement and beyond-class engagement was observed among infrequent users of ChatGPT. Self-efficacy had a significant positive correlation with all student engagement subscales except beyond-class engagement, while controlling for ChatGPT usage. Results of the moderation analysis showed that higher self-efficacy was significantly associated with higher engagement levels for frequent users of ChatGPT. The study's findings emphasize the importance of implementing effective engagement strategies for students with low self-efficacy, while deepening the understanding of AI tools’ integration into curricula. This progression marks a significant step toward transitioning academia into an academic technoutopia.

Workplace Bullying as a Predictor of Organizational Commitment: Unveiling the Mediating Role of Mobbing

Hamna, Fahria Masood — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The current research aimed to study the relationship between workplace bullying, mobbing and organizational commitment in employees. The study used quantitative correlational research design to examine the relationship between mobbing, workplace bullying, and organizational commitment. Non-probability purposive sampling strategy was used to recruit the sample of N = 150 from national and multinational company employees of Lahore. Workplace Bullying Scale EAPA-T, Luxembourg Workplace Mobbing Scale and TCM Employee Commitment Survey were used for data collection purpose. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis was run to investigate the relationship among workplace bullying, mobbing and organizational commitment. Test of mean differences was used to identify the effect of multiple groups of a demographic variable on the dependent variable. Multiple Hierarchical Regression Analysis was used to find out the mediating role of mobbing in relationship between workplace bullying and organizational commitment. Results indicated that there was a negative correlation of workplace bullying and mobbing with organizational commitment. Workplace bullying negatively predicted organizational commitment. There was a partial mediation of mobbing between workplace bullying and organizational commitment. There were no gender differences in these three variables. This study provides an insight that organizational commitment can be increased by handling workplace bullying and mobbing.

Comorbidities of Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD): A Systematic Review

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) is characterized by imaginary and striking thoughts which obstruct everyday functioning. It is associated with multiple mental health conditions. The objective of the current study is to provide a systematic review of the relationship between maladaptive daydreaming and other mental health disorders. Three databases (Science Direct, PubMed, PsycINFO) were undertaken to identify studies measuring comorbidities of maladaptive daydreaming. Ten studies were identified for inclusion. Cross sectional studies were included which justified the sample. This systematic review highlights the prevalence of comorbid mental health conditions among individuals with maladaptive daydreaming (anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder). This review was pre-registered on PROSPERO as (CRD42024548037).

Mood and Anxiety Symptoms, Psychological Distress, and Life Satisfaction: Differential Associations between Patients with Anxiety and Depression

Shameem Fatima, Ain Ul Raazia — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Guided by tripartite model of Clark and Watson, the study is planned to examine the differential association of anxiety symptoms with life satisfaction, and psychological distress in patients with anxiety and depression. Using correlational research design, an equally distributed sample of (N = 232) diagnosed patients of Anxiety and Depression, between the age range of 21 to 61 were selected using purposive sampling technique. Anxiety symptoms, life satisfaction, and psychological distress scales were used as assessment measures. Descriptive analysis and group differences revealed significant variations, showing high score in anxiety patients, i.e., on anxious arousal, anxious symptoms, and psychological distress. The patients with depression scored higher on depressive symptoms, anhedonic depression and lower levels on life satisfaction. Furthermore, both anxiety symptom subscales were positive predictors of psychological distress only for patients with anxiety. However, two subscales of depressive symptoms were significant negative predictors of life satisfaction for patients with depression only. The results support the tripartite model of mood anxiety symptoms. The results have clinical and research implications providing valuable insights for interventions with anxiety and depression patients to reduce psychological distress and improve wellbeing.

Exploring the Socio-Cultural and Economic Determinants of Divorce: A Case Study of South Punjab, Pakistan

Mahnoor Akmal, Asma Bashir — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The current study explored the factors that underlie the complex phenomenon of divorce and suggested ways to strengthen marital stability in order to curb the rate of divorce. The data was collected by conducting semi-structured and in-depth interviews with 16 participants (6 males and 10 females), selected through a purposive sampling approach. The obtained data was analyzed through thematic analysis using Clarke and Braun’s approach. The results revealed that the determinants, such as in-laws’ interference, unwanted expectations, early and forced marriages, poverty and inflation, personality disorders, Western influence, and lack of verification of proposal before marriage can cause dissolution of marriage. While female respondents cited unmet needs, incompatibility, and exchange wedding, male respondents cited insecurity, misunderstandings, and social media influence. Haq Mehr didn’t work as intended, serving as a security for females after marriage. Males and females reacted emotionally differently. Women reported depression and social shame, whereas men more often reported emotional relief. Coping mechanisms employed by both males and females included praying, keeping themselves busy, taking medication, and taking their children as a source of strength to move forward. However, some men used negative coping, including smoking and substance use(marijuana). Participants advised that space should be given in marriage, external interference can be sidestepped, finances should be taken care of, and mutual respect should be maintained. This research, therefore, emphasized the need for culturally responsive interventions to maintain marital stability in Pakistan.

Unpacking the Cycle of Recidivism: A Study of Age, Crime, and Contributing Factors

Areej Akram, Saira Irfan, Ayesha Aziz — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Recidivism has been a challenge in the criminal justice systems globally, as individuals continue to reoffend even after previous interventions. The current qualitative research explores the nature of the factors that underlie recidivism, with an emphasis on demographic features, including age and type of crimes. Based on a phenomenological approach, the study involved 20 inmates (15 men and 5 women) from Central Jail Sahiwal, selected through purposive sampling. Colaizzi’s method was used to analyze the data, which identified three key themes, namely economic factors, psychological factors, and social factors. These key themes further gave way to subthemes, such as poverty, inflation, feelings of inferiority, lack of self-control, family and peer influence, revenge, and unwarranted accusations against offenders. The findings revealed that younger adults were more likely to engage in robbery and drug-related offences mainly due to economic instability, lack of personal control, and social inferiority. Contrarily, middle-aged and older offenders were involved in violent crimes influenced by social influence or revenge motives. The most frequent types of offence committed by the offenders were drug-related followed by robbery and murder. In conclusion, the current research highlights the complexity of reoffending behavior and the importance of a custom approach that would consider individual factors and holistic structural inequalities.

Personality Traits and Cyberchondria: Investigating the Mediating Role of Rumination among Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Huda Khawar, Masha Asad Khan, Maloney Karen Javed, Maheen Abid — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the relationship between personality traits and cyberchondria using rumination as a mediator in women diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It was hypothesized that there will be a significant relationship between personality traits and cyberchondria in women with PCOS. Additionally, each personality trait will likely to predict cyberchondria. Furthermore, rumination will significantly mediate the relationship between traits of personality and cyberchondria. Correlational research design was used employing non-probability purposive sampling technique, to recruit the participants and data collection. The data were collected using Big Five Inventory, Rumination Response Style Questionnaire, and Cyberchondria Severity Scale. Correlational analysis, multiple regression and mediation analysis were performed. Findings confirmed a significant correlation between extraversion and cyberchondria and rumination and cyberchondria. Results also revealed that extraversion and rumination are significant predictors of cyberchondria. In conclusion, rumination acts as a significant mediator between conscientiousness and cyberchondria, agreeableness and cyberchondria and neuroticism and cyberchondria. This study fills the research gap by spreading awareness to all those women with different personality traits who are experiencing PCOS. Individuals who know themselves better can control themselves more efficiently. This research can also provide guidance in the development of therapeutic interventions for cyberchondria, particularly for women with PCOS.