Applied Psychology Review

Perfectionistic Traits, Competitive Anxiety, and Self-Esteem among Cricket Players

Umme Kalsoom, Amina Sarwar, Maryam Bibi, Hamna Zahid — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The current study aimed to determine the relationship between perfectionistic traits, competitive anxiety, and self-esteem in cricket players. It was hypothesized that; (a) There is likely to be a significant relationship between perfectionistic traits, competitive anxiety, and self-esteem in cricket players; (b) Perfectionistic traits and competitive anxiety are likely to predict self-esteem in cricket players; and (c) There is likely to be gender differences in perfectionistic traits, competitive anxiety, and self-esteem among cricket players. The study employed correlational research design and non-probability purposive sampling for data collection from (N=100) cricket players, both males (n=50) and females (n=50). The Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, Competitive Sport Anxiety Inventory-2, and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale measures were used. Results showed a significant positive correlation between perfectionistic traits on the levels of high personal standards, and concern with precision (perfectionistic striving) and self-esteem. Whereas, self-esteem is significantly negatively correlated with concern over mistakes and doubts, and concern with parents (perfectionistic concerns). The results also showed a significant negative correlation between competitive anxiety and self-esteem. Additionally, the results also indicated that high personal standards (subscale of perfectionist traits) positively predict self-esteem, while worry concerns (subscale of competitive anxiety) negatively predict self-esteem. Furthermore, the results indicated significant gender differences between excessive concerns with parents and high personal standards. Females were higher on the level of concerns with parents and high personal standards than males. The current study would be helpful in providing the basis for further empirical research.

Psychological Experiences and Coping Behaviors of Children Living on Streets: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Kainaat Yousaf, Rafia Rafique — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The qualitative research explored the experiences of children aged 6–12 living on the street, investigated their experiences, and examined their coping behaviors. A volunteer sample of six participants was recruited using purposive sampling, including three male and three female participants who had been living on the street for more than a year. In-depth interviews were conducted with the respondents. An interpretative phenomenological approach by Smith and Osborn (2014) was used to analyze the data. The IPA resulted in four superordinate themes, twenty-three subordinate themes, and eighty-two individual themes. The superordinate themes included social and environmental experiences, psychological experiences, acting out and overt behaviors, and coping styles. The study has significant applications in the fields of social psychology and community psychology by shedding light on the experiences of children in overcoming challenges and establishing strategies that foster the enhancement of adaptive coping among children living on the streets. Moreover, it encourages the design of community-based programs to enhance the well-being of children by addressing the adversities they face.

Color Preference, Personality Traits and Psychosocial Functioning Among Students of Different Academic Disciplines

Hareem Jamil, Najma Iqbal Malik — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The present study aimed to explore the correlation between color preferences, personality traits, and psychosocial functioning among students from different educational backgrounds, while also examining gender-based and academic discipline differences. A correlational research design was employed, using purposive sampling to select 395 students from public and private institutions in Pakistan. Participants completed the Luscher Color Test, Big Five Personality Inventory-10, and the TCU Psychosocial Functioning Scales as assessment measures. Pearson correlations and regression analyses were conducted to test hypotheses regarding associations between color preferences and psychological traits. Results revealed that warm colors (e.g., red, yellow) were significantly correlated with extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness, while dull colors (e.g., black, grey) showed strong associations with neuroticism and depression. Cool colors (e.g., blue, green) were linked to openness and decision-making, and violet was associated with hostility, depression, and childhood problems. Gender comparisons indicated that men significantly preferred violet more than women, while students in Business and IT disciplines favoured yellow and violet colors. The findings support the hypotheses and highlight the psychological relevance of color preferences in educational settings. The insights gained may inform design, pedagogy, and even therapeutic practices across gender and disciplinary lines.

Premenstrual Symptoms and Sleep Quality among Pakistani Women: The Mediating Role of Interpersonal Relationships and Moderating Role of Emotional Regulation

Huma Iqbal, Hina Rana, Maryam Hussain, Rabbia Ashraf — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Research indicates that due to premenstrual symptoms, women experience disturbed interpersonal relationships, adverse emotional regulation, and markedly impaired quality of sleep. The present study aimed to determine the mediating role of interpersonal difficulties and moderating role of emotional regulation between PMS and sleep quality. Urdu translated versions of Premenstrual Syndrome Scale, Emotional Regulation Scale, Interpersonal Difficulties Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used. Sample size of 115 was selected based on G-Power Analysis. Study found interpersonal difficulties to be partially mediating (β=.02, p<.05) and emotion regulation (suppression) to be moderating (β= -.004, p<.05) between PMS and sleep quality. Furthermore, it was found that the effect of PMS on sleep quality remains significant at lower suppression levels. The study has important implication in understanding the role of psychological factors in improving sleep quality of females experiencing PMS.

Stress, Coping and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder in Young Pakistani Female Students

Sana Jaffar, Faiza Safdar, Ayesha Areej, Zainab Khalid, Tayyaba Sabir — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The present research aimed to identify the mediating relationship between stress, coping and premenstrual dysphoric symptoms experienced by university students. A correlational research design was employed in this study. Data was collected from 15 different departments of public university. The sample consisted of 300 female students (18 to 25 years, M = 21, SD=1.16) who were experiencing symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). They were selected through purposive sampling. The Student Stress Inventory, Brief COPE and PMDD symptom tracker were employed to measure the perceived stress level, coping strategy, severity of PMDD symptoms in female university students. Correlation and regression analysis were conducted. Results of the study showed a positive relationship between stress and PMDD symptoms. Avoidant coping and PMDD symptoms were found to have a strong relationship. Coping partially mediates the relationship between stress and PMDD symptoms, highlighting its role in reducing symptom severity under high stress levels. Findings suggest that interventions targeting stress management and adaptive coping strategies may help alleviate PMDD symptoms and inform future research on tailored therapeutic approaches.