Issue No. 2. Vol 32. April - June 2013

National Institute of Psychology, Centre of Excellence, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, PakistanPhone: 2896011; Fax: 2896012; E-mail: newsletter@nip.edu.pk; Website: http\\www.nip.edu.pk

to be continued............p/2

In this IssueSpring Festival April 2013 at NIP

By: Rukhshanda Jabeen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

NIP outreach services for training and skill development of researchers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

3 Days Extensive Training Workshop on Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) at Beachonhouse National University, Lahore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

5 Days National Training Workshop on Advance Data Analysis at Islamia University Bahawalpur

By: jamil Malik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

NIP-UNDP Project Completion Report

By: Naeem Aslam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Alumni Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Featured Alumni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Exclusive Discussion on Substance abuse in Pakistan

By:Irum Naqvi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

M. Phil. Researches Completed

By: Naeem Aslam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Spring Festival April 2013 at NationalInstitute of Psychology

ational Institute of Psychology has always excelled not only in academia but also in health promoting fun activities, proving a good contribution

thto the society. NIP celebrated the event of Spring Festival 2013, on April12 organized by Dr. Muazzama Abidi. The purpose of celebration was to promote the spirit of fulfilling the national as well as religious responsibility towards plantation. The festival was about colour and fragrance of spring. As the demand for plantation is on mammoth level, we should try to meet the required green cover for better environment.

The Jashan began with the celebration of plantation day in NIP when all the students and faculty members participated in planting different trees in one day. The interest and zeal in students prolonged the plantation up to three days. More over, an area was specified for students for beautification by planting different plants and trees. Food stalls were also a captivating addition to the festival where students prepared the food stuff themselves. The most important was the competition of plantation among all the classes. Winners were decided and awarded by the Vice Chancellor of University Prof. Dr. Masoom Yasinzai. In addition the stage performances enhanced the joy and passion in students where the trained students performed the different items.

Both the buildings of institute were decorated aesthetically and beautifully by the decoration teams of students. The real effort of the students was obvious on the very day of festival. The colours of spring doubled the joy of jashan. The reception area was decently beautified to welcome the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Masoom Yasinzai. The worthy chief guest arrived in

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continued from p/1 Majid, Shumail Rizwan Khan, and Rukhshanda Jabeen. time and was welcomed by the Director of Institute The faculty staff included Ms. Nayyar Sultana, Muneer Prof. Dr. Anila Kamal along with her faculty members. Hussain, Mohammad Iqbal, Sultan Zeb, Hanif Qadri, The next step was to choose the top three most Mohsin Sajjad, Ms. Rabia Ghaus, Ms. Shaista Waqar, beautifully decorated and planted sections. The and Dr. Muazzama Abidi. Every ones efforts for the

participation and organization of event were highly appreciated. In the end of ceremony the Vice Chancellor addressed the students and faculty in which the worthy chief guest esteemed the endeavors of faculty and students. It was a great pleasure to have his respectable presence on the event which clearly encouraged the students to participate in healthy activities. He invited the services and expertise of the institute in the mega event of university. The worthy left after enjoying at the food stalls.

The students performed on the stage for the spring festival show in where they depicted their interest and artistic ideas. It included the skit play by

decision panel included the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. MasoomYasinzai, the Director Prof. Dr. Anila Kamal, the In Charge of Horticulture Department Islamabad Mr. Tahir Bashir, and the Organizer Dr. Muazzama Abidi. It was difficult for the panel to decide about winners among the seven competitors. At last after much speculation the winners were decided as MSc-II

st nd (1 prize), Msc-I and MPhil-IV (2 prize), MSc-III DP rd(3 prize). The presentation ceremony was held soon

MSc-III from DP and I/O courses. The cultural dance performances were given by MSc-II which also participated in singing beautiful songs. All the performances were much enjoyed by the audience.

The delightful addition to the festival was the food stalls arranged by MSc-III the students form I/O course. They cooked and presented Biryani, Rol Paratha, Gol Gappy,Channa Chat, Faluda, Kheer, Cup Cakes, Chocolates, Russian Salad, and Macaronis with cold drinks for the visitors. All of the students were welcomed on to the stalls to enjoy refreshment items.All in all the day ended well, students rejoicing and enjoying the colorful activity among the tiresome after the decision and representatives were awarded for routine had contributed and participated very keenly. their class efforts. Moreover, the participants of event This was a message for the other departments and and the entire faculty members directly involved were students university wide about the inculcation of the awarded with the appreciation certificates by the Vice spirit of increasing the green cover across Chancellor. The participants included Rahat un Nisa, surroundings by plantation. Jaweria Mehood, Ghazala Jawed, Alina Khan, Misbah

Zafar, Huma Ali, Anam Sharafat, Arooj Mujeeb, Saira Reported by: Rukhshanda Jabeen

NIP Out Reach Services

NIP OUTREACH SERVICES FOR TRAINING AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT OF RESEARCHERS

With its ultimate endeavor of establishing and purpose, the institute facilitates higher education promoting research standards across nation, skills institutions by sending its learned faculty to upgrade development of research scholars of higher education research skills of scholars studying in various institutes institutions is one of the core objectives of National of Pakistan. Below we are giving the reports of two Institute of Psychology (Center of Excellence). For this workshops on advance data analytic techniques.

As part of the Beaconhouse National University’s 10 workshop by sending its faculty member to upgrade year celebrations, a series of training workshops research skills of scholars and faculty members at including a IP.The three days workshop was aimed to excel the

knowledge and skills of scholars for advance data analytic techniques i.e., an extensive and in-depth practical orientation of structural equation modeling using AMOS. Starting from the basic understanding of various structural equation modeling techniques; the workshop covered more advanced SEM techniques focusing on a non-statistical illustration of basic to advance techniques. The topics covered during the three days workshops included testing of hypothesis, causation, path-analysis, mediation, moderation, latent variable analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, multi-group modeling, exploratory analysis, and latent growth curve modeling. Other than scholars of IP (BNU) approximately 20 scholars participated in the training workshop including participants from GC University, and Punjab University.

Ms Ayesha Sarfraz invited Dr. Jamil A. Malik (faculty NIP) on behalf of the Director of Institute of Psychology Prof. Dr. Ruhi Khalid to facilitate the SEM workshop as the sole resource person. Keeping with its tradition, Director National Institute of Psychology Prof. Dr. Anila Kamal supported the

three days workshop on Structural

Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis were organized by The Director Institute of Psychology (BNU) Institute of Psychology (IP), Beachonhouse National

thanked the resource person for supporting and University Lahore. The workshop organizer facilitating knowledge sharing event at Beaconhouse National University. Participants of the workshop appreciated the workshop organizer and the Institute of Psychology for their efforts in organizing events to equip the scholars with practical knowledge and skills of advance analytic techniques.

3 Days Extensive Training Workshop on Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) at Beachonhouse National

University, Lahore

5 DAYS NATIONAL TRAINING WORKSHOP ON ADVANCE DATA ANALYSIS AT ISLAMIA UNIVERSITY BAHAWALPUR

A mega event for training of researchers and scholars Department of Applied Psychology Dr. Masood was organized by the Department of Applied Nadeem invited Dr. Jamil A. Malik (faculty of NIP) Psychology, Islamia University, Bahawalpur. The one to train the participants of the workshop which week National workshop was organized in the last of included MS scholars and faculty of the department.May (i.e., 27-05-2013 to 31-05-2013). To enhance the In his address in opening ceremony of the National research skills of its scholars, the Chairperson of the training workshop, dean faculty Prof. Hashmi, express

NIP Out Reach Services

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his gratitude to Quaid-i-Azam University and entire five days event was videotaped.especially National Institute of Psychology for During the five days event, the motivation of the facilitating their efforts in promotion of research skills participants and the enthusiasm to learn more kept on in scholars of the University. The National training a rise and the training session lasted much longer than workshop was divided into two levels. Level-I they were planned. In the closing ceremony of the consisted a three days training workshop designed to National training workshop, participants expressed address various aspects of data analysis, interpretation, their interest to the authorities for continuation of and reporting results for thesis and publications. such events. In their address, Dr. Masood Nadeem Participants were trained on a conceptual non- (Organizer of National workshop and Chairman of mathematical orientation to applied statistics and its Applied Psychology), Prof. Dr. Asgar Hashmi (Dean use in applied research. Level-I training program Faculty of Education), and Prof. Dr. Sheikh Aftab included qualitative data analysis using NVIVO and (Dean Science Faculty and acting Vice-Chancellor) quantitative data analysis using SPSS. Participants thanked the resource person and showed their keen learned basic to advance features of data handling, interest future collaboration for such events. computation, manipulation and inferential statistics for hypothesis testing.

The next two days of the National training workshop were devoted to Level-II which was designed to upgrade knowledge and skills of researchers and students. Starting with the least practiced yet most useful testing for causal inferences in intervention studies i.e., multiple regression analysis, the workshop addressed advance level statistics. Mediation and Moderation concepts were discussed and various techniques of mediation and moderation analysis were demonstrated. Participants learned appropriate use of a mediator and a moderator in a theoretical framework. In the f ina l sess ion , participants were trained for use of a software i.e., Endnote to manage citations and references. The

NIP-UNDP Project Completion Report Provision of Psychosocial Counseling to

Communities Affected By Monsoon Floods in Pakistan

The project was conceived at the initiative by UNDP, in participants from Azad Kashmir (AJK), were trained. response to the devastating Monsoon Floods that hit A training module was developed and the training was Pakistan from July to September 2010. The challenge based on the baseline assessment report. was to uncover the impact of trauma over the period The trained internees provided the counseling to of one year. The main goals of this initiative were to flood affectees, capacity building of host NGOs, have an baseline assessment of the impact of the conducted workshop and group sessions, and gathered disaster, build capacity of students of at least Masters data and case studies. Besides this, they conducted in psychology to provide psycho-socio counselling to psycho education and awareness sessions with adult disaster affectees that are either in relief camps or have male groups, adult female groups, children groups, and recently returned to the villages, to create institutional with NGOs workers. Moreover, an indigenous scale awareness regarding the need of psycho-socio support for the disaster victims and curriculum for the as a regular feature of disaster response approach and universities was developed, that is incorporated in the to identify steps needs to incorporate psycho-social final report.counselling in the mainstream DRR response. Professor Dr. Anila Kamal was the Principal

While keeping in mind the objectives, 36 internees Investigator and Ms. Raiha Aftab, Ms. Sohema Tahir from the different universities of Pakistan, including and Mr. Naeem Aslam worked as the researchers in this University of Baluchistan, Bahawalpur University, project.University of Peshawar and University of Sindh and Reported by Editor Newsletter

Alumni Corner

FEATURED ALUMNIDr. Syed Sajjad Hussain

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r Syed Sajjad Hussain is one of the Alumni since then is giving services as a Professional of National Institute of Psychology. He Psychologist in different departments of Armed got his early education from Govt Faiz ul Forces, where his contributions are mainly in the D

Islam High School and Gordon College Rawalpindi. forms of testing and measurement, selection and He did his MSc in Psychology from Peshawar recruitment, personality assessment and evaluation, University in 1987, MPhil in 1993 from National counseling and guidance, and rehabilitation of the Institute of Psychology, Quaid e Azam University war victims. He happened to be the technical Islamabad and did his PhD from the same institute advisors to his authorities on the matters of their in 2001. His area of interest is concern and facilitated them in Psychometry. He happened to be making their decisions. He among few psychometricians who provides help and guidance to the developed an indigenous verbal children in deciding about their intelligence in Urdu for Pakistani field of study. He acquired adolescents. He developed four certified skills in Psychological scales of verbal intelligence tests Operations and Hypnosis and is named, Vocabulary Tests, Verbal applying these skills for national Reasoning Test, Numerical causes. He has managed many Reasoning Test, and Information workshops on Teacher Training Test. As a psychometrician, he has Programs of Army Public developed a series of batteries of Colleges. In his leisure times, he psychological tests, including enjoys with his hobbies. He holds intelligence tests, personality tests, silver medal in all college aptitude tests for different users in Pakistan. As a competition in calligraphy and teaches this skill to PhD scholar, he is on the strength of National the youngsters. He is fond of poetry and is Institute of Psychology, Quaid e Azam University compiling his book of poetry in the times to come. Islamabad as a visiting faculty member and also as an He served Pakistan Hockey Federation as a Sports external examiner for the students of MSc, M Phil Psychologist for psychological counseling and and PhD. He is also external examiner in guidance to hockey players. As a result of which International Islamic University Islamabad as well. Pakistani players started improving their As a guest speaker, he delivers lectures and seminars performances. Presently, he is working on at various national and international forums and had relationship of Holy Quran, Psychology and profound contribution in the uplift of Psychology Human Life and is exploring the psychological in the region. He joined Pakistan Army in 1987 and explanation of Quranic verses.

NIP ALUMNI’S EXCLUSIVE DISCUSSION Finding solution for preventing drug use among

youth in educational institutions

Drugs addiction is harmful not only for the addicted but also has negative impact on the fabric of the society. The effects of such an addiction can cause dangerous changes in the mind, body and spirit of the drug addict. The most disturbing aspect of drug addiction is that it is reaching epidemic proportions in Pakistani academic institutions. People in our part of the world are increasingly becoming addicted to all kinds of drugs including street drugs and prescription drugs etc. Moreover, Drug addiction among the students is killing them morally and socially as well as psychologically and even physically.

Alumni Association National Institute of Psychology arranged an exclusive discussion on “Finding solution for preventing drug use among youth which has reached endemic proportions in educational institutions” Prof. Dr. Anila Kamal, Prof. Dr. Seema Pervez, Prof. Dr. I. N. Haasan and many other NIP alumni members participated in this discussion.

Reported by: Irum Naqvi

M.PHIL RESEARCHES COMPLETED

Sara Imtiaz (2013).Self-Compassion,Rumination, Optimism, and Well-Being amongElderly Adult. (Unpublished M.PhilDissertation). National Institute ofPsychology, QAU, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Najda Rizwan Khan (2013).Effect of ParentingStyles on the Associations between Parent-Adolescent Conflict and Personality Pathologyamong Clinical and Non-Clinical Groups.(Unpublished M.Phil Dissertation). NationalInstitute of Psychology, QAU, Islamabad,Pakistan.Present research aimed to study the phenomenon of

self-compassion, rumination, optimism, and well-beingamong elderly people. It was seen that how theseattributes are related to each other in face of aging.Demographics including gender, education, age, partnerstatus, monthly income, locale, and financial securitywere catered in the study. The study was carried out intwo parts, first aimed to translate and pilot test theSelf-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003a), RuminativeResponse Scale (Nolen-Hoeksema & Morrow, 1991),Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (Tennantet al., 2007), and Financial Security Scale (Masud &Haron, 2010). Scales were translated in Urdu befor datacollection.Translation was done using forward-backward translation approach along with committeeapproaches. Pilot testing indicated soundness ofpsychometric properties of the translated instrumentsand in addition Life-Orientation Test (Scheier & Carver,1985; Ayub, 2009) utilized to measure optimismprovided for validity check. Second study was gearedto empirically test the proposed objectives of thepresent study. The study was aimed to see therelationship between the self compassion, optimism,well-being, financial security and rumination. Moreoverit also aimed to see the role of demographic varialbesaccross these variabes, for which 209 elderly individuals(age range 60-90) were taken. The results were analysedby using SPSS 18. The results illustrated that self-compassion was positively related to optimism, well-being, and financial security, and negatively torumination. Rumination had negative relationships withoptimism, well-being, and financial security, andoptimism was observed to be positively related to well-being and financial security. Group differences weresignificant for education level, locality of living, andmonthly income but not for gender and partner status.Self-compassion mediated the path between ruminationto well-being and optimism to well-being. For formerlink isolation and over-identification, and for latter linkself-kindness, isolation, mindfulness, and over-identification were found to have significant mediationeffects. This research was supervised by Dr.Anila Kamal,Professor at NIP.

In this collectivistic society of Pakistan, a lot of attentionis given to the upbringing and mannerism of adolescentsbut very little consideration has been given to the factof parent-adolescent conflict which may arise duringthis process as this is where the question to obediencebegins. The present study explored parent-adolescentconflict in terms of parent’s interaction behavior, dyadicinteraction style and conflict intensity (with bothparents), the relationship of parent-adolescent conflictto the development of personality pathology inadolescents with parenting style as a moderatorbetween the two. The sample consisted to clinical andnon-clinical groups. The two scale for parent-adolescentconflict; Conflict Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ; Prinz&Foster, 1979) and Issue Checklist (IC; Prinz& Foster,1979) were translated, adapted and validated (CBQappraisal for parents a = .88, appraisal for dyads a =.64; IC a= .83) Significant positive correlations werefound between parent-adolescent conflict andpersonality pathology. Permissiveness andauthoritarianism parenting style were positively relatedand authoritativeness parenting style was negativelyrelated to personality pathology. Moderating effect ofparenting styles was seen between parent-adolescentconflict and personality pathology. The results indicatedthat parenting style moderated significantly betweenparent-adolescent conflict and personality pathology.Significant gender differences were noted in parent-adolescent conflict, with boys showing more conflictwith their parents than girls. This may be because ofthe fact that in Pakistani culture girls are encouraged tostay inside that house and obey their parents whereasboys being the dominant gender are not subjected toconsiderable restriction. This in result leads to moreconflict between boys and their parents. Groupdifferences were also found out, revealing that parent-adolescent conflict is high among clinical group thannon-clinical group. This research was supervised byDr. Jamil Ahmad Malik, Assistant Professor at NationalInsttiute of Psychology, Quaid-i-Azam University,Islamabad.

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The present study aimed to examine the relationshipof socialization resources (social support and taskcharacteristics) and outcomes (organizationalcommitment, job performance, job satisfaction, andturnover intentions). The study also aimed to see roleof PsyCap as a mediator between socializationresources and outcomes. A sample of 206 full-timeemployees’ from different organizations participatedin the study. Their age ranged from 21-60 years with amean age of 33.09 years, (SD= 8.23), the mean workexperience 9.09 years, (SD=8.39). All the instrumentsused in this study have a satisfactory level of alphareliability coefficients. t-test and ANOVA wasconducted to see the demographic differences of thesample. Correlation and Hierarchical regression analysiswas conducted to see variations among the studyvariables. The results indicated that social support andtask characteristics are positively correlated withorganizational commitment, job performance, and jobsatisfaction, and negatively correlated with turnoverintentions. Hierarchical regression analysis demonstratedsignificant effect of PsyCap as a mediator betweensocialization resources and outcomes. Implications ofthe research, with its limitations and suggestions forfuture studies have also been discussed. This researchwas supervised by Dr. Muhammad Anis-ul-Haque,Professor at National Institute of Psychology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.

The present study was designed to develop Risk FactorsChecklist for drug addiction among adolescents. Sampleconsisted of 600 individuals (drug users, n=200; nondrug users, n=400). Present research comprised ofthree phases. During the first phase item pool wasgenerated through review of relevant research,qualitative interviews with clinicians, and focus groups.A pool of 53 items was generated, the number ofitems was reduced to 31, and items were placed in 5factors, in the second phase, when this checklist afterbeing administered on a sample of 200 drug addictswas analyzed through factor analysis. Mean was taken

as the criterion of cut off score which was 21.Psychometric properties of the checklist were alsoestablished in this phase. Item total correlation wascomputed for this purpose and the results showed thatall the inter score correlations were highly significant.Another objective was to investigate the differentialeffects of resilience among drug addicts and non drugaddicts. For that purpose these drug addicts were thengiven a resilience measure i.e. State and Trait ResilienceMeasure (STRI), to get a measure of their resilience.And in the final phase Risk Factor Check list for drugaddiction developed in the initial phase was given to400 non drug users out of these 400,168 scored above21. These non drug addicts were also given the StateTrait Resilience Inventory (Sawar, 2005). The resultssupported research hypothesis that drug users have lowresilience as compared to non drug users. This researchwas supervised by Prof. Dr. Naeem Tariq, Professor(Retd.) at National Institute of Psychology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.

The present study investigated temperament andcharacter dimensions, attributional styles and suicidalideation in clinically depressed and non depressed adults.The present study was conducted in four phases. PhaseI dealt with Urdu translation of English version ofinstruments through committee approach accompaniedwith back translation procedure. Second phase was pilottesting to see the trends of data on small sample size.In third phase construct validation of temperament andcharacter inventory and attributional style questionnairewere established. Fourth phase was main study, whichdealt with hypotheses testing on large sample size. Forthis purpose Beck Depression Inventory (Beck et al.,1984), Siddiqui Shah Depression scale (Siddiqui, 1992),Temperament and character inventory (Cloninger,1999), Attributional style questionnaire (Peterson et al.,1982) and Beck scale for Suicidal ideation (Beck et al.,1979) were used to assess depression, suicidal ideation,attributional styles and personality temperaments andcharacters. Two samples were recruited, sample onewas of depressed adults (N=160) within the age rangeof 20 to 70 years (M = 33.5, SD = 10.5). Sample twoconsisted of (N = 210) non depressed adults also withinthe age range of 20 to 70 years (M = 33.5, SD = 12.0).Results indicated that depressed adults are significantly

Shakira Maqsood (2013).Mediating Role ofPsychological Capital between Organizationalsocialization Resources and Work-RelatedOutcomes. (Unpublished M.Phil Dissertation).National Institute of Psychology, QAU,Islamabad, Pakistan.

Sumiha Gulfraz (2013). A Comparative Study ofPersonality Temperaments and Characters,Attributional Styles and Suicidal Ideation amongDepressed and Non-Depressed Adults.(Unpublished M.Phil Dissertation). NationalInstitute of Psychology, QAU, Islamabad.

Attiya Siraj (2013). Vulnerability and Resilienceto Drug Addiction among Adolescents.(Unpublished M.Phil Dissertation). NationalInstitute of Psychology, QAU, Islamabad.

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different on temperament and character traits,attributional styles and suicidal ideation from nondepressed adults, indicating the presence of maladaptivepersonality characteristics (temperaments and character)and attributional styles in clinical sample. Genderdifferences were also assessed and it was found thatfemales as compared to males have more depression,suicidal ideation, harm avoidance and self transcendence.Males have more novelty seeking and are more selfdirected as compared to females. Significantly higherscore on depression and suicidal ideation was foundfor married adults living in joint family systems. Resultsalso indicated that depression is a stronger predictorof suicidal ideation among depressed adults. Also lowpersistence and high self transcendence were foundsignificant predictors of depression among depressedadults. It can be concluded from the results thatdepressed adults have more harm avoidance, rewarddependence, self transcendence, suicidal ideation andthey use more internal stable and global attribution stylesfor negative events. They have less self directedness andcooperativeness as compared to non depressed. Thisresearch was supervised by Dr. Rubina Hanif, AssistantProfessor at National Institute of Psychology, Quaid-

The purpose of the present study was to explore theprocess of communication between Parents andAdolescents regarding sexual and Reproductive health.In the first place the process of communication wasexplored by a series of focus group discussions withboth parents and Adolescents. The data obtained fromthe focus group discussions was analyzed by usingthematic analysis. The results of thematic analysisindicated that factors like attitudes, Content, feelings,frequency, age, societal norms and values affect theprocess of communication between parents andadolescents about Sexual and Reproductive health.Keeping these key thematic areas in mind a Semi-Structured interview Guideline was prepared. This wasfollowed by 24 in-depth interviews with an aim ofexploring further these key thematic areas across dyadsi.e. Mother-Daughter Dyad and Father-Son Dyadacross all three socio-economic classes. In-depthinterviews were analyzed by Thematic analysis andImmersion Crystallization. An in-depth analysis of the

interviews revealed that though mothers communicatewith daughters about issues related to Sexual andReproductive health but this communication was on asuperficial level. In most of the cases thiscommunication was restricted to issues likemenstruation, hair growth and breast development.Both mothers and daughters shared that they feltuncomfortable and embarrassed during suchdiscussions. To deal with it they reported of either usingvague terminology or avoiding such discussions. Inmost of the cases the discussions were dominated bymothers and daughters tend to be more on the passiveside. They mentioned that they have never asked anyquestion during such discussions. The frequency ofcommunication was also low as mothers were of theview that it’s enough to communicate once with childrenabout Sexual and Reproductive Health. A conflictingarea highlighted in mother daughter dyads wasregarding the age at which information about Sexualand Reproductive Health related information shouldbe communicated. Mothers were of the view thatinformation should be given at the onset of pubertywhereas daughters were of the view that priorawareness is important. All fathers shared that theyhave not talked to their sons about issues related toSRH except one dyad (Dyad 2). In most of the casesthe discussions between fathers and sons were on Non-sexual issues like friendship, academics and career.Diffusion of responsibility was evident among fathersas they were of the view that teachers, religiouspersonnel and friends could guide adolescents aboutSRH related issues. They were of the view that oursocial norms and values discourage such discussionsas these are the tabooed issues. They were also afraidof losing control and respect in case of discussionsabout SRH with children. Male Adolescents were ofthe view that friends and internet are the main sourceof information. They appeared to be apprehensiveabout the credibility and cultural relevance of theinformation obtained from these sources. In alldiscrepancy was evident in attitude and behavior ofparents. They were of the view that adolescents needto be informed about Sexual and Reproductive Healthbut in practice they found the process ofcommunication difficult and many shy away from suchdiscussions. In case of socio-economic status nosignificant differences were found. Rather attributesrelated to parenting like trust, comfort level andknowledge seemed to affect the process ofcommunication between parents and adolescentsregarding Sexual and Reproductive Health. Thisresearch was supervised by Dr. Muhammad Anis-ul-Haque, Professor at NIP.

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Saira Khan (2012). An Exploratory Study ofCommunication between Parents andAdolescents Regarding Sexual and ReproductiveHealth. (Unpublished M.Phil Dissertation).National Institute of Psychology, QAU,Islamabad.

i-Azam University, Islamabad.