Coping Strategies and Attachment Styles as Predictors of Psychological Distress among Pakistani Students Living Abroad
Contributors
- Ayesha Irfan Social Welfare and Bait Ul Maal Department, Punjab, Pakistan.
- Aiman Javed Lecturer, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
- Nazima Ameen Nazima Ameen
- Dr. Nudra Malik Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
Abstract
The present study examined the relationship among attachment styles, coping strategies, and psychological distress in Pakistani students living abroad. A correlational cross-sectional survey design was applied, and purposive sampling was used to recruit 100 Pakistani students (62 Males, 38 females) enrolled in international universities. Participants were assessed using a demographic sheet, Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ; Oudenhoven & Hofstra, 2008), the Brief Cope (Carver, 1997), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale -21 (DASS-21; Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995). Pearson Correlation analysis indicated that preoccupied and fearful attachment styles were positively related to psychological distress. Emotion-focused and avoidant coping strategies also showed significant positive relationships with psychological distress. Multiple regression analysis revealed that both attachment styles and coping strategies significantly predicted psychological distress. Additionally, an independent-samples t-test showed that male students used significantly more avoidant coping strategies than female students. Findings underscore the importance of attachment styles and maladaptive coping strategies in explaining psychological distress among Pakistani students living abroad. The present study also highlights the need for cultural-level interventions that are designed to improve coping strategies and psychological well-being among Pakistani students living abroad. The current study also supports the existing literature by offering grounds from the Pakistani context and implications for policy development, counselling services, and future research for students’ mental health and adaptation abroad.
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Corresponding Author
Nazima Ameen
Nazima Ameen
Corresponding Author: [email protected]
