PhD Thesis

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 27

Adolescents’ cognitive-emotional functioning as predicted by family atmosphere and school environment
(University of Dhaka, 2018-02-06) Akram Uzzaman, Muhammad
This study aimed to examine the impact of family atmosphere and school environment on adolescents’ cognitive-emotional functioning. Survey data from 1064 adolescent students were collected about their cognitive emotion regulation (adaptive and less adaptive), emotional intelligence, future aspiration, school motivation, school engagement, hopelessness, and hostility which were assumed to reflect their cognitiveemotional functioning. Preliminary analyses of the data in MANOVA (Multivariate Analysis of Variance) using gender, socio-economic status, and family type as the independent variables revealed that it was only gender that has significant overall effect on a linear combination of the eight dependent variables. The univariate results further showed that gender has a significant effect on adaptive cognitive emotion regulation and school motivation, but not on the remaining six variables. So, the main analyses were done in two stages, using family atmosphere and school environment as the predictors in both the stages. In the first stage, both adaptive cognitive emotion regulation and school motivation data were subjected to multivariate multiple regression analysis, separately for female and male participants (data were collapsed across the levels of socioeconomic status and family type). Results demonstrated that family atmosphere and school environment have significant positive effects on school motivation in both female and male participants. Family atmosphere has further significant positive effect on adaptive cognitive emotion regulation in male but not in female participants whereas school environment has further significant positive effect on adaptive cognitive emotion regulation in female but not in male participants. In the second stage of the main analysis, data for the remaining six variables, such as less adaptive cognitive emotion regulation, emotional intelligence, future aspiration, school engagement, hopelessness, and hostility, were collapsed across the levels of gender, socio-economic status, and family type, and analyzed in MANOVA using family atmosphere and school environment as the predictors. The multivariate results demonstrated that the overall regression model was significant, indicating that family atmosphere and school environment have significant overall effect on a linear combination of all the six aspects of cognitive-emotional functioning in adolescents. The univariate results showed the significant main effects of the predictors on each of the six functional aspects of adolescent behaviors. Parameter estimates indicated that both family atmosphere and school environment have significant positive effects on emotional intelligence, future aspiration, and school engagement in adolescents, and negative effects on their hoplessness and hostility. Consistently, family atmosphere demonstrated a negative effect on their less adaptive cognitive emotion regulation; however, school environment demonstrated a positive effect on this variable unexpectedly. The implications of these findings for theory, research, and practice are discussed.
Life stress, personality and psychological well-being of women entrepreneurs, service holders and homemakers
(University of Dhaka, 2019-03-24) Perveen, Mosleha
The present study investigated the life stress, personality and psychological well-being of women entrepreneurs, service holders and homemakers. The specific objectives of the study were (a) to assess and to compare personality of women entrepreneurs, service holders and homemakers; (b) to assess and to compare psychological well-being of women entrepreneurs, service holders, and homemakers; (c) To assess and to compare life stress of women entrepreneurs, service holders and homemakers; (d) To examine whether life stress and psychological well-being have any relationship with age and income of the respondents and (e) to examine whether life stress and psychological well-being varies with family type of the respondents. A total 300 women of Dhaka city were selected of whom 100 women were entrepreneurs, 100 were service holders (50 teachers, 30 Bankers and 20 Doctor) and 100 were homemakers. The three groups were matched in terms of education and age. The instruments used to measure the psychological variables were : (i) Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (ii) Life Stress Scale (iii) Psychological Well-Being Questionnaire and respondent’s personal information’s were also collected. The data were analyzed by one way ANOVA, Post Hoc test, t test and correlation coefficient. The findings were (a) In case of Psychoticism, no significant difference was found in three groups of Respondents. But significant difference was found in neuroticism and extraversion. Results revealed that service holders have the highest neuroticism scores and entrepreneurs have the lowest neuroticism score. Entrepreneurs scored high in extraversion and homemakers have the lowest extraversion scores. (b) Homemakers reported the least amount of psychological well-being than entrepreneur and service holder women; it was also found that the service holder reported significantly higher level of psychological well-being than the entrepreneurs; (c) It was found that homemakers reported significantly higher amount of life stress than entrepreneurs and service holder women, Service holder respondents scored lowest in life stress. (d) Respondents psychological well-being and life stress did not differ significantly based on family type irrespective of profession. (e) A negative correlation was found between life stress and psychological well-being, a positive correlation was found between age and income of the respondents and age was significantly correlated negatively to the life stress.
Maternal Cognitive Function and Neurobehavioral Development of Underprivileged Children
(University of Dhaka, 2021-02-28) Mahmud, Abu Yusuf
Trajectories of neurobehavioral development of children in disadvantageous situations in terms of psychological, physiological, and environmental are retarded during the first 5 years of their life. It is also known that the factors like psychological, physiological, and environmental are greatly influenced by cognitive functioning of the caregiver during that time. With the background in mind, we aimed to examine whether there is any association of maternal cognitive function with the neurobehavioral development of children living in two urban slums in Dhaka city of Bangladesh. We enrolled 207 mother-child (12 to 42 months) dyads. Rigorously trained testers assessed children’s cognitive, language, and motor development using adapted version of Bayley-III and behavior using Wolke’s behavior ratings. They also assessed cognitive function of mothers using modified version of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and forward and backward Digit Span scale. Other measures included assessment of home stimulation/home environment, parenting practices, self-esteem of mothers and anthropometry of children using WHO standards. All data were checked and transformed or categorized as required. Pearson bivariate correlation showed that maternal cognitive function is positively associated with cognitive, language, and motor performance of children (r = .22 to .26, p < .01) with or without controlling for age of the children. Additionally, parenting practice was positively associated with each of the three domain of neurodevelopment equally (r = .21, p < .01), and MMSE was positively associated with both height and weight z scores (r = .21, p < .01). Finally, multiple linear regression analysis divulged that MMSE is a significant predictor of both cognitive and language development after controlling for possible covariates, but not for the motor development. Standardized coefficient value indicated that one unit increase in MMSE results in around .35 unit improvements in both the cognitive and language development.Moreover, better home stimulation predicted improved cognitive ability (β = .21, p < .05) and higher self-esteem of mothers predicted improved motor ability of children (β = .41, p < .01). The findings of the study can be taken to suggest that maternal cognitive function has really a significant influence on the improvements in neurobehavioral development of underprivileged children in Bangladesh. Therefore, intervention programs need to be emphasized on maternal cognition to improve neurobehavioral development of children who are especially be raised in psychosocial adversity.
Over-weight and Over-schedule Mediating the Relationship of Maternal Stress and Decision Making with Emotional and Social Impairment of Adolescent
(©University of Dhaka, 2023-08-23) Tany, Rajeka Fardosh
Maternal stress is associated with their adolescents’ overweight or obesity, fast food consumption, less physical activity and variety of behavioral problem. But few researches have done on this topic. For this reason, present research has been undertaken. Objective of the current research was to find out whether overweight and over schedule have any mediating relationship of maternal stress and decision making with emotional and social impairment of adolescent. Two hundred eleven over weight adolescents (11-14 years) were selected purposively from Dhaka based different public and private schools. Their mothers were also included in the study. Another one hundred twenty-nine adolescent participants of normal body weight and their mothers were also selected as control subjects. Life stress questionnaire, Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire (MDMQ), Over scheduled scale for adolescents and BECK Youth Inventories of Emotional and Social Impairment were used in the study for collecting information from participants. Parallel mediation analysis, Pearson product moment correlation, descriptive statistical analysis, t-test and F test were used to analyze the scores. Findings revealed that, maternal stress has a significant and positive direct effect on adolescents overweight (a=.51) and over scheduling (d=.59) and the direct effect of adolescents’ overweight and over schedule on their emotional and social impairment is statistically significant(b=.35), (e=.52). Maternal stress has a significant and positive indirect effect on adolescents emotional and social impairment(c’=.49). Maternal decision making has a significant and positive direct effect on adolescents overweight (a=.47) and over schedule (d=.58). The direct effect of adolescents’ overweight and over schedule on their emotional and social impairment was statistically found significant(b=.35), (e=.52). Maternal decision making has a significant and positive indirect effect on adolescents emotional and social impairment(c’=.45). Results of correlation indicated that adolescents over schedule is positively correlated with emotional and social impairment (r=.785), maternal stress (r=.593) and maternal decision making (r= .575). Emotional and social impairment of adolescents is positively correlated with maternal stress (r= .524) and maternal decision making (r= .507).
Adaptation of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale in Bangladesh Context
(©University of Dhaka, 2024-06-23) Sultana, Fahema
The objective of the present study was to adapt Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-WAIS-III for use in Bangladesh. The WAIS-III is a standard assessment tool developed by Wechsler (1997), which measures intelligence and cognitive ability in adults and older adolescences. It consists of fourteen subtest seven verbal and seven performance tests. The researchers followed standard adaptation procedures to adapt the scale into Bangla. The study comprised of four phases; translation of the scale, item analysis, measurement of reliability and determining validity. In the first phase, the scale was translated into Bangla and reviewed by five Judges. Based on their suggestions as well as the judgment of the supervisor of the research, some modifications were made and the final version of the questionnaire was prepared. For item analysis, the translated version was administered to total of 15 respondents (seven male eight female) aged between 20 and 21 years, using incidental sampling techniques. Based on the responses of the participants, assessments of the Judges and the suggestions from the supervisor further modifications were made of the verbal items and the final form of the scale was prepared. In the process of determining reliability, split-half reliability coefficients were calculated for each sub-test. The coefficients were as follows: .957 for vocabulary, .776 for similarity, .831 for arithmetic, .862 for digit span, .898 for information, .759 for comprehension, .894 for letter number sequence, .862 for picture completion, .886 for block design, .897 for matrix reasoning, .871 for picture arrangement and .686 for object assembly. Coefficient alpha was also calculated and found to be, .906 for vocabulary, .774 for similarity, .805 for arithmetic, .787 for digit span, .825 for information, .755 for comprehension, .737 for letter number sequence, .612 for picture completion, .886 for matrix reasoning, .619 for picture arrangement and .657 for object assembly. All of these reliability coefficients were found to be significant. The scale was given twice, one week apart, to a sample of 20 responders in order to evaluate test retest reliability. Using Pearson's product-moment correlation, the results from the two tests were associated. The reliability coefficients for digit symbol coding, digit symbol copy, and symbol search were determined to be.980, .916 and.964 respectively. The test retest correlation coefficients were all.01 level significant. Through face validity and content ix validity, the scale's validity was guaranteed. The Bangla version of the WAIS-III has been shown to have a satisfactory level of validity. In conclusion, the Bangla version of WAIS-III was found to be reliable and valid within the context of Bangladesh. This scale can be utilized in clinical setting and various other sectors to assess an individual’s intelligence.
Sleep deprivation and cognitive performance of shift workers in Bangladesh
(©University of Dhaka, 2024-11-20) Hossain, Md. Salim
Number of studies revealed that shift workers experience disturbed sleep and excessive sleepiness (Akerstedt, 2003). Sleep has been found to be essential for cognitive performance, especially memory consolidation and changes in mood (Stickgold, 2005; Philibert, 2005). Our present study was aimed at investigating the effect of sleep deprivation on cognitive performances of shift workers in Bangladesh. In investigating so, we took 462 healthcare shift workers from five districts of Bangladesh. Among them 152 were male and 310 were female. The participants ranged from 19 to 65 years of age. We took the participants on the basis of convenience sampling technique from 30 hospitals and medical centers. To collect data we administered Bangla version of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and The Grit Scale. All these psychometric tools have high reliability and validity. Findings of our study revealed that sleep deprivation and shifts are marginally dependent (χ2 = 11.56, p = 0.07). However, sleep quality has been found independent of shifts (χ2 = 4.31, p = 0.12). We didn’t find any significant correlation between sleep deprivation and overall cognitive performances. But we found significant correlation of sleep deprivation with attention (r =-0.106, p < 0.05) and delayed recall (r = 0.149, p < 0.01). In our study we found a significant correlation between sleep quality and overall cognitive performances (r = 0.196, p < 0.01). Subcomponent-wise correlation revealed significant correlation of sleep quality with attention (r =-0.132, p < 0.01) and delayed recall (r = 0.103, p < 0.05). In regression analysis, we found sleep quality as a significant predictor of cognitive performances (β = 0.20, p < 0.01) but not the sleep deprivation. Shift-wise analyses yielded that sleep deprivation is high (µ = 7.56) and sleep quality is worse (µ = 3.78) in rotating shift workers in comparison to fixed and regular shift workers. Results also revealed significant shift-wise differences in cognitive performances (F xiii = 3.511, p<0.05) of shift workers. Shift-wise differences were evident in executive functions (F = 5.443, p<0.01), language (F = 13.816, p<0.01), and abstraction (F = 7.818, p<0.01). Significant gender differences were observed in overall cognitive performances (t = 2.036, p<0.05), naming (t = 2.204, p<0.05), abstraction (t = 2.201, p<0.05), and orientation (t = 2.044, p<0.05), and sleep deprivation (t =-2.380, p<0.05) of the shift workers in Bangladesh. Sleep quality was found better outside of metropolitan city (t =-3.258, p<0.01). Moreover, results showed significant differences in overall cognitive performances (t =-5.227, p<0.01), executive functions (t =-1.990, p<0.05), naming (t = 3.051, p<0.01), abstraction (t = 5.966, p<0.01), delayed recall (t = 2.459, p<0.05), and perseverance (t =-2.005, p<0.05), between inside and outside of metropolitan city shift workers. Designation-wise differences were found in overall cognitive performances (F = 11.173, p<0.01), executive functions (F = 8.082, p<0.01), language (F = 5.510, p<0.01), abstraction (F = 20.849, p<0.01), and sleep quality (F = 16.902, p<0.01) of the healthcare shift workers. Experiences of the shift workers were not found significantly correlated with sleep quality and sleep deprivation. We have discussed the results in terms of previous findings and contemporary theories. Recommendations are proposed in the light of our findings in conclusion.
Hopelessness, depression and suicidal ideation among young adults in urban and rural areas
(©University of Dhaka, 2025-02-09) Nahar, Jebin
The purpose of the study was to investigate the relation among hopelessness, depression and suicidal ideation among young adults in urban and rural areas of Bangladesh. A mixed method, comprising a cross sectional survey design and qualitative component were used in the present study. Data was collected from 384 young adults. Colleges were selected following random sampling technique and respondents were selected by using convenient sampling technique. Among the total sample 344 were non-clinical and 40 were clinical adult respondents from different areas of Dhaka city and Chowgacha upozilla under Jashore district. The Bangla version of Hopelessness scale, depression scale and suicidal ideation scale were used to measure the hopelessness, depression and suicidal ideation. The obtained data were analyzed by using Pearson Product Moment correlation, stepwise multiple regression and ANOVA. Results showed that suicidal ideation was positively correlated with hopelessness and depression. The result of multiple stepwise linear regression was calculated to find out whether suicidal ideation can be predicted by hopelessness and depression. Result reveals that hopelessness is a significant predictor of suicidal ideation (β = .60; p < 0.001).Whereas the results of simple regression were calculated to find out whether depression predicts suicidal ideation among young adults. A significant regression equation was found (F= 189.75), with an R² of 0.33. Model R, Std. Beta 0.16, 0.57, that is independent measure depression indicated as the significant predictor of suicidal ideation. The ANOVA results showed that there is a significant difference in hopelessness between two types of participants (F=30.26,p<0.1). On the other hand, no significant difference in hopelessness is found according to residential status and gender. No two ways interaction and no three ways interaction among types of participants, resident status and gender were found statistically significant in hopelessness. Results also indicates a significant difference in depression ii according to type of participants (F=34.80, p<0.1). But it shows that depression scores does not vary significantly according to resident status and gender. Moreover, in case of depression, no two ways or three ways interaction was found to be significant. Findings also reveal that there is a significant difference in suicidal ideation between two types of participants (F=33.89,p<.01), resident status (F=5.15, p<.01) and gender (F=5.76, p<.01). Two way interactions between resident status and gender has found to be significant (F=3.93, p<0.1) in suicidal ideation. No two way interactions between types of participant and resident status and between types of participant and gender are found statistically significant and no three way interactions among types of participant, resident status and gender are found to be significant in suicidal ideation. The analysis of focus group discussion indicates that hopelessness, depression, unexpected result in examination, family conflicts, low socio-economical condition, relationship break-up, social isolation, financial crisis, bulling and sexual violence are the important causes of suicidal ideation. The present study reveals an urgent need that for betterment of the students and identifying their problems and to provide them counseling services health care providers, educators, mental health professional and policy makers should take proper steps
Relations of Work-Family Conflict with Workplace and Psychosocial Outcomes among University Teachers
(©University of Dhaka, 2025-02-09) Mollah, Md. Shaheen
The main objective of this study was to explore the relationships between work-family conflict (WFC) and workplace outcomes (job stress and job satisfaction) as well as psychosocial outcomes (family satisfaction and life satisfaction) and to examine WFC's impact on job stress, job satisfaction, family satisfaction, and life satisfaction among university teachers in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, utilizing quantitative techniques to gather and analyze data. Non-probability (convenience) sampling was used to select 463 faculty members from 16 public universities in Bangladesh. Established scales were adapted and validated (through confirmatory factor analysis using PLS-SEM) for the Bangladeshi context to measure work-family conflict, job stress, job satisfaction, family satisfaction, and life satisfaction. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, Pearson product-moment correlation, independent sample t-test, one-way between-group ANOVA, path analysis, and mediation analysis. The results indicated that the WFC of university teachers had significant positive correlation with job stress (r = .332, p < .01), but significant negative correlation with their job satisfaction (r = -.257, p < .01), family satisfaction (r = -.312, p < .01), and life satisfaction (r = -.287, p < .01). WFC of the teachers significantly increased their job stress (β = .363, t = 7.98, p < .001) with a small effect size (f2 = .152) and medium predictive power (Q2 = .125). WFC significantly decreased job satisfaction (β = -.168, t = 2.89, p = .004) and family satisfaction (β = -.331, t = 5.98, p < .001), with small effect sizes (f2 = .033 and .106, respectively) and weak predictive power (Q2 = .089 and .091, respectively). On the other hand, the effect of WFC on life satisfaction was fully mediated through both job satisfaction and family satisfaction. Also, the relationship between WFC and life satisfaction was fully mediated through the job stress-to-job satisfaction path, not the job stress-to-family satisfaction path. The study concludes that WFC was a significant predictor of decreased well-being among university teachers, emphasizing the need for institutional interventions to address WFC. These findings contribute to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence from the Bangladeshi context and underscore the importance of initiating supportive policies and programs to promote work-family balance among teachers in higher education institutions
Impact of trauma on coping behavior of children
(©University of Dhaka, 2025-02-10) Ahmed, Fayaza
Childhood trauma has short- and long-term impacts on different aspect of life. It can also impact the coping responses and related behavior of children. Study on the relation between childhood trauma and coping behavior is an important area of research in this regard. Despite, increasing work on this area in global arena, little focus in this area of research has been observed in Bangladesh. This research aimed to gain insight into the way different types of traumas influence the coping behavior among children. The specific objectives were, i) to find out impact of trauma on coping behavior among children, and ii) to find out the correlates of coping behavior of children. A quantitative cross sectional survey design with purposively selected 398 participants from 14 districts was used. With an age range of 9 to 13 years, mean (M=11.28), the participants included approximately similar number of male and female children (with a slightly higher number of boys, 54.5%). Fourteen practicing psychologists were recruited for data collection. Trauma experience was found among 98.49% of the participating children. In this study total 21 type of trauma and 14 types of coping were analyzed. Among these, 17 types of traumas, showed significant impact on different types of coping behaviors of children. The most common form of trauma for children was trauma from animal attack (n=201) followed by trauma from death of a close person (n=140). Trauma caused by the death of a close person employed the maximum numbers of coping behaviors (10). Furthermore, trauma from experience and/or witnessing of hijack utilized a variety of coping behaviors (8). Most of the trauma experiences of children indicated change in multiple types of coping. Nevertheless, trauma from animal attack, X earthquake, separation from family and assault indicated changed in single type of coping. Trauma from animal attack and earthquake showed change in coping through physical release of emotion and trauma from separation from family and assault manifested change in coping through control. It should be noted here that the study was conducted during COVID-19 pandemic period and obviously influence of trauma associated with COVID-19 was observed. Children employed a wide variety of coping mechanisms (up to 11 types of coping) in response to trauma associated with COVID-19. Problem-focused coping was found to be the most commonly utilized coping strategy which were related to eight types of trauma experiences. Coping behavior of children was also influenced by different predictors besides specific trauma experiences. The most influential predictors for different type of coping were prosocial behavior of children, that was found to be a significant predictor for all the coping except for physical release of emotion and distraction strategies. Furthermore, PTSD symptoms, number of trauma experience, mother’s education, and intensity of trauma were also found to be influential predictor for most of coping types. This research provides an overall understanding of how different trauma changes coping behavior of children and how coping behaviors can be predicted by different corelates. The results suggest to focus on develop a strategy of how children can develop healthy coping behavior in their life.
The effects of residential density on psychological well-being and anxiety of different age, sex and income group
(© University of Dhaka, 2025-05-05) Khanam, Mahfuza
Impact of NGO Intervention on Psychosocial Development of Children in Rural Bangladesh
(© University of Dhaka, 2025-05-05) Chowdhury, Munmun Salma
Determination of reliability and validity of stanford-binet intelligence scale and the construction of norms for use in Bangladesh
(© University of Dhaka, 2025-05-05) Huq, Sharmin
Achievment motive, self-efficacy and risk taking behaviour of applicants for commissioned rank in the armed forces
(© University of Dhaka, 2025-05-05) Hossain, Mohammad Kabir
Some social psychological determinants of violence and aggression among young adults
(© University of Dhaka, 2025-05-05) Begum, Feroza
Attitude towards national development as a function of values and self role perception 0f different socio Economic classes in Bangladesh
(© University of Dhaka, 2025-05-05) Ahmed, Rafiq
Development of independent behaviour assessment scale (ibas) and construction of norms for use in Bangladesh
(© University of Dhaka, 2025-05-05) Zaman, Shirin
Standardization of the bayley scales of infant development for use in Bangladesh
(© University of Dhaka, 2025-05-05) Parveen, Monowara
Un-wed pregnancy and its implications in respect of attitude, stress and decision making of un-wed mothers in Bangladesh
(© University of Dhaka, 2025-05-05) Akhter, Afroza