Depression and Psychological Well-Being Among Female Acid Attack Survivors

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between depression and psychological well-being among female acid attack survivor. For the purpose of this study, a quantitative research approach was employed to gather the data from a sample of 48 female acid attack survivors. The age range of the participants in the sample was 18-35 years with a mean age of 28. The participants were approached through non-government organizations that were working for the reintegration of the female acid attack survivors in Pakistan. The minimum education level for the participants to be a part of study was matric. Data collection from the participants was done by using a consent form, a demographic information form, Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale and Siddiqui Shah Depression Scale (1992). For the ease of participants, all measures were used in Urdu language. It was hypothesized that acid attacks would determine levels of depression among female acid attack survivors (Hi)and also they would predict the psychological well-being levels among them (H2). The third hypothesis was based on the correlation etween depression and psychological well-being among female acid attack survivors (H3). Findings from the statistical analysis of the data revealed a strong negative correlation between depression levels and psychological well-being levels among female acid attack survivors (r=-.502, p<0.01). The depression levels among female acid attacks survivors explained for the 100% variance in the levels of psychological well-being among them (R2=.250, p<0.01). Furthermore, predictive value of the independent variable of depression for the dependent variable of psychological well-being was also significant (B=-.260, p<0.01). The significant implication of the current study draws attention to the negative health outcomes of acid attacks among female acid attack survivors and elaborates its effect on the psychological well-being of the survivors with an emphasis on important factors for their reintegration into society such as self-acceptance, autonomy, positive relation with others, environmental mastery, purpose in life and self- growth. The findings from the present study detailed out the low levels of psychological well-being among female acid attack survivors, giving a deeper understanding of the psychological repercussions of the female acid attack survivors to the health practitioners. Recommendations for future research have been discussed focusing on the sample and measures that can be broadened to achieve a higher generalizability of research findings.