Author: Shama Mazahir
Supervisor: Saima Dawood PhD
Degree: MS
Year: 2015-2017
University: Centre for Clinical Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
The study explored the relationship of Callous Unemotional
Traits, Emotional Dysregulation, Peer Conflicts and Psychological Maladjustment (social alienation and somatic complaints) in adolescents from orphanages. It was hypothesized
that; (i) there is likely to be a positive relationship between
callous unemotional traits (callousness, uncaring and
unemotional) and emotional dysregulation (nonaccept, goals,
impulse, awareness, strategies and clarity), peer conflicts
(proactive and reactive overt aggression; proactive and reactive
relational aggression) and psychological maladjustment (social
alienation and somatic complaints) in adolescents from
orphanages; (ii) peer conflicts are likely to mediate the
relationship of callous unemotional traits and emotional
dysregulation with psychological maladjustment (social alienation
and somatic complaints) in adolescents from orphanages. A
sample of N= 200 adolescents of age 12-18 years were recruited
through purposive sampling technique from Child Protection and
Welfare Bureau and Edhi Homes. Variables were assessed using
Peer Conflict Scale ([PCS]; Marsee & Frick, 2007); Inventory of
Callous Unemotional Traits (Essau, Sasagawa & Frick, 2006);
Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale ([DERS]; Gratz &
Roemer, 2004); Social Alienation Scale (Jessor & Jessor, 1977)
and Somatic Complaints List ([SCL]; Jellesma, Rieffe &
Terwogt, 2007). Results showed that there is positive relationship
among callous unemotional traits, emotional dysregulation, peer
conflict and social alienation. However, social alienation is
related with somatic complaints. Structural Equation Model
indicated that peer conflicts mediate relationship of callous
unemotional traits and emotional dysregulation with social
alienation. There were significant gender differences on uncaring
traits, emotional dysregulation, reactive overt aggression,
proactive overt aggression, reactive relational aggression and
proactive relational aggression. Significant gender differences
were also found across various reasons of fights identified by
adolescents while living in orphanages. These findings indicate
important implications for clinical settings.
Keywords: Callous Unemotional Traits, Emotional Dysregulation, Peer Conflicts, Psychological Maladjustment, Adolescents, Orphanages.
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