Author: Faiza Mushtaq
Supervisor: Andleeb Zahra & Rukhsana Kausar Ph.D
Degree: BS
Year: 2010-2014
University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
The present research was conducted to see the relationship between belief
in just world, optimism and coping strategies used by parents of children
with thalassemia. It was hypothesized that there is likely to be a
relationship between belief in just world, optimism and coping strategies
used by parents of children with thalassemia. It was also hypothesized that
belief in just world for self and others likely to predict optimism and
another hypothesis was there is likely to be the gender differences in belief
in just world optimism and coping strategies used by parents of children
with thalassemia. Correlational research design was used. The sample
consisted of 100 participants both 50 fathers and 50 mothers of children
with thalassemia. They were selected from three non- governmental
organizations of Lahore. Only one parent of each child was selected. The
age range of the child was 2 year to 16 years (M = 8.10 SD
= 3.88) and the age range of the parents was (M = 38.47 SD = 9.96)
respectively. Global Belief in Just World Scale (BJWS) (Lipkus, Dalbert,
& Seigler, 1996), Life Orientation Test Revised (LOT-R) (Scheier, Carver,
& Bridges, 1994) and Coping Health Inventory for Parents (CHIP)
(McCubbin, McCubbin, Nevin, & Cauble, 1981) were used for
assessment. The data were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment
Correlation, regression analysis and independent sample t- test. Results
showed a significant positive relationship between belief in just world and
optimism. Regression analysis demonstrated that belief in just world for
self and others predicted optimism. Results related to t-test demonstrated
that there is no difference in belief in just world optimism and coping
strategies used by parents of children with thalassemia. The findings of the
present research highlight the important role of belief in just world and
optimism and coping in dealing with the child’s illness.
Keywords: Belief in Just World, Optimism, Coping Strategies, Thalassemia.
Visit University to get the full thesis.
Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245
