Author: Ammara Sehar
Supervisor: Naumana Amjad, PhD
Degree: MPhil
Year: 2013-2015
University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
The present research aimed to describe the phenomena of loneliness in relationship with fear of negative evaluation and self-disclosure in first year university students, living in hostels. It comprised of two studies. Study-I was a cross-sectional survey which investigated the mediating role of self-disclosure between fear of negative evaluation and loneliness. It was hypothesized that fear of negative evaluation and self-disclosure would predict loneliness. It was also hypothesized that self-disclosure would mediate the relationship between fear of negative evaluation and loneliness. Sample consisted of 200 first year university students (living in hostels) including equal number of both men and women with the age range from18 to 25 years. Participants were recruited from hostels of different universities by non-probability convenient sampling technique. For the present study Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation-II (Carleton, Collimore, & Asmundson, 2007), The Distress Disclosure Index (Kahn & Hessling, 2001), UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3) (Russell, 1996), and Big Five Inventory‐10 (Rammstedt & John, 2007) were used. Measures were translated in Urdu according to Mapi guidelines. Results revealed that fear of negative evaluation negatively predicted self- disclosure. Self-disclosure negatively predicted loneliness. Self- disclosure also mediated the relationship between fear of negative evaluation and loneliness. Moreover, it was found that first born students scored high on fear of negative evaluation. Following this a qualitative study was conducted to obtain in depth information on the phenomenon of loneliness. In study-II, the experiences of hostel students regarding loneliness and consequences faced by them were explored. A structured interview, consisting of five items, was developed. The sample consisted of six first year hostel students who scored high on UCLA loneliness scale. Qualitative data was analyzed through thematic analysis on the basis of contents of statements given by participants. The major emerged themes were: manifestation of loneliness, consequences of loneliness, and coping with loneliness. In general, current research has provided insight on the phenomenon of loneliness, its consequences and means that are used to deal with it.
Keywords: Fear of Negative Evaluation, Self-disclosure, loneliness.
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Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245
