Study Proposal For Marginalized Community

Assignment 1: Research Title, Objectives, Proposed Abstract, and Literature Review on
the Topic of Interest.
Participant name: Jawereya Shabbir
Participant ID: F2020381037
Recourse person: Dr. Rehana Mushtaq
CP310 &11: Research Methods & Research Report Writing
Department of Clinical Psychology
School of Professional Psychology
University of Management & Technology
Lahore
2023
ASSIGNMENT 1 2
Physical Abuse, Anxiety, and Emotional Vulnerability among Third Gender in Pakistan: A
Quantitative Study.
Aim of the Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between physical abuse, anxiety, and
emotional vulnerability among third gender individuals in Pakistan using a quantitative research
design. The study seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the experiences and mental
health outcomes of this marginalized population in Pakistan, and to identify potential avenues for
intervention and support.
ASSIGNMENT 1 3
Proposed Abstract
The 3rd gender population in Pakistan, also known as Hijra or Khwajasiras, is a

marginalized and vulnerable community that has faced discrimination and violence throughout
history. Physical abuse is one of the most common forms of violence experienced by this
community, which can have detrimental effects on their mental health, including increased levels
of anxiety and emotional vulnerability. Despite the prevalence of physical abuse among 3rd
gender individuals, there is a lack of research exploring the relationship between physical abuse,
anxiety, and emotional vulnerability in this population.
This quantitative study aims to explore the relationship between physical abuse, anxiety,
and emotional vulnerability among 3rd gender individuals in Pakistan. The study will use a
cross-sectional design, and data will be collected through self-administered questionnaires from a
convenience sample of at least 100 3rd gender individuals aged 18 years and above. The
questionnaires will measure physical abuse using the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2), anxiety
using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, and emotional vulnerability using the
Emotional Vulnerability Scale (EVS).
Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, including correlation and regression
analyses, will be used to analyze the data. The findings of the study are expected to provide a
better understanding of the relationship between physical abuse, anxiety, and emotional
vulnerability among 3rd gender individuals in Pakistan. The study's findings will be valuable for
policymakers, healthcare professionals, and non-governmental organizations working towards
the betterment of this marginalized community.
Keywords. Third gender, transgender, Hijra, Khwajasiras, physical abuse, violence,
anxiety, emotional vulnerability, mental health, Pakistan
ASSIGNMENT 1 4
Literature Review
This study will be guided by Meyer's (2003) minority stress theory, which posits that
individuals belonging to marginalized and stigmatized groups are exposed to chronic stressors
that have negative impacts on their physical and mental health. Third gender individuals in
Pakistan are subjected to chronic stress due to discrimination, violence, and a lack of legal
recognition. This stress may lead to heightened levels of anxiety and emotional vulnerability
among this population. Additionally, this study will be informed by Tajfel’s (1982) social
identity theory, which suggests that individuals derive their sense of self and belonging from the
groups to which they belong. Third gender individuals in Pakistan may experience challenges
with their identity and sense of belonging due to the stigmatization of their gender identity. This,
in turn, may contribute to increased levels of anxiety and emotional vulnerability.
Physical abuse is a common experience among 3rd gender individuals in Pakistan.

According to a study conducted by Jabeen et al. (2019), 93% of the participants reported
experiencing physical violence in their lifetime. This violence is often perpetrated by family
members, law enforcement, and society at large, resulting in physical injuries, including
fractures, bruises, and burns. The study also found that the majority of the participants did not
report the abuse due to fear of further violence or lack of trust in the justice system. According to
a study by Khan et al. (2016), around 85% of the Hijra community in Karachi reported
experiencing physical abuse, including rape, sodomy, and physical violence. Another study by
Rehan and Saqib (2018) found that 75% of the Hijra community in Lahore had experienced
physical violence at least once in their lifetime. According to a study conducted by Ahmed
(2019) third gender individuals are often subjected to physical abuse, including beatings, sexual
assault, and forced prostitution.
Anxiety is another mental health issue commonly experienced by 3rd gender individuals
in Pakistan. The societal stigma and discrimination they face can result in anxiety, depression,
and other mental health issues (Siddiqui et al., 2021). In a study conducted by Imran and Zubair
(2021), 3rd gender individuals reported significantly higher levels of anxiety compared to their
cisgender counterparts. The study also found that social support from family and friends can act
as a protective factor against anxiety. A study by Tariq et al. (2018) found that around 66% of
the Hijra community in Islamabad reported experiencing anxiety symptoms, including
ASSIGNMENT 1 5
restlessness, tension, and nervousness. Moreover, the study found that anxiety was more
prevalent among the Hijra community who had experienced social rejection and discrimination.
Emotional vulnerability refers to the difficulty in regulating emotions, leading to

emotional instability, impulsivity, and mood swings. In a study conducted by Karim and Rehman
(2019), 3rd gender individuals reported higher levels of emotional vulnerability compared to
their cisgender counterparts. This emotional vulnerability is linked to the discrimination and
rejection they face from society and family members, leading to feelings of isolation, loneliness,
and a lack of belongingness. A study by Khan et al. (2018) found that emotional vulnerability
was positively associated with depression and anxiety among the Hijra community in Peshawar.
The study also found that emotional vulnerability was negatively associated with social support,
indicating that social support can play a protective role in reducing emotional vulnerability.
In conclusion the literature review suggests that the 3rd gender community in Pakistan
faces significant challenges related to physical abuse, anxiety, and emotional vulnerability.
Physical abuse is highly prevalent among this community and can have severe negative impacts
on their mental health. Anxiety and emotional vulnerability are also common issues among the
3rd gender community and are associated with social rejection, discrimination, and lack of social
support. These findings highlight the need for effective interventions and policies to address the
mental health needs of the 3rd gender community in Pakistan.
Sources of Literature Review

1. Academic databases such as JSTOR and Google Scholar.
2. Online repository website “Research Gate”.
3. Government website “The National Institutes of Health (NIH)”.
ASSIGNMENT 1 6
Objectives of the Study
 To investigate the correlation between physical abuse (including sexual harassment),

anxiety, and emotional vulnerability (difficulty in regulating emotions like sadness, fear,
anger, irritability, mood swings, loneliness, and helplessness) among third gender
individuals in Pakistan.
 To categorize the sample based on their educational level (at least 12th grade or illiterate)
and living arrangements (with their family or within the transgender community).
 To identify potential interventions that can mitigate the negative impact of physical
abuse, anxiety, and emotional vulnerability on the mental health of third-gender
individuals.
 To contribute to the literature on the mental health of marginalized groups.
 To inform policies and programs aimed at promoting the well-being of third-gender

individuals in Pakistan.
ASSIGNMENT 1 7
References
Ahmad, R. (2019). Voices of Hijra communities: Physical and sexual violence, human rights
abuses, and HIV vulnerabilities. Journal of Homosexuality, 66(13), 1842-1860.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2019.1525796
Dentato, M. P. (2012). The minority stress perspective. Psychology and AIDS Exchange
Newsletter, 3. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.129.5.674
Imran, N., & Zubair, A. (2021). Anxiety and Depression among Transgender in Pakistan.
Journal of Pakistan Medical Association, 71(2), 497-501.
https://doi.org/10.1089/lgbt.2021.0464
Jabeen, S., Jabeen, M., & Rizvi, T. (2019). Physical and sexual violence experiences among the
Hijra (transgender) community in Pakistan: A qualitative study. Journal of Interpersonal
Violence, 36(21-22), NP3173-NP3193. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260518804752
Karim, A., & Rehman, S. (2019). Emotional vulnerability among transgender persons: A
comparative study. Pakistan Journal of Gender Studies, 14(1), 89-102.
https://doi.org/10.46568/pjgs.v17i1.19
Khan, S. I., Hussain, M. I., & Soomro, N. (2016). Prevalence and associated factors of violence
and abuse among Hijra community in Karachi, Pakistan. Journal of Interpersonal
Violence, 31(19), 3117-3132. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260515591415
Khan, S. I., Hussain, M. I., Abbas, S. M., & Tariq, M. (2018). Emotional vulnerability, social
support, and depression among Hijra (transgender) in Peshawar, Pakistan. Journal of Gay
& Lesbian Mental Health, 22(1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/19359705.2018.1393566
Siddiqui, S. H., Sheikh, S. S., & Muzaffar, T. (2021). Mental Health Status and Resilience
among the Hijra Community of Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 37(2),
404-409. http://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.3667
Tajfel, H. (1982). Social psychology of intergroup relations. Annual review of psychology, 33(1),
1-39. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.ps.33.020182.000245

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Assignment 1: Research Title, Objectives, Proposed Abstract, and Literature Review on

the Topic of Interest.

Participant name: Jawereya Shabbir

Participant ID: F2020381037

Recourse person: Dr. Rehana Mushtaq

CP310 &11: Research Methods & Research Report Writing

Department of Clinical Psychology

School of Professional Psychology

University of Management & Technology

Aim of the Study

The 3rd gender population in Pakistan, also known as Hijra or Khwajasiras, is a

Physical abuse is a common experience among 3rd gender individuals in Pakistan.

Emotional vulnerability refers to the difficulty in regulating emotions, leading to

Sources of Literature Review

Objectives of the Study

 To investigate the correlation between physical abuse (including sexual harassment),

 To contribute to the literature on the mental health of marginalized groups.

 To inform policies and programs aimed at promoting the well-being of third-gender

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