Journal of Social Sciences Advancement

The relationship of Time Perspective with Depression, Anxiety and Stress across International Students in China during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Hafiza Komal Yameen — 2024-03-02

Individual differences in psychological relationships to time are the fundamental construction of time perspective (TP). Research suggests that TP is related to mental health. The question is whether balancing TP predicts mental health well-being in cross-culture studies. Considering the period of COVID-19 and several individual differences that might have significant psychological effects. A cross-sectional, web-based survey study was conducted among international students (N=228) who enrolled at Chinese universities. The participants were recruited through convenient sampling. Following informed consent, demographic variables, depression, anxiety, and stress scales were used. Later on, reliability, correlation, and regression analysis were conducted to examine the association between variables. Results show a strong positive relation between Past Negative (PN) TP with anxiety, depression, and perceived stress. Present Fatalistic (PF) also shows a significant relation with anxiety. While TPs' dimensions Past Positive (PP) and Future (F) negatively significant with depression. Our study illustrates that balancing one's own temporal perspective decreases the chances of being mentally sick. This suggests that manipulative TP profiles are tailored to mental health. Thus, TP profiles may impact conditions that are characterized to achieve the desired behavioral outcomes in periods of uncertainty.

Colonial Shadows: Unveiling the Narrative of Colonialism and Othering in Conrad’s Heart of Darkness

Amna Aziz — 2024-03-10

Conrad’s "Heart of Darkness" unfolds against the backdrop of European colonialism in the Congo, serving as a profound exploration of the human psyche and the moral ramifications of imperialism. This abstract delves into the intricacies of colonial shadows and the pervasive theme of othering that Conrad masterfully elucidates. During an era characterized by anxiety and oppression, Conrad's novella is widely regarded as a moral lesson on human self-indulgence and a sociological commentary on the morality of colonialism and imperialism. Through the protagonist, Marlow's journey into the heart of Africa, Conrad unveils the darkness inherent in the colonial enterprise, exposing the brutal exploitation and dehumanization of the African people by European powers. Central to the narrative is the concept of othering, whereby Europeans construct an image of the African "other" as inferior and uncivilized, justifying their oppressive actions. Conrad meticulously portrays the consequences of this ideological construction, depicting the profound psychological impact on both the colonizers and the colonized. Moreover, he critiques European civilization's inherent hypocrisy and moral decay, which claims enlightenment while perpetuating barbarism in the name of progress and profit. Through vivid imagery and haunting prose, Conrad forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the human condition and the insidious nature of colonialism.