FINANCIAL INSECURITY AND PERCEIVED STRESS AMONG UNEMPLOYED GRADUATES IN PAKISTAN: A QUANTITATIVE CORRELATIONAL STUDY

Authors

  • Pulwasha Anwar Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2492-1979
  • Awais Khalid University of Narowal New Campus, Narowal, Pakistan. Author
  • Fakhira Tahrim Lahore Garrison University, Lahore, Pakistan. Author
  • Muhammad Faizan National Grid Company of Pakistan (formerly NTDC), Islamabad, Pakistan. Author
  • Salman Qureshi Trainer in Rehabilitation and Private Organizations, Karachi, Pakistan. Author
  • Shah Jahan Ashraf Government College Women University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7837-6676
  • Aurang Zaib Ashraf Shami CEO (11COACHES), Gulberg-III, Lahore, Pakistan. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4495-5284
  • Asim Ashfaq GIFT University, Gujranwala, Pakistan. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71000/3x9b7148

Keywords:

economic stress, financial insecurity, mental health, Pakistan, perceived stress, unemployment, young adults

Abstract

Background: Financial insecurity has emerged as a major psychosocial stressor globally, particularly in Western populations; however, research in South Asian regions, including Pakistan, remains limited. Young adults navigating early career transitions are especially vulnerable to financial stressors, which may contribute to adverse mental health outcomes. Given Pakistan's ongoing economic challenges and rising unemployment rates, understanding the psychological impact of financial insecurity on unemployed graduates is crucial for evidence-based public health interventions.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between financial insecurity and perceived stress among unemployed young adults in Pakistan aged 22 to 35 years who held at least a bachelor’s degree for a minimum duration of one year.

Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design was employed, using purposive sampling to recruit 384 unemployed graduates from various regions of Pakistan. Inclusion criteria included Pakistani citizenship, residency, and qualification of at least a bachelor's degree. Data were collected using the six-item Economic Strain Scale and the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale. Internal consistency of the scales was high, with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.94 and 0.79–0.89, respectively. Ethical approval was obtained prior to data collection, and SPSS version 29 was used for statistical analysis.

Results: The sample included 184 males (48%) and 200 females (52%), with a mean age of 24.53 years (SD = 2.11). Correlational analysis indicated a significant positive association between financial insecurity and perceived stress (r = 0.11, p < .05). Subgroup comparisons revealed higher stress levels among women, postgraduates, and rural participants, all with statistically significant differences (p < .001).

Conclusion: The study underscores financial insecurity as a key contributor to psychological stress among unemployed Pakistani graduates. These findings advocate for urgent mental health interventions, economic reforms, and youth employment programs to mitigate stress and promote psychological well-being.

Author Biographies

  • Pulwasha Anwar, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey

    Ph.D Student, Department of Psychology, Institute of Social Sciences, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey

  • Awais Khalid, University of Narowal New Campus, Narowal, Pakistan.

    Visiting Faculty of Psychology, Department of Allied Subjects, University of Narowal New Campus, Narowal, Pakistan.

  • Fakhira Tahrim, Lahore Garrison University, Lahore, Pakistan.

     Senior Academic Officer, Department of Psychology, Lahore Garrison University, Lahore, Pakistan.

  • Muhammad Faizan, National Grid Company of Pakistan (formerly NTDC), Islamabad, Pakistan.

     Assistant Manager HR & A / Training Lead, Human Resources Department, National Grid Company of Pakistan (formerly NTDC), Islamabad, Pakistan.

  • Salman Qureshi, Trainer in Rehabilitation and Private Organizations, Karachi, Pakistan.

    Research Scholar, Motivational Speaker, Practitioner at CMH, Trainer in Rehabilitation and Private Organizations, Karachi, Pakistan.

  • Shah Jahan Ashraf, Government College Women University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.

     Research Assistant, Government College Women University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.

  • Aurang Zaib Ashraf Shami, CEO (11COACHES), Gulberg-III, Lahore, Pakistan.

     Internationally Accredited NLP Life & Business Coach; CEO (11COACHES), Gulberg-III, Lahore, Pakistan.

  • Asim Ashfaq, GIFT University, Gujranwala, Pakistan.

     BS Scholar of Clinical Psychology, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, GIFT University, Gujranwala, Pakistan.

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Published

2025-06-20

How to Cite

1.
Anwar P, Khalid A, Tahrim F, Faizan M, Qureshi S, Ashraf SJ, et al. FINANCIAL INSECURITY AND PERCEIVED STRESS AMONG UNEMPLOYED GRADUATES IN PAKISTAN: A QUANTITATIVE CORRELATIONAL STUDY. IJHR [Internet]. 2025 Jun. 20 [cited 2025 Aug. 28];3(3 (Health &amp; Rehabilitation):722-8. Available from: https://insightsjhr.com/index.php/home/article/view/976