PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS ASSOCIATED WITH FORCED MARRIAGE AND LOSS OF AUTONOMY AMONG WOMEN IN PAKISTAN
Keywords:
Forced Marriage, Loss of Autonomy, Psychological Distress, WomenAbstract
The present study intends to find out the relationship between forced marriage, loss of autonomy and psychological distress in women. This study utilized a cross-sectional research design, and participants were recruited through a purposive sampling technique. Sample of 200 women were taken from different areas of Faisalabad. Age range was 22-65. Results showed significant positive relationship between forced marriage, loss of autonomy and psychological distress in women. The findings indicate that women who experience higher levels of forced marriage are more likely to report greater loss of personal autonomy and higher psychological distress. Furthermore, as loss of autonomy increases, psychological distress also increases, suggesting that reduced personal control is associated with poorer psychological well-being among women. Results showed that forced marriage significantly predicted psychological distress. Results also revealed that loss of autonomy emerged as significant predictor of psychological distress. Results showed that women in joint family system shows a significantly lesser level of autonomy with respect to decision making in family affairs, psychological distress, and more positive attitudes towards forced marriage as compared to women in nuclear family system. Forced marriage and lack of autonomy are shown in the study to have a significant impact on women's psychological distress, which suggests that there is a need for both legal and social protective measures. It recommends to enhance women autonomy and awareness programs especially in joint family system for gender equality and mental health.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Hira Waheed, Ms. Raumish Masud Khan, Syed Saddam Hussain Shah (Author)
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