A Sociological Study of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Females in District Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

This study explores the prevalence and sociological dimensions of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among women in District Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. PTSD, often rooted in experiences of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and emotional neglect, remains under examined in Pakistan’s sociocultural context. Using a quantitative design, data were collected from 120 trauma-affected women through structured questionnaires and analyzed with descriptive statistics. The findings reveal that patriarchal norms, stigma surrounding mental health, and limited educational opportunities significantly contribute to the persistence of PTSD. Moreover, the study highlights that mental health services in Faisalabad are scarce, under-resourced, and often inaccessible due to financial and social constraints. While some women rely on personal coping mechanisms such as religious practices and social withdrawal, formal psychological support remains largely absent. The research underscores the urgent need for gender-sensitive mental health interventions, policy reforms, and awareness campaigns to improve the psychological wellbeing of women in Pakistan.