Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities

The Protective Role of Spirituality, Mindfulness, and Hope in Depression: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Afghan University Students

2026-01-31T14:56:52+00:00

Depression is highly prevalent among university students worldwide, yet evidence from Afghanistan is limited. This study examined the protective roles of spirituality, mindfulness, and hope against depression among 450 undergraduate and master’s students from four universities in Kabul during the 2025 academic year. The sample was predominantly young adults, with 43.1% aged 18–22 years and 32.7% aged 23–27 years. Most participants were enrolled in bachelor’s programs (71.8%). Participants completed standardized questionnaires assessing depression, spiritual well-being, mindfulness, and hope. Results showed that higher levels of spirituality and mindfulness were associated with lower depression, whereas hope did not significantly relate to depression. Spirituality emerged as the strongest protective factor. Overall, the model explained 5% of the variance in depression, suggesting that additional contextual factors may also play a role. These findings highlight the importance of culturally embedded psychological resources in supporting mental health in fragile and conflict-affected environments. The study underscores the value of integrating spiritual well-being and mindfulness-based strategies into mental health promotion programs in Afghan higher education. Although causal conclusions cannot be drawn due to the cross-sectional design, these results provide a foundation for future longitudinal research and the development of culturally sensitive interventions aimed at reducing depression among young adults in Afghanistan.

Examining the Relationship Between Organizational Justice and Administrative Staff Performance: A Case Study of Kabul University

2026-01-31T14:57:06+00:00

The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship between organizational justice and employee performance among administrative staff at Kabul University. This research is applied in nature and descriptive-correlational in terms of data collection methodology. The statistical population included all administrative staff of Kabul University, totaling 393 individuals. Using simple random sampling and Morgan’s table, a sample of 196 employees was selected. Standard questionnaires were employed to collect data, including Niehoff & Moorman’s (1993) Organizational Justice Questionnaire and Hersey & Goldsmith’s (1981) Employee Performance Questionnaire. The questionnaire's reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha, yielding a coefficient of 0.80. Several management experts assessed the content validity of both questionnaires. Results of Spearman’s correlation test indicated a positive and significant relationship between organizational justice and employees’ performance t (r = 0.618, p = 0.000). For the first hypothesis, the correlation coefficient of 0.327 and significance level of 0.000 indicated a positive relationship between distributive justice and employee performance. For the second hypothesis, the correlation coefficient of 0.335, with a significance level of 0.000, indicated a moderate positive relationship between procedural justice and employee performance. For the third hypothesis, the correlation coefficient of 0.850 and significance level of 0.000 indicated a strong positive relationship between interactional justice and employee performance. The findings suggest that when organizational justice is appropriately implemented, it increases employees’ job satisfaction and organizational commitment and enhances organizational effectiveness.

The Role of Media Literacy in Academic and Social Use of Facebook among Master’s Students of Social Sciences at Kabul University

2026-01-31T14:57:56+00:00

The rapid enlargement of social networking platforms has significantly influenced how university students communicate, information, and engage in academic and social activities. This study examines how media literacy relates to the effective use of Facebook among master’s students of Social Sciences at Kabul University in 2025. Applying a quantitative definitive-survey approach, data were gathered from 221 master’s students using an organized questionnaire based on media literacy. The instrument's reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha (α = 0.79), and the data were analysed using SPSS version 27. Media literacy was examined across four domains: knowledge of media messages, recognition of hidden purposes, attentive selection of content, and analytical evaluation. The findings show that students demonstrate strong abilities in understanding media messages and in deliberately selecting Facebook contexts, suggesting an active and ambitious pattern of use. In contrast, lower levels were perceived in recognizing hidden motives and critically analysing content, marking ongoing obstacles in recognizing implicit intentions and possible biases within social media messages. Throughout, the results suggest that higher levels of media literacy are connected with more purposeful, reflective, and effective use of Facebook for academic and social purposes within the specific context of student at Kabul University. This research emphasis the importance of integrating media literacy education into Kabul University curricula to support the development of informed, critical, and responsible digital engagement among Kabul University students.

Exploring the Factors Influencing Class Participation Among English Majors at Kabul University

2026-01-31T14:58:23+00:00

This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing classroom participation among English major students at Kabul University, with a focus on identifying psychological, instructional, environmental, material-based, and motivational elements that shape students’ willingness to speak in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes. The study uses a quantitative descriptive survey design, using a structured Likert-scale questionnaire administered to 56 first- and second-year English majors at Kabul University. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean scores and standard deviations. The data was analyzed using SPSS (version 26). The findings indicated that fear of making mistakes and speaking anxiety were the most frequently reported psychological barriers. At the same time, teacher friendliness and encouragement emerged as the strongest instructional facilitators of participation. Overcrowded classrooms and noise were also identified as environmental constraints. Additionally, students reported that the use of visual aids and multimedia increased their engagement and that participation-based grading served as a strong motivational factor. The study concludes that a combination of emotional readiness, teacher behaviors, physical conditions, instructional materials, and assessment practices influences classroom participation. It recommends that teachers adopt supportive feedback strategies, integrate student-centered activities, and incorporate participation into grading policies to build more inclusive and communicative learning environments in Afghanistan’s higher education system.

Exploring Undergraduate English Majors’ Perceptions of the Essential Qualities of a Modern EFL Teacher

2026-01-31T14:56:14+00:00

This study examined undergraduate students’ perceptions of the essential qualities of a modern English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teacher in the English Department of Kabul University. Using a quantitative survey design, data were collected from 136 students to evaluate five dimensions of teacher competence: professional knowledge, instructional planning, classroom management, assessment practices, and professionalism. The findings revealed that classroom management and professionalism were rated as the most important qualities, followed by instructional planning and assessment, while professional knowledge received comparatively lower emphasis. Students placed greater value on teachers’ ability to manage classrooms effectively, engage learners actively, provide constructive feedback, and use instructional strategies and technology than on subject knowledge alone. These results indicate a shift in students’ priorities from traditional, teacher-centered models toward more learner-centered and practice-oriented approaches. However, the study also acknowledges that learner-centered methods may not be equally applicable to all courses or language components, and a balanced integration of teacher-led and student-centered instruction may be necessary in certain contexts. Overall, the study provides empirical, student-based evidence that can inform EFL teacher education programs, professional development initiatives, and institutional policies aimed at improving the quality of English language teaching in Afghan universities.

The Effects of Noise Pollution on the Academic Performance of EFL learners at Kandahar University

2026-01-31T14:57:18+00:00

Noise pollution is regarded as a fundamental aspect during learning and can significantly influence learners’ academic performance; however, limited research has examined its impact on EFL learners and the specific sources of noise within Afghan universities. The study aimed to determine the effects of noise pollution on the academic performance of EFL learners and to identify the key sources contributing to noise pollution at Kandahar University. For this purpose, a quantitative survey design was employed, and the data were collected from EFL learners of the Faculty of Education at Kandahar University using a questionnaire. The target population consisted of 90 students, and 73 were randomly selected as the study sample. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with descriptive statistics. The findings indicate that noise pollution adversely influences the academic performance of EFL learners, and high levels of noise negatively interfere with critical academic tasks such as reading, learning, studying, concentration, and exam performance. The findings also indicate that the majority of respondents were neutral toward the sources of noise. Only the transportation of unregulated vehicles within the university was identified as a contributing source of noise pollution, while sources such as cleaning activities, fan spinning, security alarms, musical programs, and cultural events were not determined to be disruptive noise sources. To better understand the effects of noise and its contributing sources, the research highlights the need to include teachers’ perspectives and to investigate the health impacts of noise pollution on students.

Household Education Expenditure in Afghanistan: The Role of Socioeconomic Factors

2026-01-31T14:57:31+00:00

Educational development is central to the social, economic, and political sustainability of nations. In Afghanistan, the education sector has faced persistent challenges and interruptions over the past century, producing significant consequences for both the country and the wider region. Despite the importance of household education expenditure in shaping educational outcomes, limited research has examined the broader socioeconomic determinants of such spending in Afghanistan. Existing studies have largely emphasized financial and demographic characteristics, leaving social and geographic factors underexplored.This study aims to investigates the determinants of household education expenditure in Afghanistan, focusing on the role of socioeconomic, geographic, and social factors. Using high-frequency household survey data from all provinces and applying logistic regression, the research identifies key drivers of the likelihood of household spending on education.Results reveal a nonlinear relationship between income and the probability of education expenditure, with the likelihood rising with income up to a threshold, then declining among the highest-income households. Asset ownership generally increases the odds of spending on education. Among expenditure categories, food, personal, and internet-related spending increase the likelihood of education expenditure, while transport expenditure reduces it. Regional disparities in education spending are high, and the type of dwelling, whether single, shared, or temporary housing, emerges as an important factor in explaining variation in household decisions. The findings highlight the need for targeted policy interventions to reduce regional inequalities and strengthen household investment in education. By emphasizing the influence of social and geographic factors alongside economic ones, this study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of education expenditure in Afghanistan’s complex socioeconomic context.

Impact of Television Content on the Cultural Perspectives of Youth in Afghanistan: A Case Study, Jalalabad City

2026-01-31T14:56:00+00:00

This study examines the perceived influence of television content on the cultural perspectives of youth in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. Television remains a key medium shaping cultural awareness and social values, particularly in a context where media expansion intersects with strong cultural and religious sensitivities. The study aimed to examine television watching habits and assess perceived positive and negative cultural influences. A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. The target population consisted of youth residing in Jalalabad City, and a sample of 385 participants was determined using Cochran’s formula. Data were collected using a researcher-developed structured questionnaire through convenience sampling, resulting in a male-only and relatively educated sample. Reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s Alpha (positive impact = 0.763; negative impact = 0.870). Data were analyzed using SPSS 27. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed a weak but significant negative association between television watching time and perceived positive cultural influence (ρ = −0.186, p < .01), while no significant association was found with perceived negative influence. Kruskal–Wallis test results indicated that perceived positive effects slightly increased with age, whereas perceived negative effects showed minimal variation across age groups, with no significant differences across education levels. Overall, the findings suggest that television content is generally perceived as positively associated with youth cultural awareness and values, while perceived negative influences remain limited. However, the cross-sectional design, male-only sample, and non-probability sampling limit the generalizability of the findings.

Analyzing the Impact of Ethical Sales Behavior on Customer Satisfaction: Study of Afghanistan’s Passengers Transport Industry

2026-01-31T14:59:00+00:00

This study investigates the impact of ethical sales behavior on customer satisfaction within the interprovincial transport sector of Afghanistan, addressing a notable gap in the literature on service quality and customer outcomes in high-contact service environments. Drawing on prior research that highlights the role of ethical sales in building trust and aligning customer expectations with actual service performance, the study hypothesizes that ethical sales behavior positively influences customer satisfaction. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to passengers of three major transport companies in Kabul, yielding 338 valid responses. Descriptive statistics, reliability and validity tests, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were conducted using SPSS and Amos. The results indicate a weak positive direct effect of ethical sales behavior on customer satisfaction, suggesting that its influence operates indirectly through mediating variables. Qualitative feedback further revealed operational challenges, including misinformation about schedules and pricing, which affect passenger satisfaction. These findings underscore the complexity of customer satisfaction in transport services and highlight the importance of combining ethical sales practices with improvements in core service delivery. The study contributes to understanding ethical sales behavior in under-researched service contexts and provides practical recommendations to enhance service quality and customer relations in Afghanistan’s transport industry.

Examining the Impact of Social Media on Improving the Quality of Higher Education: A Case Study of Faryab University

2026-01-31T14:58:10+00:00

This study examines the impact of social media use on the quality of learning at Faryab University. Given the remarkable growth in social media use in recent years, this research seeks to analyze the extent and types of social media use by lecturers and students in academic activities, as well as their roles in enhancing the quality of higher education. The research method is descriptive–analytical, and the data collection tool was a researcher-designed questionnaire distributed among 132 lecturers and 346 students. Data were analyzed using SPSS and statistical tests such as the one-sample t-test, ANOVA, and effect size (Cohen’s d). The findings revealed that both lecturers and students held a positive, significant attitude toward the use of social media to improve the quality of education. The t-test results indicated that the mean responses were significantly higher than the theoretical value of 3, and the effect sizes for most items were large and strong. Moreover, significant differences were observed in attitudes across academic disciplines regarding certain statements. Overall, the results suggest that social media can be used as a complementary tool in the teaching and learning process, effectively enhancing educational interaction, resource access, and collaborative learning.

Forecasting Gold Price Volatility Using Econometric and Machine-Learning Models

2026-01-31T14:56:26+00:00

This paper presents a critical comparative analysis of classic econometric models and current machine-learning methods for predicting the daily volatility of the gold price. As a safe-haven asset used globally, Gold exhibits significant nonlinear dynamics, structural breaks, and consistent volatility clustering, making it difficult to predict accurately, which is necessary for both investors and policymakers. Interestingly, even with much research, there are still many gaps in long-horizon datasets, integrated comparative frameworks, and out-of-sample assessment of econometric and machine-learning models. To seal these gaps, this research uses daily XAU/USD data from 2010-2024 and analyzes the forecasting results of ARIMA, GARCH(1,1), and data mining (Random Forest and XGBoost) models. The analysis is performed using a Python-based empirical framework that includes data preprocessing, feature engineering, diagnostics for stationarity and heteroskedasticity, and performance evaluation using MAE, RMSE, MAPE, and R2. The results indicate that the leptokurtic and stationary characteristics of gold returns, along with high volatility concentration, limit the predictive power of linear econometric models. Machine-learning models significantly outperform ARIMA and GARCH, with the XGBoost model providing the best results across all measures of accuracy. These findings underscore the advantages of nonlinear, data-driven models for volatility regime changes and have beneficial implications for traders, portfolio managers, and agencies of financial stability seeking more dependable volatility forecasting instruments.

Analyzing China’s Security Policy in East Asia within the Framework of Offensive Realism (2013–2025)

2026-01-31T14:57:44+00:00

China’s security policy has become a central theme in contemporary debates on International Relations and regional order in East Asia. Despite the extensive literature on China’s foreign policy, a significant research gap remains in explaining its security behavior through the lens of offensive realism. This study analyzes China’s evolving security policy in East Asia from 2013 to 2025, drawing on the theoretical foundations of offensive realism. Using a descriptive–analytical approach and relying on documentary sources, the research examines key components of China’s strategic transformation — including the Comprehensive National Security Doctrine (2014), the reform and modernization of the People’s Liberation Army, the centralization of political authority under Xi Jinping, and the growing link between security and geo-economics through the Belt and Road Initiative. The findings indicate that China has shifted from a defensive posture to a proactive, power-oriented strategy, seeking regional hegemony and redefining East Asia’s security order in its own favor. Moreover, China’s growing power has intensified regional security dilemmas and strategic competition with neighboring states and the United States. The study concludes that China’s contemporary security strategy represents a structural transition from defensive deterrence to offensive structural deterrence, signaling a long-term move toward a competitive and fragmented regional order in East Asia.

Analysis of the Impact of the HDI on GDP in Afghanistan (2000- 2022)

2026-01-31T14:58:36+00:00

This study explores the impact of the Human Development Index (HDI) on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Afghanistan over the period 2000–2022. The topic addresses how improvements in human development—particularly in education, health, and living standards—affect the nation’s economic performance. The main goals of the research are to examine the overall effect of HDI on GDP and to analyze the relationships between GDP and other key factors, including total population, unemployment rate, and mean years of schooling. Annual time-series data were obtained from the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with HDI data specifically collected from the official UNDP Human Development Reports. Using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, the study investigates both short-run and long-run interactions among the variables. The findings reveal that HDI has a significant and positive impact on GDP, suggesting that improvements in human development substantially enhance economic productivity. Furthermore, population growth and higher education levels positively affect GDP, while unemployment negatively affects it. The results confirm a stable long-run equilibrium relationship among the variables under study. In conclusion, the research emphasizes that human development is not merely an outcome of economic growth but also a critical driver of it. The study recommends that Afghan policymakers prioritize strengthening education, healthcare, and employment generation as strategic goals to promote sustainable, inclusive economic development.

Panel Data Analysis of International Trade and Its Influence on Economic Growth in Selected South Asian Countries

2026-01-31T14:59:14+00:00

This research investigates the Influence of International Trade on economic growth in selected South Asian Countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan (2002–2020). The study considers total trade, the exchange rate, and population as explanatory variables, while GDP serves as the dependent variable. To analyze the data, panel data methods, including Pooled Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Fixed Effects, Random Effects, and the Hausman test, were employed. The Hausman test indicates that the Fixed Effects model is the most appropriate for the data. Empirical findings demonstrate that both trade openness and population positively and significantly influence economic growth, whereas the exchange rate negatively affects growth. Given these findings, the study recommends that governments of the selected countries prioritize export-oriented strategies to stimulate growth. Furthermore, establishing free trade zones to enhance regional trade and implementing policies to manage and stabilize the real exchange rate are advised. These measures are expected to reinforce economic performance both at the country level and across the South Asian region. Additionally, this study contributes to the existing literature by providing updated empirical evidence from four strategically important South Asian economies using a comprehensive panel data framework. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, development institutions, and economic planners seeking to design effective trade and macroeconomic policies. By identifying the relative roles of trade, population, and exchange rate dynamics, the study enhances understanding of the mechanisms through which international integration influences growth in developing economies. The results emphasize that sustained economic development in South Asia depends not only on expanding trade volumes but also on maintaining macroeconomic stability and strengthening institutional capacity.

A Systematic Literature Review on Supply Chain Risk Management

2026-01-31T14:58:48+00:00

Supply chain risk management (SCRM) has become a critical and strategic component of organizational operations, particularly for manufacturing firms that aim to ensure operational continuity and deliver high-quality products to meet customer demands. Supply chain risks have become much more serious because of rising uncertainty, global disruptions, and structural complexity. This shows how important it is to have effective and evidence-based risk management solutions. The objective of this study is to systematically review and synthesize the existing literature on supply chain risk management, with a particular focus on risk identification, mitigation, and management strategies within manufacturing supply chains. This study adopts a systematic literature review methodology conducted in accordance with established review protocols. A structured search strategy was applied using relevant keywords and Boolean operators across major academic databases. Peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2011 and June 2025 were screened and analyzed to identify dominant themes, theoretical foundations, and practical approaches to SCRM. The findings indicate that supply chain risks are inherently dynamic and context-dependent, making contingency theory a particularly relevant theoretical lens for understanding and managing these risks. Additionally, to receive support, feedback, and training, companies are encouraged to join the Supply Chain Council and utilize the provided models. By obtaining this council membership, company managers can enhance organizational resilience by adopting appropriate risk management strategies.

Inflation in Afghanistan: The Role of Exchange Rates and Imports

2026-01-31T14:56:39+00:00

This study empirically investigates the extent to which exchange-rate fluctuations and import dynamics shape inflation in Afghanistan over 2000–2024, using annual macroeconomic indicators from the World Bank, Afghanistan National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). While conventional exchange-rate pass-through (ERPT) theory predicts that currency depreciation should exert intense inflationary pressure in small, import-dependent economies, Afghanistan’s structural and institutional characteristics substantially weaken this mechanism. Applying descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, the analysis finds no statistically significant impact of either the official exchange rate or import values on consumer price inflation. This reflects Afghanistan’s distinctive economic environment, characterized by pervasive dollarization, donor-driven foreign-exchange buffering, administrative price controls, and extensive informal trade—particularly hawala and sarafi networks—operating through parallel exchange rates and segmented markets. Such factors attenuate the transmission of external price shocks, resulting in muted ERPT. The findings indicate that inflation is driven predominantly by internal supply-side rigidities, market inefficiencies, and institutional frictions. Policy implications emphasize formalizing trade channels, strengthening domestic production, enhancing market integration, and strengthening coordinated policy efforts to achieve sustained price stability.