Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities

Traumatic Events, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Post-Traumatic Growth among University Students in Kabul City

Bezhan Ayubi — 2025-07-31

Although trauma and PTSD are relatively common in Afghanistan, not everyone who is exposed to such events goes on to develop PTSD. In actuality, some people demonstrate resilience and experience positive psychological transformation, a phenomenon known as post-traumatic growth. This research focused on exploring how traumatic experiences and PTSD symptoms are structurally linked to PTG in university students. 250 students participated through the snowball sampling method. The Traumatic Experience Checklist, PCL-5, and PTGI questionnaires, with acceptable reliability, were used to collect the data. The data was analyzed using SPSS-24. The results indicate that most participants went through multiple traumatic events, and more than half (61.2%) of the participants personally experienced a natural disaster, 29.3% were witnesses of traffic accidents, and 33.6% heard about an assault with a weapon. The prevalence of PTSD symptoms was 48.8% and 35.6% of participants reported experiencing moderate to high degrees of PTG. Furthermore, the results showed that traumatic experiences and symptoms of PTSD directly influence and significantly predict PTG. It can be concluded that experience of traumatic events and PTSD may lead to a positive change. These results can guide future research to examine the mechanisms and moderating factors like resilience, social support and ways of coping and that influence this relationship.. Interventions can be designed not only to treat PTSD but also to nurture PTG by incorporating trauma-informed and strength-based approaches.

The Power of Ideas: A Constructivist Reinterpretation of Security in International Relations

Nawid Aria — 2025-07-31

This paper explores the pivotal role of Constructivist theory in redefining both theoretical and practical approaches to international security, addressing critical gaps in traditional security paradigms. In contrast to the realist and Liberal frameworks, which interpret threats as objective and material, this study argues that security is fundamentally a social construct, shaped by collective identities, shared norms, and discursive processes. Through a descriptive-analytical methodology grounded in comprehensive library research, the analysis reveals how security policies and global governance structures are influenced not only by material power but also by normative legitimacy, intersubjective understandings, and cultural contexts. The findings demonstrate that securitization is contingent upon political legitimacy and public consensus, highlighting the central role of language and perception in framing security threats. The study advocates for greater reflexivity and theoretical pluralism within security studies, urging an inclusive approach that incorporates cultural, environmental, and societal dimensions alongside conventional state-centric perspectives. Policy-wise, it emphasizes the need for inclusive multilateral dialogue, mutual recognition among actors, and adaptive governance mechanisms to address evolving security challenges. By reconceptualizing security as a dynamic, socially constructed phenomenon, this research provides a nuanced analytical tool for understanding contemporary international relations. Ultimately, it contributes to more effective strategies for fostering global stability, cooperation, and conflict resolution in an increasingly complex world.

The Impact of Trade Openness on Economic Growth of South Asian Countries

Zubin Khaja Ahmadi — 2025-07-31

This research analyzes how trade openness affects the economic growth of South Asian countries from 1980 to 2023. With annual panel data from eight South Asian countries, the study applies sophisticated econometric methods to analyze both short-term and long-term equilibrium relationships. Some of the key approaches include panel unit root tests (Levin-Lin-Chu, Im-Pesaran-Shin), Pedroni and Kao cointegration tests, Johansen Fisher cointegration approach, and Vector Error Correction Model. Trade openness is defined as the level of total trade (exports + imports) %of GDP, while economic growth is represented by GDP per capita. The analysis shows a positive long-run relationship between trade openness and economic growth within the region, confirming that open trade policies increase productivity and growth via specialization, technology transfer, and market expansion opportunities. VECM results suggest there’s unidirectional causality from trade openness towards economic growth in the long run which means liberal trade policies unconditionally boost economy. These conclusions are consistent regardless of different model specifications and control variables used. By emphasizing preserving open trade boundaries constructs strong evidence for policymakers on why they should sustain developed regions with extensive free-trade agreements. Through this research, policymakers appreciate the need for maintaining open trade regimes and developing complementary strategies like improving infrastructure, lowering trade barriers, and enhancing institutional capacity to fully harness the economic advantages of trade.

AI in Service Industries: Effects on Customer Satisfaction, Mediated by Service Quality, and Moderated by Customer Trust

Azatullah Zaheer — 2025-07-31

This study examined the application of artificial intelligence in service industries and its impact on customer satisfaction, focusing on the mediating role of service quality perception and the moderating effect of customer trust in AI. AI-driven technologies have transformed customer service by improving efficiency, personalization, and responsiveness. However, the extent to which these enhancements translated into higher customer satisfaction depended on perceived service quality and trust in AI systems. Using a structured survey across various service industries, particularly in empathy-driven sectors like healthcare and education, the research employed statistical analysis to evaluate AI’s direct and indirect effects on customer satisfaction. The findings indicated that AI significantly enhanced customer satisfaction, with a , substantial direct effect (β = 0.642, p < 0.001) and an additional indirect effect through service quality perception (indirect effect = 0.286, p < 0.001). Service quality perception acted as a crucial mediator (β = 0.305, p < 0.001), confirming its importance in shaping satisfaction outcomes. While customer trust positively influenced satisfaction (β = 0.267, p < 0.001), its moderating effect on AI-driven service interactions was not statistically significant (p = 0.199). These results show that AI adoption aligns with customer expectations and ethical considerations. Future research is recommended to explore the long-term impact of AI on customer trust and examine its effectiveness across various industries that require higher levels of emotional intelligence in service delivery.

Impact of Capital Structure on Firms Performance: Evidence From Sample Nests Emerging Countries

Ahsanullah Barakzai — 2025-07-31

Making correct and effective decisions on the capital structure by influencing capital costs can play an important role in improving the company's performance and increasing its value. Therefore, companies considering the capital structure important, by using an effective combination of financing sources, seek to achieve their main goals, which is to maximize the value of the company. This study aims to investigate the impact of capital structure on the performance of companies operating in the five sample NEST emerging countries (Poland, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, and Chile) throughout 2010-2019. In this study, a multiple regression model has been used to examine the effects of high financial leverage on company performance. In this paper for defining the capital structure each of the short-term debt (STD) and long-term debt (LTD) indicators and for the operating performance of mentioned companies, each of the indicators of return on asset (ROA), return on equity (ROE), and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) margin have been used. The findings of this study show that the financial leverage and performance of these companies in all sample NEST emerging countries are negatively associated; any increase in the level of debt in the capital structure of these companies causes damage to their operating performance and lowers the value of mentioned firms.

An Empirical Analysis of Trade Openness and Economic Growth in South Asian Countries

Naseerullah Safi — 2025-07-31

This study analyzes the impact of trade openness on economic growth in selected South Asian countries, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, and Pakistan, over the period 2002-2022. Panel data analysis techniques are utilized to investigate the relationship between trade openness and economic growth. Based on the Hausman test result, the fixed-effects model is determined to be the most appropriate one. The empirical analysis of the fixed-effects model reveals that trade openness has a positive and statistically significant effect on GDP, with a one percent increase in trade openness leading to an average increase of 0.87 percent in GDP. Population growth also exhibits a positive and statistically significant impact on GDP, with a one percent increase in population leading to a 0.58 percent increase in GDP. However, the exchange rate has a positive but statistically insignificant impact on GDP, while inflation has a negative but statistically insignificant impact on GDP in the selected South Asian countries. The findings of this paper highlight the potential growth benefits of increased trade openness in South Asian countries. The study recommends policies aimed at reducing trade barriers, improving trade infrastructure, and promoting regional integration to realize these benefits.

From Chalkboards to Cultural Relevance: A Mixed-Methods Study on ELL Support in Post-Conflict Higher Education

Rasool Dad Islam — 2025-07-31

This study investigates the relationship between access to institutional resources and student satisfaction among English Language Learners (ELLs) at the English Language and Literature Department of X University, a post-conflict, resource-constrained higher education setting. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative data from surveys and academic writing tests with qualitative insights from classroom observations, focus groups, and semi-structured interviews. Spearman correlation analyses revealed a weak but statistically significant positive relationship between student satisfaction and access to online learning platforms (ρ = 0.184, p < .05) and language labs (ρ = 0.127, p < .05), while access to library resources (ρ = 0.082, p = .095) and textbooks (ρ = 0.041, p = .412) showed minimal or no significant association. Qualitative findings reinforced these results, with students reporting outdated materials, limited lab availability, frequent power outages, and heavy reliance on lecture-based instruction. The study further found that scaffolded instruction improved student writing scores by 22% (ρ = 0.286, p < .001), and culturally responsive teaching increased engagement by 15%. Despite their effectiveness, these strategies remain underutilized due to a lack of faculty training and institutional support. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive reforms, including investment in infrastructure, professional development in inclusive pedagogy such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT), and curriculum revisions to incorporate local cultural content. These interventions are crucial for enhancing English language education and promoting academic equity in post-conflict and low-resource university settings.

An Analysis of the Relationship Between Facebook Usage and Perceived Cultural and Social Security: A Case Study of Maimana City Residents

Rahimullah Zirak — 2025-07-31

This article examines the relationship between the use of the social network Facebook and the feelings of cultural and social security among its users. Given the increasing prevalence of social networks and their impacts on daily life, this study analyzes how user activities on Facebook affect their feelings of security in cultural and social contexts. This study adopts a quantitative approach and falls under the category of applied and survey-based research. Data were collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire, and sampling was conducted using a convenience and voluntary method among 380 young Facebook users in Maimana, Afghanistan, in 2024. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including multiple regression analysis, were employed to analyze the data. Despite the growing use of social networks, particularly Facebook, in Afghan society, few studies have examined the psychological and social impacts of this platform on users’ feelings of cultural and social security. This study aims to address that gap by focusing on young users in the city of Maimana. The research reveals a significant inverse relationship between Facebook use (in terms of membership duration, usage level, engagement type, and content perception) and users’ feelings of cultural and social security, as these aspects of Facebook use increase, feelings of security decrease. Moreover, the independent variables in the regression model explained 13% of the variance in social security feelings and 15% in cultural security feelings. While the findings offer important insights, the use of a non-random, convenience-based sample limits the generalizability of the results beyond the studied population. Nevertheless, the observed patterns provide a meaningful foundation for understanding social media’s influence on young users in fragile sociocultural environments. Future research employing probability sampling and broader geographic coverage is recommended to validate and extend these findings.

Foreignization and Domestication in Translating Culture-Specific Items: A Case Study of Yusuf Ali’s Surah Al-Baqarah

Sakhi Murad Ghorianfar — 2025-07-31

Translation of culture-specific items (CSIs) has always posed a challenge for translators, as these items are deeply rooted in the culture of the source language. To address this issue, scholars have proposed various translation strategies. This study aimed to achieve two objectives: (1) to explore the translation strategies employed by Yusuf Ali in his English translation of CSIs in Surah Al-Baqarah, based on Venuti’s (1995) theoretical framework of domestication and foreignization, and (2) to categorize the types of CSIs found in the text. The study adopted a qualitative approach, collecting data from the second chapter of the Noble Qur’an. The findings revealed that the translator employed both strategies. Domestication was the most frequently used strategy (67%), whereas foreignization was employed less often (33%). In terms of CSI categories, proper nouns were the most dominant (39.66%), followed by religious activities (25.86%) and material culture (20.69%). The ecology and miscellaneous categories were less common, comprising 3.45% and 10.34%, respectively. The results of this study could be beneficial for both translation students and practitioners in the field, helping them become familiar with the most influential strategies for rendering CSIs.

The Role of Social Capital in Social Happiness: A Case Study of Youth Aged 18-40 in Kabul

Gulabshah Amani — 2025-07-31

Social capital and social happiness are both considered fundamental assets of any society, as these two crucial assets are recognized as drivers of growth and development. Therefore, the primary aim of the present study is to sociologically examine the role of social capital in social happiness among young people aged 18 to 40 in Kabul. This research employs a quantitative method, adopts a descriptive-explanatory approach, and is conducted through a survey. The sample size of the study was determined to be 384 individuals based on the Cochran formula and Morgan table, with participants selected through random and convenience sampling. Data were collected using the standard Oxford University questionnaire for social happiness and the Putnam (1999) questionnaire for social capital, measured on a Likert scale. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 26. The findings indicated that both social happiness and social capital among respondents were below average. Additionally, education, gender, and marital status had a significant relationship with respondents' social happiness, while age and occupation showed no significant difference. Moreover, respondents' social capital, both overall and in its dimensions, had a direct and significant relationship with their social happiness. Regression test results also revealed that social capital alone explained approximately 24% of the variance in social happiness among these young people. The overall conclusion of the study is that social capital significantly determines the social happiness of young people, and therefore, scientific and practical policies need to be implemented to enhance social capital and increase social happiness among the country's youth.