JAPSY is an open access journal that publishes peer-reviewed research and reviews in psychology. It is hosted by CARI Journals, with ISSN: 2791-3244 (Online) and DOI: 10.47941/japsy. The journal covers various topics in psychology, such as clinical, cognitive, developmental, educational, health, personality, and social psychology. Authors who publish in JAPSY benefit from the high visibility, promotion, impact, citation, and recognition of their articles. They also keep the copyrights of their articles, and can share and distribute them freely. The journal is indexed in several databases, such as Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, Slicit, Crossref and others. The journal publishes monthly, and provides certificates and pdf copies to the authors. Authors can also order hardcopy prints on demand. Publishing in JAPSY is a great opportunity for authors who want to advance psychology as a science and a profession.
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Sleep Disturbance and Aggressive Behaviour among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Moderating Role of Emotion Regulation
Purpose: This study examines the relationship between sleep disturbance and aggressive behaviour among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Pakistan, focusing on the moderating role of emotion regulation. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional correlational design was employed using purposive sampling to recruit 260 children with ASD through their caregivers from autism centers, rehabilitation clinics, and special education institutions in Pakistan. Standardized instruments were used, including the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), the Institute for Basic Research–Modified Overt Aggression Scale (IBR-MOAS), and the Emotion Regulation Checklist (ERC). Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 27 and Hayes’ PROCESS Macro Version 4.2 (Model 1). Pearson correlation analysis and moderation analysis were conducted to examine the hypothesized relationships among study variables. Findings: Results revealed that sleep disturbance was significantly and positively associated with aggressive behaviour, while sleep disturbance was significantly and negatively associated with emotion regulation. Emotion regulation also demonstrated a significant negative relationship with aggressive behaviour. Moderation analysis indicated that emotion regulation significantly weakened the positive relationship between sleep disturbance and aggressive behaviour. Specifically, the association between sleep disturbance and aggression was stronger among children with lower levels of emotion regulation and weaker among those with higher levels of emotion regulation, supporting the buffering role of emotion regulation. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy, and Practice: This study extends Gross's Process Model of Emotion Regulation (1998) by demonstrating that Emotion regulation buffers the association between sleep disturbances and aggressive behaviour among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The findings underscore the importance of integrating emotion regulation training with sleep management interventions in clinical, educational, and family settings. These results support the development of policies and interventions aimed at enhancing emotion regulation and psychological well-being among children with ASD in Pakistan.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aymen Zahid, Raeesa Ejaz, Shah Jahan Ashraf, Summia Naveed, Saima Ashraf, Syed Tariq Shah, Syeda Farhat ul Ain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Psychosocial Impacts of Natural Disasters on Families and the Role of Churches in Building Resilience in Chikwawa District, Malawi: A Qualitative Needs Assessment
Purpose: To explore the psychosocial impacts of recurrent natural disasters on families in Chikwawa District, examine the role of churches in providing psychosocial support, and identify barriers and enablers of family resilience. Methodology: A qualitative, participatory needs assessment was conducted with 52 participants representing affected families, community leaders, pastors, hospital workers, and disaster recovery personnel. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and field notes, which were analysed thematically through the lens of Walsh’s Family Resilience Framework, the Social Ecological Model, and trauma-informed care. Findings: Families reported pervasive emotional distress, trauma, hopelessness, and loss of livelihood, with children, people with disabilities, and single-parent households disproportionately affected. Churches emerged as the most trusted support structures, providing spiritual and social support, but were constrained by low mental health literacy, a lack of referral pathways, and scarce resources. Consensus was reached on six core themes, including the need for integrated spiritual and psychosocial interventions. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study provides localised empirical evidence from Malawi demonstrating that practical integration of mental health and psychosocial support into disaster risk reduction is both feasible and urgent. Expands existing literature by conceptualising churches not merely as informal, temporary emergency shelters, but as permanent, resilient structures capable of sustained formal partnership.
Copyright (c) 2026 Bryce Joyex Maigwa, Proffesor Edwin Zulu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0