Degree

BS (Social Sciences & Liberal Arts)

Faculty / School

School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS)

Department

Department of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts

Date of Award

Spring 2025

Date of Submission

2025-07-29

Advisor

Zenab Tariq

Committee

Dr. Sahar Nadeem Hamid

Project Type

SSLA Culminating Experience

Access Type

Restricted Access

Keywords

Effort-driven rewards, stress, happiness, students, mental well-being

Abstract

This study explored the interdisciplinary intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and education to examine the impact of creative hands-on activities on stress and happiness among Pakistani undergraduate students between the ages of 18 and 25 years. In response to increasing academic pressure and limited institutional support, the study tested whether creative, hands-on interventions – proven effective in other contexts – could reduce stress and enhance happiness in this population. Thirteen participants, divided into experimental and control groups, took part in two trials involving pre- and post-trial assessments using the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) and the Authentic Happiness Inventory (AHI), followed by in-depth interviews with six participants. Results indicated a negative correlation between stress and happiness, but no statistically significant difference was found in these variables between groups or gender. However, qualitative data collected indicates a pattern supporting the hypotheses, alongside identifying additional factors that had a positive impact. The study offers a foundation for future research on culturally relevant stress interventions in Pakistan, with implications for enhancing student mental health and well-being. Limitations, directions for future research, and practical implications are discussed.

Pages

106

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