Beyond the Walls: The Role of Sense of Community and Emotional Regulation in Mental Health

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between sense of community, emotional regulation, and mental health among residents of the Walled City of Lahore. The research highlights the role of community connectedness and emotional regulation in promoting psychological well-being within an urban, culturally rich population. A cross-sectional research design will be used. The sample consisted of 200 young adults aged 24-27 years (100=males, and 100=females), selected through purposive sampling from the Walled City of Lahore. Standardized instruments were used for data collection, including the Sense of Community Index-2 (Chavis et al., 2008), the Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (Gross & John, 2003), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995). Data will be analyzed using SPSS, employing correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, and independent samples t-tests. The study aims to address a significant gap in Pakistan’s mental health research by focusing on an underrepresented community.

Keywords: Sense of community; emotional regulation; mental health; Walled city of Lahore;

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22017063