Dr. Neelam Ehsan
PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY/HEC APPROVED SUPERVISOR
Department of Clinical Psychology.
Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad.
PROFILE SUMMARY
Dr. Neelam Ehsan is presently working as Professor of Psychology in the Department of Clinical Psychology, Shifa Tameer-e- Millat since June 2022. Her professional career started in 2006 as In charge/ child psychologist at PAF Base Minhas Montessori, Kamra Cantt. From the year 2010-2017, she has served as a lecturer/permanent faculty member (BPS) in Psychology Department, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University (SBBWU). Subsequently, she was appointed as Assistant Professor in Psychology Department of International Islamic University, Islamabad from July 2017 where she served till June 2022. From June 2022 to February to January 2025 she has served as Associate Professor in the department of Clinical Psychology.
She has completed her M.Sc. in Psychology with distinction from Psychology Department, University of Peshawar and Ph.D. on “Psychological Impact of Terrorism on Internally Displaced Women” from Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar. As a cross faculty member, she has received several trainings in Diagnosis and Psychological Assessments and Family and couple therapy from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA under the MOU between Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Peshawar (SBBWU) and Southern Methodist University (SMU) Dallas, Texas, USA. She completed her Ph.D. in April 2016 and immediately after that, was appointed as the Head of Psychology Department, SBBWU Peshawar. She has successfully supervised and is supervising numerous M Phil, MS and Ph.D. Scholars for the theses in the field of Social Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Psychological testing & Measurement and Islamic Perspectives in Psychology. She is author of various national and international publications in the field of psychology.
QUALIFICATION
| MPhil leading to Ph.D. | Psychology | Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar | 2016 |
| M.Sc. | Psychology | Dept of Psychology, Peshawar University | 2005 |
| BA | Psychology | Jinnah College for Women, Peshawar | 1997 |
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
| Associate Professor | Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University | Since 2025 |
| Associate Professor | Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University | 2022 – 2025 |
| Assistant Professor | International Islamic University Islamabad | 2017 – 2022 |
| Lecturer & Assistant Professor | Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar | 2010 – 2017 |
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
| In charge/Child Psychologist | Base Montessori, PAF Base Kamra Cantt | 2006 – 2008 |
MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE
| HoD | Department of Psychology, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar | 2016 – 2017 |
MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES
| Member | BOS Swabi University |
| Member | University of Poonch, Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir |
| Member | Department of Clinical Psychology, Bahria Iniversity, Islamabad |
| External Examiner | Psychology department, IIUI |
| External Examiner | Psychology Department, University of Peshawar |
| External Examiner | Psychology Department, University of Peshawar |
| External Examiner | Riphah International University, Islamabad |
| External Examiner | Riphah International University, Islamabad |
| External Examiner | NUMS, Rawalpindi |
| Internal Examiner | Shifa College of Nursing |
| External Member | Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology |
| Reviewer of Editorial board | Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology |
| External Member | Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research and, Practice and Policy |
| Reviewer of Editorial board | Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research and, Practice and Policy |
HONORS & AWARDS
| 1. | Certificate of Merit, 2005 (1st Place; MSc Psychology), Dept of Psychology, Peshawar University. |
| 2. | SBBWU Best Department award (2016-17) being head of department in appreciation for the performance of the department based on five broad categories including QEC, teaching, research finance and facilities and social integration/community building |
RESEARCH AREAS / INTERESTS
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychological testing and measurement
- Social Psychology
- Islamic perspectives in Psychology
- Research methods in Psychology
- Personality psychology
- Psychodiagnosis
COMMUNITY WELFARE PROJECTS
| 1. | Formal Assessment of De-radicalization centre in Khyber Agency, FATA, KPK. In 2016, upon the request of IG FC, A team was formulated under the headship of Dr. Neelam Ehsan to formally assess the de-radicalization process in one of the deradicalization centre in Khyber agency KPK. The process was carried out by making several visits to the centre and carefully observing the standard operating procedures while pointing out the shortcomings and flaws in the system. A formal report was then submitted to the authorities under the guidance of VC, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University |
| 2. | Psychological Assessment/Treatment of Afghan refugees in transit In the year 2023, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Tahir Khaily, A team was formulated to assess mental health status of Afghan refugees comprising of mostly women and children who were in transit awaiting their ultimate settlement and temporarily residing in safe houses in Islamabad region. As part of the team member, Dr. Neelam Ehsan actively participated in formal mental health assessment by using valid and reliable techniques to identify and pinpoint mental health issues which were then followed by individualized treatment sessions with the targeted population. |
RESEARCH SUPERVISION
| 1. | PhD | Drug-related self-esteem. Locus of control, perceived social support and personality traits: Efficacy of Motivation Enhancement therapy on substance users. |
| 2. | PhD | Cyber-bullying and suicidal Ideation: The effectiveness of Traditional Islamically Integrated Psychotherapy |
| 3. | MS | Avoidant Restrictive food intake disorder and Malnutrition among Irritable bowel syndrome patients: Moderating role of coping strategies |
| 4. | MS | Relationship of Financial well-being with psychological distress and hopelessness among Pakistani Population |
| 5. | MS | Body dissatisfaction and disturbed eating attitudes among Pakistani and Australian university students: The moderating role of socio-cultural attitudes towards appearanc |
| 6. | MS | Relationship of financial well-being with psychological distress and hopelessness among Pakistani population. |
| 7. | MS | Academic motivation and Academic achievement among secondary school children: Moderating role of child-parent relationship. |
| 8. | MS | A comparative study of shyness and self-worth among visually impaired and normal vision individuals: moderating role of self-efficacy. |
| 9. | MS | Parental bonding and self-regulation among college students: mediating role of interpersonal solidarity. |
| 10. | MS | Impulsivity and time management in university students: moderating role of emotional intelligence and mediating role of multitasking preference. |
| 11. | MS | Psychological capital, occupational stress and work-engagement among health professionals: Moderating role of Effort-reward Imbalance. |
| 12. | MS | Relationship of Fear of Fetal Gender with Antenatal Anxiety and Bipolar symptoms among pregnant women. |
| 13. | MS | Relationship of Social Isolation, Illness Perception with Post Traumatic Growth and Psychological Distress: Moderating Role of Social Support among Corona Affected Individuals. |
| 14. | MS | Relationship of Gender Role Attiudes, Autonomy and Feminism Women’s Movement (FWM) among Adults. |
| 15. | MS | Meta-cognitive learning strategy, personality traits and grit among second language learners. |
| 16. | MS | Mindfulness, Social Support, Hope and Ego-resiliency in adherence to treatment among young cancer patients. |
| 17. | MS | Hopelessness, Depression and Self Harm among Prisoners. |
| 18. | MS | Impact of positive and negative emotionality on psychological distress among police employees: moderating role of resilience. |
| 19. | MS | Relationship between Social Media Usage, social comparison, and life satisfaction: moderating role of emotional intelligence. |
| 20. | MS | Relationship of Workplace stress, Job satisfaction and Turnover Intention among nurses: Moderating role of Emotion Regulation. |
| 21. | MS | Neuroticism: A Predictor of Procrastinating Behavior with moderating role of Mindfulness and Self-Regulation among Young Adults. |
| 22. | MS | Moderating role of Resilience and Social support between Body image and Psychological Well-being among Transgenders. |
| 23. | MS | Parental stress and psychological wellbeing in mothers of children with disabilities: moderating role of resilience and coping styles. |
| 24. | MS | Psychosocial predictors of substance use in young adults. |
| 25. | MS | Job Satisfaction versus Burnout: An In Depth Analysis of its Relationship with Depression among Employees of different Academic settings in Peshawar. |
| 26. | MS | Relationship between posttraumatic growth and psychological distress among dialysis dependent patients in Mardan and Peshawar. |
| 27. | MS | Relationship of Self-Compassion with Altruism and Optimism in Adolescents and Young Adults in Peshawar |
| 28. | MS | Relationship between fear of missing out with depression Anxiety and Stress among Working Adults: Mediating role Problematic Smart phone Usage |
| 29. | MS | Art for Pain: Unvelling the Effects of Art Therapy Intervention for Pain Anxiety and Musculoskeletal Pain |
| 30. | MS | Impact of Parental Discipline strategies on Parental Attachment and Self-esteem among Young Adults |
| 31. | MS | The Relationship between cognitive flexibility and Spirituality Among Day Scholar University Students: The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem |
JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS
| 1. | Ehsan, N. & Riaz, M. (2016). Positive and negative aftermath of the trauma: An overview of the relationship. FWU journal of social sciences, 10(1)31-38. |
| 2. | Ehsan, N. Johar, N., & Zafar, F. (2017). The Moderating role of Religiosity among people suffering from Depression. Pakistan Armed Forces Medical Journal 2017; 67 (5): 853-59. |
| 3. | Ehsan, N., Nauman, H., & Tahir, H. (2017). Parental Acceptance-Rejection, Self Esteem and Self-Control among Street Children. FWU journal of social sciences, 11(2), 149-159. |
| 4. | Ehsan, N., Johar, N., & Khan, M.A. (2018). Effect of age, gender and family type on Care-giving – A cross sectional study on caregivers of schizophrenia patients. Pakistan Journal of Physiology; 14(2), 38-40. |
| 5. | Khurshid, M., Ehsan, N., Abbasi, N.H., Maqsood, A., & Gul, S. (2018). Breast cancer patients: An overview of the relationship between meaning of life and life satisfaction. Pakistan Armed Forces Medical Journal2018; 68(2):374-378. |
| 6. | Ehsan N, Johar N, Saleem T, Khan MA, Ghauri S. (2018). Negative repercussions of caregiving burden: Poor psychological well-being and depression. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences.2018;34(6): 1452-1456.doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.346.15915. |
| 7. | Ehsan, N., Khurshid, M., Abbasi, N.H., Fazaldad, G., Gul, S., & Mushtaq, R. (2018). Interfamilial problems and marital dissatisfaction among fertile and infertile couples. Pakistan journal of physiology, 14(4): 44-6 |
| 8. | Ehsan, N., Riaz, M., & Khalily, T. (2019). Trauma of terror and displacement: A narrative analysis of mental health of women IDPS in KPK (Pakistan). Peace and conflict: A journal of peace psychology; 25(2);140-2. doi.org/10.1037/pac0000369 |
| 9. | Johar, N., Ehsan, N., & Khan, M.A. (2019). Association of emotional intelligence with academic performance of medical students. Pakistan Armed Forces Medical Journal, 69(3): 455-459. |
| 10. | Ehsan, N., Johar, N., & Khan, M.A. (2019). Effect of age and gender on emotional intelligence in medical students. Pakistan journal of physiology, 15(2): 22-4. |
| 11. | Khurshid, M., Ehsan, N. Ahsan, A., & Fazaldad, G. (2020). Marital and Psychological Adjustment among Working and non-Working women with Cardiac Ailments. Pak Armed Forces Medical Journal 70 (1): 257-61. |
| 12. | Ehsan, N., Khan, A., & Shahid, A.K. (2021). Relationship of post traumatic growth psychological distress and quality of life among renal faliure patients. Pak Armed Forces Medical Journal, 71(1):18-23. https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v71i1.5781 |
| 13. | Ehsan, N., Hassan, B. Saleem, T., & Iqbal, N. (2021). Development and validation of Risk Assessment Tool for Extremism. Peace and Conflict: A Journal of Peace Psychology,27(2), 240-255. https://doi.org/10.1037/pac0000565 |
| 14. | Khan A., Khan, R. A., Ehsan, N., Khan, M.N., & Khan, A. (2020). Understanding the relationship of social media use with social comparison, life satisfaction and emotional intelligence among young adults. Elementry Education Online, 19(3), 2964-2974. doi: 10.17051/ilkonline.2020.03.735460 |
| 15. | Mazhar, S., Loona, M.I., Ehsan, N., & Hassan, A. (2021). Need Satisfaction and Mental Well Being among Working and Non-working University Students in Pakistan: A Gender Perspective ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 22(4), 1-10. |
| 16. | Iqbal, N. Hassan, B., Jadoon, S., & Ehsan, N. (2021). Association of School Engagement, Well-being, Resilience and Growth mindset among Adolescents in High School. Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, Vol. 36 (4), 631-644. |
| 17. | Hayat, F., Ehsan, N., Khan, A., & Shahid, A. K. (2021). Role of Emotion Regulation as a Buffer against Workplace Stress among Nurses during Covid-19. Journal of Professional & Applied Psychology, 2 (2), 206-217. |
| 18. | Khurshid, M., Ehsan, N., Loona, M. I., & Waqar, S. (2022). Perceived Stress and Psychological Adjustment among Fathers and Mothers of Physically Handicapped Girls. The Rehabilition Journal, Vol 06 (02). |
| 19. | Siraj, M., Hassan, B., Fazaldad, G., Iqbal, N. & Ehsan, N. (2022). Basic Human Values, Right-Wing Authoritarianism and Psychological-Well-Being among University Students. Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, vol 37(3),489-503. |
| 20. | Bibi, R., Ehsan, N., & Mushtaq, R. (2022). Meta-Cognitive learning strategy, Personality traits and Grit among Second language learners. Human Nature Journal of Social Sciences, vol.3(4), 353-364 |
| 21. | Gul, H., Ehsan, N., Iqbal, N., Hassan, B. (2023).Illness Perception, Social Isolation, Psychological Distress and Post Traumatic Growth in the aftermath of Covid-19. Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, Vol. 38(2), 309-327. |
| 22. | Balouch, D., Mushtaq, M., Ehsan, N., & Gul, S. (2023). Motivation to Play and Lonelinessamong University Students: Moderating Role of Online Gaming Addiction. Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research, Vol. 38(3), 447-465. |
| 23. | Yasmeen, S., Ehsan, N.,& Hassan, A.(2023). Translation, Adaptation, Cross- Language Validation and Psychometric Properties of Drug-Related Locus of Control Scale (DRLOC). Bulletin of Business and Economics (BBE), 12(2), 212- 219.https://www.bbejournal.com/index.php/BBE/article/view/476 |
| 24. | Hallahan, B., Khaily, M.T., Hussain, B., Irfan, S., Ehsan, N., Saghir, M., Zainab, S.A., Khan, S.H., Akhtar, T.,& Abbas, M. (2023). Indigenously Adapted Community Reinforcement Approach(IA-CRA) for Cannabis Users. A Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-023- 01189-6 |
| 25. | Jabeen, S., & Ehsan, N. (2023). Horrors of Cyber-Bullying: A Qualitative Study of Victims of Cyber bullied Adolescents of Pakistan. Journal of Professional and Applied Psychology, 4 (2), 288-294. |
| 26. | Ambreen, A., Ehsan, N., Hassan, B. & Mushtaq, R. (2024). Evaluating the impact of positive and negative emotionality on psychological distress among police employees. Foundation University Journal of Psychology, vol 8(1). DOI:https://doi.org/10.33897/fujp.v8il.529. |
| 27. | Khan, U., Shoukat, A., Iqbal, S.,& Ehsan, N., (2024).Percieved Inter-parental conflict, Interpersonal functioning and self-esteem in young adults. (2024). The International Journal of Learner Diversity and Identities. vol 31(1). http://ijldi-cgrn.com/ |
| 28. | Yasmeen, S., Ashfaq, Z., Hassan, B., Ehsan, N., Azeen, A., & Rahman, T. (2024). Drugrelated Self Esteem Scale (DRSES) Development, Validation and Psychometric properties: Feel your post Addiction Life. Remitances Review, 9(1), 891-920. DOI: https//doi.org/10.33182/rr.vx9il.19 |
| 29. | Khalily, M.T.,Khurram, F., Ali, A.Z., Aymen, M., Ishfaq, W., Saleem, T. & Ehsan, N. (2024). Bridging Perspectives: Integrating Contemporary and Islamic Psychology in University Curricula. In press |
CONFERENCE/WORKSHOPS/ SEMINARS/ TRAININGS
| 1. | Attended workshop on Narrative Exposure Therapy on 12 August 2024 at PRC STMU |
| 2. | Presented a Paper titled “Comprehensive Assessment and Intervention Strategies for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A case-study of an Eight year old Girl”, by Maia Rafique and Neelam Ehsan in The Global Conference on Psychopathology & Rehabilitation, 26 June 2024. |
| 3. | Attended workshop on Personality Theories at a Glance on 24th July 2024 at PRC STMU |
| 4. | Attended workshop on Communicating DSM Diagnosis on 10th July 2024 at PRC STMU |
| 5. | Carried out a one day workshop on as a resource person in Rorschach Inkblot Test at DCP, STMU on 25th September 2023 at PRC, STMU. |
| 6. | Workshop conducted as a Resource person on “Integrated Systemic Couples Therapy for Depression” on 12th July 2024 at PRC STMU |
| 7. | Participated in Interdepartmental faculty development program on 3 days training workshop on Paper construction from 20th to 26th February 2023 at STMU park road campus. |
| 8. | Participated in a one day training workshop on Nvivo Qualitative Data Analysis on 19th August 2022 at Department of Clinical Psychology, STMU. |
| 9. | Participated in the 5 days workshop of “Islamic Approaches to Psychology and Psychotherapy Program” held between 26th-30th January 2019. |
| 10. | 29-30 Nov 2018- Attended international conference on “PositivePsychology: Developing a flourishing community” at NIP, Quaid-e- Azam university. |
| 11. | Participated in workshop on “Rehabilitation Programming Skills, A Community Reinforcement Program” at International Islamic University, Islamabad on 5th March, 2018 |
| 12. | Participated in the workshop on “Role of Psychologists in Current Scenario: Trauma Counseling” at International Islamic University, Islamabad on 9 th February, 2018. |
| 13. | Attended workshop on “Mix Method research in Applied Psychology/Social sciences” held on 15th December, 2017. |
| 14. | Actively co organized “International Symposium on Mental Health” held on 10thOct, 2017 at Department of Psychology, International Islamic University. |
| 15. | Organized workshop on:”Advance Statistical Analysis” held on 27th -29th September, 2017 at Psychology department IIUI. |
| 16. | Actively participated in 5 days training workshop on “Inferential and descriptive Analysis through SPSS” organized by SBBWU in collaboration with HEC from 17-21stApril 2017 |
| 17. | Conducted Workshop on “Quantitative Data Analysis through SPSS (level I)” at SBBWU on 23rd Feb 2017. |
| 18. | Completed training in Administration and Basic Interpretation of “WAIS-IV”conducted by Dr. Buck Hampson in Oct 2014 at Southern Methodist University, Dallas (SMU), USA. |
| 19. | Completed Training in Administration and basic Interpretation of “SCID (Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnosis)” at Southern Methodist University (SMU), Dallas, USA in Nov 2014. |
| 20. | Successfully completed training workshop “Couple Therapy” conducted by Dr. Lorelei Simpson Rowe at Southern Methodist University, Dallas (SMU), USA on 7th and 8th Nov 2014. |
| 21. | Attended workshop on “Program Evaluation” at SMU (Southern Methodist University) on 24th Oct 2014. |
| 22. | Attended Workshop on “Applied Psychology” from 19-21 February 2014 under the linkage program of SMU-SBBWU. |
| 23. | Attended series of workshops each “5 days sessions (2014-15) on “Statistical Package for social science (SPSS)” & “Structural Equation Modeling (AMOS)”. |
| 24. | 12 Dec 2015- Co organizer “1st International conference on Advancing Women issues: Local and Global Directions”, SBBWU-SMU linkage program. |