THE NEXUS BETWEEN DISABILITY AND MENTAL HEALTH: A STUDY ON WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES IN THE KOHAT DIVISION, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA-PAKISTAN

Abstract

The present study seeks to illuminate the mechanisms through which psychological well-being (independent variable), interpreted through the Affirmative Model of Disability, shapes the extent of social exclusion experienced by women with disabilities (dependent variable) in the Kohat Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Employing a Quantitative inquiry utilizing a Cross-Sectional survey approach, a sample of 370 respondents was proportionally distributed across the three districts of Kohat Division. To uphold methodological rigor, the researcher collaborated with district-level Social Welfare Offices to ensure accurate identification and categorization of eligible participants. Moreover, senior oral instructors were engaged to assist in facilitating precise interpretation during interviews with hearing and vocally impaired respondents, thereby ensuring the credibility and reliability of the structured questionnaire. The study concentrated on women with physical, auditory, verbal, and stature-related impairments, while individuals with intellectual disabilities were excluded due to concerns regarding the validity of their responses. Reliability testing through Cronbach’s Alpha produced a coefficient of 0.87, indicating a high degree of internal consistency across measurement items. Statistical analyses were conducted using Chi-Square (χ²) statistics to evaluate the bivariate association between psychological well-being and the extent of social exclusion. Additionally, Kendall’s Tau-b (Tb) statistics was applied to examine spurious or non-spurious relationships within a multivariate analytical framework. The results demonstrated a significant relationship between psychological well-being and social exclusion (χ² = 30.257, p = 0.000, Tb = 0.286). The overall Kendall’s Tau-b statistics (χ² = 30.257, p = 0.000; Tb = 0.286) confirms a strong and stable connection between psychological well-being and social exclusion in the sample, reinforcing the idea that exclusion is a key structural determinant of mental health among women with disabilities rather than a by-product of age variation. Findings further revealed that diminished psychological well-being intensifies exclusionary experiences among women with disabilities. Interpreting these results through the Affirmative Model emphasizes that disability-related marginalization stems not from impairment itself but from restrictive social, structural, and environmental barriers. The study recommends strengthened psychosocial support systems, inclusive community environments, and socially affirmative practices to dismantle persistent exclusion and enhance the well-being of women with disabilities.