UNDERSTANDING HONOUR KILLING: EXPLORING THE PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS AMONG PASHTUNS IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

Abstract

A major aim of this study is to explore the psychosocial effects of honour killings on society and psychological well-being among Pashtuns living in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially mental health and social harmony among them. According to the inclusion criteria used in the current study, a purposive sampling method was used to select participants. This qualitative study aimed to explore the perceptions and thinking processes of 14 participants from different villages through semi-structured interviews to better understand their perceptions and thought processes. All the data was then transcribed, analysed, and interpreted following the steps of thematic analysis. A total of seven major themes emerged because of the data analysis. There are certain kinds of cases that can have a significant negative impact on an individual's mental health and disrupt their social stability when they witness or hear about them. Additionally, honour killings are mainly caused by tarnishing family reputations and land disputes. According to these findings, cultural and socioeconomic factors contribute to honour killings and should be addressed by policymakers. Educational programs that promote gender equality and conflict resolution may help reduce such incidents. Furthermore, developing mental health support systems for communities affected by these events is crucial to restoring social harmony and improving psychological well-being.