Journal of Professional & Applied Psychology

The Use of Islamic-Based Psychotherapeutic Interventions for Psychological Outcomes in Traditional Muslim Societies: A Scoping Review

Mareeha Ahmad — 2026-03-31

This scoping review aims to define and identify trends in applied Islamic psychotherapy and review evidence for their effectiveness in dealing with mental health outcomes in Muslim-majority populations. Religious-spiritual interventions are popular for being culturally sensitive, and the effectiveness of Islamic-based psychotherapy has been routinely investigated. Yet, there remains a paucity of synthesized information on the types of Islamic-based interventions and their effectiveness in treating psychological symptoms. To conduct the review, PubMed, PsycNet, ScienceDirect, DOAJ, and Taylor and Francis were explored with keywords of Islamic psychotherapy, religion-integrated interventions, and Muslim mental health. 24 articles published between 2010-2023 that fit the inclusion criteria were discussed in this review. Two distinctions in Islamic approaches to psychological interventions were made: 1) Pure Islamic approaches based on broader Islamic concepts such as soul-purification, principles such as attaining a purpose in life, or practices like prayers, and 2) Integrated Islamic approaches that combined Islamic principles with conventional therapies such as CBT, MBT, logotherapy. The approaches were consistently found to be effective in dealing with various positive and negative mental health outcomes. Despite limitations in the breadth of the search and evaluation of studies, the review offers a homogenous primary compilation for future systematic reviews.

The Effectiveness of Attachment-Based Compassion Therapy (ABCT) in Treating Psychological Problems: A Meta-analysis

Andleeb Afzal — 2026-03-31

Attachment based compassion therapy (ABCT) belongs to third generation of compassion therapies. This approach is grounded in attachment theory and compassion practices. The core purpose of this meta analysis was to study the effectiveness of a recently developed intervention program, Attachment based compassion therapy to treat specific psychological conditions i.e., psychological wellbeing and self compassion along with psychological problems which include stress, depression, anxiety and trauma related problems. The data was systematically collected from electronic databases published between 2016 and 2025. Peer reviewed scientific studies were included while non empirical articles and studies other than English language were excluded. Both randomized and non randomized control trials studies were included for a comprehensive overview. Among these, 15 studies were systematically reviewed which showed that ABCT considerably reduces psychological distress with a large effect size for stress (g=.70). depression(g=.65) and anxiety (g=.72). In addition, ABCT showed its significance to lower trauma symptoms and enhance self compassion. As indicated by the results of meta analysis, ABCT is proven to be a vigorous psychological intervention to treat specific psychological conditions. To asses long term effects of intervention and feasibility of its application, more empirical studies are required.

Psychosocial Adjustment and Multi-dimensional Coping in Working Individuals with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: An Interpretative Phenomenological Study

Nazia Zafar — 2026-03-31

Chronic nonspecific musculoskeletal pain (CNMP) is a global health condition that affects psychological well-being, social functioning, and work performance of the working individuals. Despite the quantitative evidences on psychosocial correlates, a little qualitative research explored that how working individuals cope with CNMP within South Asian sociocultural contexts. The aim of the study was to explore the lived experiences of working individuals with CNMP about coping mechanisms focusing on psychosocial and emotional reactions associated with chronic pain. Purposive sampling technique was used to collect information about the coping strategies used to deal with CNMP and associated psychosocial reactions through semi-structured interviews from 14 working individuals (7 men, 7 women) with CNMP aged 29–45 years. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyze transcripts and reflexivity, triangulation, member checking, and an audit trial were used to ensure rigor of the study. Coping had emerged as a dynamic biopsychosocial–spiritual process involving behavioral, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual strategies. Participants relied on emotion regulation, family support, and faith to sustain functioning and cultural values of endurance also contributed to emotional suppression and limited help-seeking. Coping with CNMP extended beyond the management of symptom and included psychological, relational, and spiritual adaptation for improving adjustment and well-being among working individuals with CNMP. A holistic and culturally responsive intervention integrating psychological care, workplace support, family involvement, and spirituality is essential.

Lived Experiences of Mental Health Professionals Dealing with Functional Neurological Symptoms Disorder: A Phenomenological Perspective

Saheefa Noor — 2026-03-31

The current study was conducted to explore the lived experiences of the psychologists and psychiatrists currently dealing with the clients diagnosed with Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FNSD) in private clinics and hospitals of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect the data. Ten participants were interviewed. The data was analyzed with the help of Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA). The main superordinate and subordinate themes were found after the data was arranged and examined several times. These themes are “Diagnostic complications (Crisscrossing symptoms, Misreporting symptoms), Therapeutic failures obstacles (Beliefs, Unsupportive caretakers and gains) and Therapeutic procedures (Psychological Therapies including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Family therapy, and Counseling)”. The present study results are significant in the development of new therapeutic interventions and measures for treating Functional Neurological Symptoms Disorder (FNSD).

Lived Experiences of Burnout among Mothers of Children with ADHD: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study in Pakistan

Saneela Habiba — 2026-03-31

The unique challenges of raising a child with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can cause serious psychological distress for caregivers, particularly mothers. The lived experiences of burnout among Pakistani mothers of children with ADHD were investigated in this study. Ten mothers were selected through purposive sampling from a Lahore clinic using a qualitative phenomenological design. Data analysis was done using a thematic approach, and semi-structured interviews were carried out. Chronic emotional and mental exhaustion, strained mother-child relationships, social judgment and experiential isolation, internalized self-blame and guilt, coping, resilience, and the need for support were the five main themes that emerged. Mothers reported experiencing extreme emotional exhaustion, strained family ties, and cultural stigma that made them feel even more alone and guilty. Participants showed resilience in the face of these difficulties and indicated a desire to seek out peer networks and psychological support. The results emphasize the need for family-centered, culturally sensitive interventions and policy changes to assist mothers of children with ADHD. This study adds to the scant literature on parental burnout in South Asian settings.

An Exploration of Psychological Consequences of Career Stagnation in Medical Professionals: A Qualitative Perspective

Omama Saleem — 2026-03-31

Career stagnation among Member-College of Physicians & Surgeons (MCPS) qualified doctors is an underexplored issue with severe psychological consequences. The researcher conducted a qualitative exploratory study involving 67 MCPS doctors (34 men, 33 women) with 5–35 years of post-MCPS experience. Data were collected through 40 in-depth interviews and 8 focus group discussions across tertiary, district, tehsil, rural, and private healthcare settings. Ten psychological domains were explored: professional humiliation, status inconsistency stress, loss of clinical motivation, anger and resentment, anxiety/depression, professional identity, social relationships, coping strategies, and suicidal ideation. Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis using NVivo 14 identified six primary themes: professional humiliation (88.1%), status inconsistency stress (82.1%), loss of clinical motivation (71.6%), anger and resentment (76.1%), anxiety/depression (64.2%), and professional identity crisis (58.2%). Women, surgeons, and gynecologists experienced higher distress, while only 16.4% accessed mental health support due to stigma. Findings emphasize the urgent need for systemic interventions, including credit transfer pathways, inclusive supervision, pay equity, and accessible mental health services to mitigate distress and safeguard patient care quality.

Motivation, Eco-tourism, Environmental Concerns, and Sustainable Behavior: A Phenomenological Study

Abdullah Amin — 2026-03-31

The present study explores the motivations, environmental awareness, and sustainable behaviors associated with eco-tourism, focusing on individuals engaged in nature-based travel experiences. A total sample of 10 participants was selected through purposive sampling from ecotourism destinations in northern Pakistan. Employing a qualitative phenomenological design, the research investigated how personal values, environmental concerns, and socio-cultural factors influence sustainable tourism behavior. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and surveys targeting both tourists and local community members. Thematic analysis revealed that eco-tourists are primarily motivated by a strong commitment to environmental preservation, cultural curiosity, and ethical travel practices. Findings also indicated that sustainable behavior is significantly influenced by intrinsic motivations and a sense of environmental identity. Moreover, the study highlights the vital role of local community involvement and environmental education in promoting responsible tourism. These results underline the importance of aligning ecotourism initiatives with travelers’ pro environmental values and local conservation goals. Implications for policy development and future research directions are discussed.

Attention, Awareness, and Mental Health: An Overlooked Triangle in Everyday Life

Zaib Samraz — 2026-03-31

Mental health research increasingly highlights the critical role of everyday cognitive processes, particularly attention and awareness, in shaping psychological well-being. While applied psychology traditionally emphasizes symptom management, deficits in attention and awareness often precede clinical manifestations such as anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and burnout. Recent studies demonstrate that attentional strain and low metacognitive awareness can compromise emotion regulation, decision-making, and resilience, especially in contexts of digital overload and constant information exposure. This guest editorial argues for recognizing attention and awareness as foundational mechanisms in mental health, highlighting their interactive role in mitigating stress and promoting psychological flexibility. Incorporating these cognitive processes into preventive and applied psychological frameworks offers a scalable, evidence-based approach to enhancing daily functioning and resilience, bridging the gap between neuroscience insights and real-world mental health practice.

Personality Disorder–Related Beliefs and Big Five Traits across Psychiatric Diagnoses: A Cross-Diagnostic Study

Nida Ilyas — 2026-03-31

The study aimed to examine the differences in personality disorder related beliefs and Big Five personality traits. These were analyzed across major psychiatric diagnostic groups. A cross-sectional research design was used. The sample consisted of 355 patients recruited from public hospitals and private psychiatric settings in Lahore. Participants had confirmed diagnoses of depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and somatoform disorder. Additional diagnoses included bipolar disorder, psychosis, and substance use disorders. Sociodemographic questionnaire, Urdu Personality Belief Questionnaire, and Urdu Big Five Personality Inventory-10 were used to collect data. The findings showed that personality belief patterns differed clearly across diagnostic groups. Each disorder was associated with specific maladaptive beliefs. Depressive and anxiety disorders were linked with avoidant and dependent beliefs. Bipolar disorder showed higher narcissistic beliefs. Psychosis was associated with paranoid and schizoid beliefs. Obsessive–compulsive disorder showed strong obsessive-compulsive personality beliefs. Substance use disorders were linked with antisocial tendencies. Personality traits also varied across groups. Higher neuroticism was observed in depression and anxiety. Substance use disorders showed lower conscientiousness and agreeableness. Bipolar disorder was associated with higher extraversion and openness. Obsessive–compulsive disorder was associated with higher conscientiousness. These findings highlight the importance of assessing underlying personality beliefs and traits in psychiatric conditions. Incorporating personality-focused approaches in treatment may improve case formulation and reduce relapse. This is especially important in settings where treatment is mainly symptom-focused.

Moderating Role of Psychological Well-being and Social Support in the Relationship between Psychological Distress and Quality of Life among Retirees

Sehrish Naeem — 2026-03-31

The primary objective of the study was to investigate the moderating roles of psychological well-being and social support in the relationship between psychological distress and quality of life among retirees in the cultural context of Pakistan. Data were collected using a snowball sampling technique from retirees aged 65 and above with at least five years of government service. This correlational study employed standardized questionnaires, including the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (short version, 21 items), a psychological well-being scale, a social support questionnaire, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. Psychological distress showed a significant negative correlation with psychological well-being, social support, and quality of life. Furthermore, psychological well-being was strongly and positively correlated with social support and quality of life, and social support demonstrated a significant positive association with quality of life. Moderation analyses were conducted using Hayes’ PROCESS Macro version 4.2 (Model 1), which revealed that social support significantly moderated the association between psychological distress and quality of life, whereas psychological well-being did not. The study concludes with implications, suggesting that strengthening social support networks may help mitigate the adverse effects of psychological distress on retirees’ quality of life.

The Relationship between Workplace Loneliness and Turnover Intention: Moderating Role of Perceived Organizational Support

Muhammad Sajjad Shahid — 2026-03-31

Drawing on belongingness theory, the present study intended to examine the moderating role of perceived organizational support in the relationship between workplace loneliness and turnover intention. A cross-sectional correlational research design was applied, and the data were gathered using a purposive sampling technique from a sample of 206 employees who had been working for at least the past six months in banks, investment firms, and insurance companies. The study employed three questionnaires: the Workplace Loneliness Scale, the Turnover Intention Scale, and the Perceived Organizational Support Scale. Pearson correlation analysis reported a significant positive relationship between workplace loneliness and turnover intention (r = .78, p < .01). Workplace loneliness was also significantly and negatively associated with organizational support (r = ?.17, p < .01). However, organizational support did not have a significant relationship with turnover intention (r = .10, p > .05). Using Hayes’ PROCESS Macro 4.2 (Model 1), the interaction between workplace loneliness and perceived organizational support was significant and negative (B = ?0.005, SE = 0.001, t = ?2.80, p = .005, 95% CI [?0.008, ?0.0015]), indicating that perceived organizational support moderates the relationship between workplace loneliness and turnover intention. This interaction accounted for a small but significant increase in explained variance (?R² = .012, ?F = 7.86, p = .005), suggesting that higher perceived organizational support weakens the positive association between workplace loneliness and turnover intention. Overall, the study achieved its objectives and highlighted the critical importance of organizational support in reducing employees’ intentions to leave.

Impact of Social Media Addiction on Academic Procrastination and Sleep Quality: The Mediating Role of Immediate Gratification and the Moderating Effect of Mindfulness

Sarah Mahmood — 2026-03-31

This study examined the effects of social media addiction on academic procrastination and sleep quality among Pakistani university students, considering immediate gratification as a mediator and mindfulness as a moderator. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using purposive sampling of students aged 18–35 years. Out of 174 distributed questionnaires, 157 were completed (90% response rate). Standardized instruments included the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Academic Procrastination Scale for Students, and Jenkins Sleep Scale, with higher scores indicating poorer sleep quality. Pearson correlation analysis showed that social media addiction was positively associated with immediate gratification and academic procrastination, negatively but non-significantly related to mindfulness, and positively but non-significantly related to sleep quality. Immediate gratification correlated negatively with mindfulness and positively with academic procrastination and sleep quality disturbances. Mindfulness negatively correlated with academic procrastination and sleep quality disturbances. Mediation analysis revealed that immediate gratification fully mediated the relationship between social media addiction and academic procrastination. Moderation analysis indicated that mindfulness did not moderate the relationship with academic procrastination but buffered the association with sleep quality. The findings highlight the role of immediate gratification and mindfulness in understanding the impact of social media addiction on academic and sleep outcomes, providing insights for interventions targeting university students and directions for future research.

Comorbidity of Borderline Personality Disorder among Patients with Conversion Disorder

Shafaq Mehmood — 2026-03-31

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Conversion Disorder (CD) otherwise known as Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder has convergent symptomatology, especially dysregulation of emotion and traumatic events. Although the overlap exists, there has been little region-specific data in regards to their comorbidity. To determine the commonality of borderline personality disorder in the group of individuals with Conversion Disorder. This was a cross-sectional study involving 300 patients who were diagnosed with Conversion Disorder at the psychiatric unit of Bahawal Victoria hospital, Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Conversion Disorder was diagnosed by consultant psychiatrists according to the DSM-5 clinical criteria. The McLean Screening Instrument of Borderline Personality Disorder (MSI -BPD) was used in the assessment of BPD characteristics. Chi-square tests and descriptive statistics were done using SPSS version 25. Out of 300 (86.7% female, 13.3% male) participants, 247 (82.3 percent) have received positive scores of BPD at the suggested cut-off of 7 on the MSI-BPD. MSI-BPD internal consistency was satisfactory in this cohort (Cronbach ?=.76). There were no statistically significant gender differences in BPD screening status (p<0.05). A significant rate of the presence of borderline personalities was found among the patients with Conversion Disorder. The results of the study add to the challenge of strong utility of systematic personality assessment among patients exhibiting a functional neurological presentation, thus enabling effective diagnosis and the development of an integrated approach to the treatment.

From Trait Competitiveness to Work Engagement: The Mediating Role of Self-Leadership among Marketing Professionals in Pakistan

Sonia Mairaj Ahmad — 2026-03-31

Grounded in the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model and self-leadership theory, the current study explored the relationships among trait competitiveness, self-leadership and work engagement among marketing professionals, with the hypotheses that trait competitiveness would negatively predict self-leadership and that gender differences would emerge on these constructs. A cross-sectional design was adopted and data were collected through a survey. A sample of 214 marketing personnel (157 males, 57 females) employed across various industries and private consultancy roles recruited through a convenience sampling approach. The Revised Competitiveness Index (Harris & Houston, 2010), the Abbreviated Self-Leadership Questionnaire by Houghton et al. (2012) and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (Schaufeli & Bakker, 2003) were utilized as self-reported standardized instruments. Results show that trait competitiveness is negatively associated with both self-leadership (r = -0.32, p < .01) and work engagement (r = -0.20, p < .01), while a positive correlation is observed between self-leadership and work engagement (r = 0.40, p < .01). Regression analysis revealed that trait competitiveness significantly predicted lower levels of self-leadership (? = -0.32, p < .001), accounting for 10% of the variance. Mediation analysis indicated that self-leadership mediated the relationship between trait competitiveness and work engagement, such that higher levels of trait competitiveness were associated with lower work engagement through reduced self-leadership. Significant gender differences are observed, where women reported higher enjoyment of competition, whereas men scored higher on dedication, a component of work engagement. These findings highlight the role of self-regulatory processes in shaping engagement in competitive work contexts.

Translation and Validation of the Adolescence Psychosocial Functioning Inventory (APFI) in Urdu: A Psychometric Study

Nazia Jahangir — 2026-03-31

This study aims to validate the translated inventory and contribute to the limited literature on Pakistani adolescents' psychosocial functioning.The present research is designed to measure the translation and validation of the Adolescent Psychological Functioning Inventory (APFI) into Urdu language for measuring psychosocial functioning of Pakistani adolescents. The study was based on two phases, First phase included the forward and backward translation method which was confirmed by the linguistic experts for the linguistic and conceptual equivalence of the inventory. By using convenient sampling technique, the inventory was administered to N=410 adolescents who were approached from different schools and colleges. In the second phase, the psychometric properties of inventory were calculated. The reliability values of both versions of the inventory showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha = .87 & .95). The three-factor structure was supported by confirmatory factor analysis, aligning with the original inventory. All three subscale of APFI was also shown high Cronbach's Alpha reliability scores. (?=.89, .97& .82). The CFI value is (.90) and RMESA value is (.08). The result indicated that the translated inventory had strong psychometric properties, and it is a valid instrument to evaluate the psychosocial functioning of Pakistani adolescents. Results indicate the significance of culturally sensitive interventions in explaining the development of adolescents. The Urdu-APFI would be useful to researchers and practitioners in assessing interventions to improve adolescent psychosocial functioning in Pakistan, thereby informing strategies to address adolescent mental health and development across different settings.

Relationship between Anhedonia and Type D personality Traits among Medical Students

Habiba Zaheer — 2026-03-31

The previous literature has highlighted the psychological difficulties associated with the complex academic system of medicine. Loss of pleasure, known as anhedonia has been one of them. The current study was devised to establish the relationship between anhedonia and Type D personality. The distressed type (Type D) of personality is often explained with the two core components, social inhibition and negative affectivity which have been consistently associated with increased psychological distress and emotional difficulties. The objective of the current study is to analyze the relationship between anhedonia and Type D personality traits in medical students. To achieve this purpose, 212 medical students were approached and informed consent was collected. In a quantitative survey research design, the demographic forms, Snaith Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS; Snaith et al., 1995) and Type D Scale (DS-14; Denollet, 2005) were administered. The results were then analyzed through the inferential statistical methods of multiple regression analyses. The results indicated that anhedonia significantly predicted both main components of Type D personality traits, social inhibition and negative affectivity. The present study is a vital contribution to understanding the emotional turmoil that medical students are currently undergoing while being prepared for the noble profession.

Impact of Disturbed Circadian Rhythm and Irregular Eating Patterns on Body Attributes and Mental Health of Night Shift Workers

Sania Rubab — 2026-03-31

The prevalence of disturbed circadian rhythm and irregular eating patterns is rising and its effects on body esteem, body appearance, body weight, body attributes and mental health are rising too. Disruption of circadian rhythm and irregular eating patterns have been associated with physical and mental health issues among night shift workers. This study aimed to identify the relationship between circadian rhythm, irregular eating patterns, body esteem, body appearance, body weight, body attributes and mental health and to explore the impact of circadian rhythm and irregular eating patterns on these variables. Correlational research design and non-probability purposive sampling technique with a sample of 150 night shift workers (75 males, 75 females) were used. Data was collected from call centers in Lahore, Pakistan. Results showed a positive significant relationship among all variables. Gender difference showed that females have more irregular eating patterns and more affected body esteem, body attributes and mental health as compared to males. Circadian rhythm and irregular eating patterns have effects on body esteem, body appearance, body weight, body attributes and mental health.

The Hidden Psychological Costs of Workplace Incivility: The Mediating Role of Job Embeddedness in Employee Performance

Mahnoor ijaz — 2026-03-31

This study investigates the impact of workplace incivility on employee job performance, with a particular focus on the mediating role of job embeddedness. Grounded in Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, a quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed. Data were collected from 412 employees working across the service sector, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and corporate firms in Pakistan using structured questionnaires and validated measurement scales. Statistical analyses, including correlation, regression, and mediation analysis (using PROCESS Macro/SEM), were conducted to examine the proposed relationships. The results revealed that workplace incivility has a significant negative effect on employee job performance. Additionally, workplace incivility was found to be negatively associated with job embeddedness, while job embeddedness showed a significant positive relationship with employee job performance. Regression analysis confirmed that workplace incivility is a significant predictor of both job embeddedness and employee performance. Furthermore, mediation analysis demonstrated that job embeddedness partially mediates the relationship between workplace incivility and employee job performance. These findings indicate that workplace incivility not only directly reduces employee performance but also indirectly affects it by weakening employees’ attachment to their organization. Conducted within the collectivist cultural context of Pakistan, the results provide valuable insights into how negative interpersonal behaviours in the workplace can undermine both psychological attachment and performance outcomes. The study highlights the importance of fostering a respectful work environment to sustain employee engagement and productivity.

Coping Styles and Psychological Well-Being among University Students: The Mediating Role of Perceived Control

Salar Fazle Rabbi — 2026-03-31

This research investigated the relationship between coping styles and psychological well-being among university students, the mediating role of perceived sense of control was also examined. In this study, a cross-sectional correlational research design was employed. Using a non-probability convenience sampling technique, data were collected from N = 350 students (aged 18–30) from universities in Karachi. Standardized instruments included the Ryff Psychological Well-being Scale, Brief COPE, and Sense of Control Scale. Data was analyzed using SPSS (26) and PROCESS macro (Model 4; 5000 samples bootstrapping) for mediation analysis. Results indicated that problem-focused coping positively predicted psychological well-being (? = .11, p < .05, R² = .01), whereas avoidant coping negatively predicted psychological well-being (? = –.27, p < .001, R² = .07). Emotion-focused coping demonstrated an insignificant relationship. Contrary to conventional assumptions, perceived sense of control negatively predicted psychological well-being (? = –.43, p < .001, R² = .03). Mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect effect (B = –0.232, 95% CI [–0.356, –0.122]), indicating partial mediation. The unexpected negative association between perceived control and psychological well-being may reflect contextual maladaptivity in uncontrollable environments, where heightened control beliefs increase distress. Findings emphasize the importance of context-sensitive psychological interventions, rather than broad institutional reforms, in improving student psychological well-being.

Predicting Social Representation of Women in Police: A Cross-Sectional Study of Identity Leadership, Glass Cliff Perception and Organizational Commitment in Police Officers of Punjab Pakistan

Shabana Parveen — 2026-03-31

The current research involved the analysis of identity leadership, glass cliff perception and organizational commitment of police officers in Punjab, Pakistan. The research was based on the context of policing as a male dominated institution where the perceptions and experiences of gendered leadership and organizational life can be relevant to employee attitudes and commitment. A correlational cross-sectional design was used and a sample of 300 police officers was taken by using purposive and convenience sampling methods. The standardized tools were Imagery of Women in Police Scale, Glass Cliff Perception Scale, Identity Leadership Inventory, and Organizational Commitment Scale. Correlation, regression and independent samples t-tests were employed in SPSS to analyze the data. The findings showed that organizational commitment dimension was positively related to glass cliff perception. Regression analysis revealed that glass cliff perception, identity leadership, affective commitment and normative commitment significantly explained perception of women in policing. Gender differences revealed that female officers reported significantly higher glass cliff perception compared to males, as well as higher affective commitment and continuance commitment, whereas male officers scored higher on identity leadership. The results indicate that the views of precarious leadership roles do not always lead to a decrease in organizational commitment but can also indicate resilience among women officers in the male-dominated policing contexts. The paper identifies the significance of identity-based leadership and gender-sensitive organizational behaviors in the development of commitment and perceptions in law enforcement organizations.