Reema Ayub – Where Psychology Meets Corporate

Over time, the feminist movement has evolved from a struggle for basic rights to a multifaceted global discourse on gender equality, power dynamics, and social justice. While it has brought undeniable benefits—such as increased awareness of women’s rights, expanded opportunities, and legal protections—it has also created complex cultural and psychological consequences, particularly for men. One noticeable outcome is its impact on male self-esteem. In some contexts, men interpret the growing assertiveness of women as rejection or hostility, even when women are simply exercising boundaries that are culturally or religiously sanctioned. For example, according to authentic Islamic teachings, it is not obligatory for a young woman to greet unrelated young men. This boundary is part of her religious right and personal modesty. However, in many real-world social interactions, the opposite expectation exists. When a young woman refrains from greeting men, some interpret it as arrogance or a de...

Human emotions are complex and deeply rooted in the way our brain processes relationships and experiences. Love and hate, though polar opposites in definition, share striking similarities in how they engage our cognitive and emotional systems. Interestingly, both emotions demand a deep focus on the object of our affection or disdain. Love and Hate: Two Sides of the Same Coin: When someone is in love, their attention becomes hyper-focused on the person they adore. Every detail, no matter how small, becomes significant—whether it’s the way their partner smiles, their habits, or even the strand of hair left on a comb. This intensity stems from how love activates areas of the brain responsible for reward and memory, such as the ventral tegmental area and the amygdala. The brain, flooded with dopamine, prioritizes details of the loved one to create a sense of connection and attachment. Surprisingly, hate operates in a similar way. The neural circuits that are activated during hate also dema...

In the realm of human psychology, identity and self-perception are deeply intertwined with cultural, social, and personal values. One striking paradox that emerges is this: true love for one's own race, ethnicity, religion, or culture becomes authentic only when it is accompanied by an equal acceptance and appreciation for others. Without this, self-description—how we define ourselves—becomes hollow and superficial. Consider this scenario: someone says, "I am Punjabi, Pakistani," and another person counters, "You are dividing yourself." This raises an important psychological question—how can one truly divide themselves by embracing their identity? Psychologically, the attachment to one’s identity, when balanced, fosters self-esteem and security. However, the expression of this identity only holds meaning when it doesn’t come at the cost of devaluing others. For example, when others criticize Pakistan or the Pakistani military, emotional discomfort can arise. Suc...

In the field of clinical psychology and psychiatry, mental health is often compared to physical health—both require proper care, attention, and professional expertise. Just as consulting a qualified physician is essential when managing a physical ailment, seeking the guidance of a certified clinical psychologist or psychiatrist is vital for addressing mental health concerns. However, in countries like Pakistan and many others, the casual reliance on unqualified advice for mental health issues is alarmingly prevalent. This practice can exacerbate problems and distort an individual’s understanding of their mental well-being. The Role of Self-Awareness in Mental Health Self-awareness is the first step in recognizing and managing mental health. When individuals become aware of what triggers their anxiety, depression, or stress, they are better equipped to make informed choices about their mental health. For example, just as avoiding cold drinks when they cause a cough is a self-care measur...