EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF COGNITIVE CONTROL AND DISCRIMINATION ON MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES IN DIVERSE PAKISTANI AND AFGHAN COMMUNITIES

Background: Cognitive control plays a vital role in emotional regulation and decision-making, particularly in marginalized communities facing socio-economic disadvantages and systemic discrimination. These challenges contribute to heightened psychological stress, impacting mental health outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. This study investigates the association between cognitive control, discrimination, and mental health outcomes in diverse Pakistani and Afghan communities, focusing on vulnerable groups including females, transgender individuals, and ethnic minorities. Objective: To examine the relationship between cognitive control, discrimination, and mental health outcomes and identify how demographic factors like gender, education, ethnicity, and income influence psychological well-being in marginalized populations. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional research design was employed with 147 participants recruited through non-probability purposive sampling from marginalized communities in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Data were gathered using online surveys between March 2024 and June 2024. The Cognitive Control and Flexibility Questionnaire, Mental Health Inventory, and Everyday Discrimination Questionnaire were utilized for data collection. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, ANOVA, and regression analysis, were conducted to explore associations between cognitive control, discrimination, and mental health outcomes. Results: Significant gender differences were observed in cognitive control (p = 0.01), with males (Mean = 139.1, SD = ±19) outperforming females (Mean = 137.5, SD = ±14.2) and transgender participants (Mean = 125.5, SD = ±17.9). Transgender individuals faced the highest discrimination levels (p < 0.001) and severe mental health issues. Education influenced cognitive control (p = 0.03) and mental health (p = 0.01), with participants holding bachelor’s degrees exhibiting better outcomes. Ethnic disparities were significant, with Punjabis and Pashtuns experiencing higher discrimination (p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that cognitive control (β = 0.37, p < 0.001) and discrimination (β = 0.154, p < 0.001) accounted for 38% of the variance in mental health outcomes (R² = 0.38, F(2,144) = 45.7, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings highlight the adverse cognitive and emotional impacts of socio-economic disadvantage and discrimination on marginalized groups. Enhanced cognitive control is linked to better mental health, whereas higher discrimination correlates with poorer outcomes. Culturally sensitive interventions are essential for improving mental health equity in these communities.