Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ishrat Yousaf, Capital University of Science & Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Dr. Ishrat Yousaf is a pioneering psychologist and academic with over eight years of experience in higher education. Her Ph.D. research broke new ground in Pakistan by addressing mental health, suicide risk, and social functioning among individuals with HIV/AIDS. As an Associate Professor at Capital University of Science & Technology, she blends clinical insight with research-driven practices. Her expertise includes psychological assessment, cognitive behavioral therapy, and the cross-cultural validation of psychological tools. Dr. Yousaf has led several HEC-funded projects targeting youth mental health and has presented her work on international platforms. Her contributions continue to shape the fields of applied and clinical psychology in both local and global contexts.
Profile
Orcid
🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Ishrat Yousaf began her academic journey with a strong foundation in Clinical Psychology, earning her M.Sc. from the University of Peshawar after completing a Bachelor of Science from the College of Home Economics. Her academic excellence and curiosity about human behavior led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Peshawar. Her doctoral research was groundbreaking—marking the first in Pakistan to explore the psychological disorders, suicide risk, and social functioning among individuals living with HIV/AIDS. This pioneering study laid the foundation for her future academic and clinical endeavors in public mental health.
👩🏫 Professional Endeavors
With more than eight years of experience in academia, Dr. Yousaf has served in key academic roles, most notably as Assistant Professor and now as Associate Professor at Capital University of Science & Technology (CUST), Islamabad. Her role involves teaching, mentoring, and supervising students in various psychological disciplines, particularly in Applied and Clinical Psychology. She is deeply involved in developing curricula, designing intervention models, and leading institutional projects that merge psychological research with community outreach.
🧠 Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Yousaf’s research spans a wide spectrum within clinical and applied psychology. She has conducted significant work on mental health in marginalized populations, such as individuals with HIV/AIDS and youth with substance use disorders. Her work also includes cross-cultural adaptation and validation of psychological tests and developing indigenous interventions using cognitive behavioral therapy. As Principal and Co-Principal Investigator, she has led numerous projects funded by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, targeting depression, anxiety, and mental wellness among youth.
🏆 Accolades and Recognition
Throughout her academic career, Dr. Yousaf has received multiple honors and scholarships. She was awarded a competitive Ph.D. scholarship by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and selected for a Developing Country Scholarship by the 74th International Congress of Psychology in Yokohama, Japan. She has consistently earned research grants based on merit and her demonstrated commitment to mental health advocacy and evidence-based psychological practice.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Dr. Yousaf’s work has been published in numerous peer-reviewed international journals, adding valuable insights to the fields of clinical psychology and public mental health. Her research has not only contributed to the academic body of knowledge but also informed policy and practice in mental health services in Pakistan. She has participated in and presented at both national and international conferences, enhancing the global discourse on HIV/AIDS, youth mental health, and psychological resilience.
🔬 Legacy and Future Contributions
With a vision for inclusive and culturally-sensitive mental healthcare, Dr. Yousaf continues to innovate and lead in her field. Her future goals include expanding e-health psychological interventions and furthering indigenous therapy models suited for Pakistani youth. As a mentor and researcher, she is shaping the next generation of clinical psychologists equipped with the tools and cultural understanding necessary for transformative impact.
💡 Research that Heals and Empowers
At the core of Dr. Yousaf’s mission is the belief in psychology as a force for healing, empowerment, and social change. Her focus on vulnerable populations, combined with her clinical expertise, enables her to craft solutions that address the root causes of psychological distress. Her ongoing work is a testament to the powerful intersection of research, empathy, and cultural relevance in building healthier societies.
Publication
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Title: Anxiety scale for children with autism spectrum disorders: Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation
Authors: Dr. Ishrat Yousaf, Maryam Khan, Dr. Sabahat Haqqani, Muqqadas Saba
Year: 2025
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Title: Depression, Anxiety, Stress And Wellbeing Of Young Psychology Students In Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study
Authors: Dr. Sabahat Haqqani, Muhammad Naeem, Taqdees Fatima, Noor Ul Sabahat, Dr. Ishrat Yousaf
Year: 2024
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Title: Development of Wellness Guide: A Guided Self-Help Indigenous Intervention for Reducing Depression, and Anxiety and Enhancing Wellbeing of Pakistani Youth
Authors: Ishrat Yousaf, Ishrat Rizwan, Sabahat Haqqani
Year: 2024
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Title: Indigenous Conceptualization of Depression and Anxiety: FGDs with Pakistani Youth and Health Practitioners
Authors: Ishrat Yousaf, Ishrat Rizwan
Year: 2024
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Title: Editorial
Authors: Naeem, B.; Aqeel, M.; Maqsood, A.; Yousaf, I.; Ehsan, S.; Gavrielides, T.
Year: 2023
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Title: Psychometric properties of the revised Urdu version dyadic adjustment scale for evaluating marital relationship quality between madrassa and Non-Madrassa married women
Authors: Naeem, Bushra; Aqeel, Muhammad; Maqsood, Aneela; Yousaf, Ishrat; Ehsan, Saima
Year: 2023
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Title: Impact of Procrastination on Self-esteem of College and University Students of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Authors: Sana Khurshid, Saima Parwez, Ishrat Yousaf
Year: 2023
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Title: HIV Treatment Adherence Self-efficacy Scale for Pakistani HIV/AIDS patients: Translation and psychometric evaluation
Authors: Yousaf, Ishrat; Haqqani, Sabahat
Year: 2022
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Title: The influence of illness perception, anxiety and depression disorders on students mental health during COVID-19 outbreak in Pakistan: a Web-based cross-sectional survey
Authors: Aqeel, Muhammad; Abbas, Jaffar; Shuja, Kanwar Hamza; Rehna, Tasnim; Ziapour, Arash; Yousaf, Ishrat; Karamat, Tehmina
Year: 2022
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Title: Maladaptive schema modes as the predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder among trauma survivors
Authors: Zaman, S.; Arouj, K.; Irfan, S.; Yousaf, I.
Year: 2021
🧾 Conclusion
Dr. Ishrat Yousaf’s journey reflects a profound commitment to advancing mental health awareness, especially among vulnerable and underserved populations. Her research, teaching, and therapeutic practices have set new benchmarks in clinical psychology in Pakistan. With a focus on culturally adaptive interventions and youth-centered mental health solutions, she is poised to leave a lasting legacy as both a scholar and a changemaker. Her ongoing dedication ensures that psychology in Pakistan continues to evolve with compassion, relevance, and scientific rigor.