Effect of 2025 Regional Conflict on Psycosocial Health of Loc Students Enrolled at University of Poonch Rawalakot

Abstract

This quantitative study investigated the effect of the 2025 regional conflict escalation along the Line of Control (LOC) on the psychosocial health of students enrolled at the University of Poonch Rawalakot (UPR), Pakistan. Guided by the Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory and the Ecological Systems Theory, the research examined two primary indicators: mental health and family bonding. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, using purposive sampling to select 80 students from conflict-affected families. Data were collected via a structured online questionnaire disseminated through Google Forms and analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression in SPSS. Findings revealed a high prevalence of conflict-related psychological distress, with significant proportions of students reporting anxiety (62.5%), hypervigilance (63.8%), sleep disturbances (62.6%), and hopelessness (51.3%) linked directly to the conflict. Family dynamics were also profoundly affected, with many students reporting altered communication (58.8%), increased protective behaviors (57.5%), and shared family anxiety (65.1%). The study concludes that the 2025 conflict escalation has effects on both the psychological wellbeing and family functioning of UPR students. Recommendations are provided for multi-level interventions and university-based mental health services.