7P's of life-satisfaction: a social constructionist model for the life satisfaction of religious minority groups in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan)

Religious minorities in Pakistan, particularly in regions like Kohat, face significant marginalization and discrimination, impacting their overall life satisfaction. This study addresses the gap in understanding the factors contributing to their well-being, moving beyond existing models which often fail to fully capture the lived experiences of these communities. The research questions focused on how religious minorities construct their life satisfaction, their needs and priorities, and the existing gaps in the literature. The study utilizes a constructivist epistemological design, acknowledging the socially constructed nature of reality and employing an emic approach to understand the subjective experiences of the participants. The historical context highlights the challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan since its inception, with the marginalization intensified by discriminatory laws and societal attitudes.

The literature review examines existing models of life satisfaction, including the subjective well-being approach focusing on personal well-being, relationships, and community contributions. The review also discusses the PERMA model (Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishments), which is partially relevant but doesn't fully address the specific challenges faced by marginalized religious minority groups. Existing research highlights the multi-dimensional nature of life satisfaction, influenced by factors such as economic well-being, social inclusion, education, and opportunities. The literature further emphasizes the significant negative impact of discrimination, violence, and lack of protection on the life satisfaction of minorities.

This qualitative study employed a purposive sampling method to select 27 participants from three religious minority groups (Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs) in Kohat, Pakistan. Participants included religious scholars, social activists, employees, and political representatives, ensuring a diverse representation of the community. Data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews, incorporating open-ended questions to explore participants' experiences and perspectives. Interviews were conducted in Urdu and Pashto, the local languages, to facilitate open communication. The researcher followed established research ethics guidelines, including obtaining informed consent from each participant and ensuring confidentiality. Data analysis used thematic analysis techniques, involving coding, categorization, and thematic mapping. The analysis resulted in the identification of seven main categories, representing the "7P's of life satisfaction."

The study identified seven key factors contributing to the life satisfaction of religious minorities in Kohat, encapsulated in the "7P's" model: 1. **Peace:** The absence of violence and a climate of acceptance are crucial for the well-being of minorities. 2. **Protection:** Both legal protection from the state (through law enforcement and policy) and social protection from discrimination and intolerance are essential. 3. **Prerogatives:** Freedom from oppression and subordination, including freedom of religious practice, is paramount for life satisfaction. 4. **Prospects:** Opportunities for personal and collective advancement, including education, employment, and housing, are significant. 5. **Progress:** Educational and economic progress contribute significantly to a sense of accomplishment and well-being. 6. **Pleasures:** Engaging in social and cultural activities brings joy and enhances life satisfaction. 7. **Positivity:** Maintaining a positive outlook, despite adversity, plays a vital role in overall well-being. The findings highlight how these factors intertwine and influence each other, underscoring the interconnectedness of social, economic, political, and psychological well-being for minority groups.

The "7P's" model offers a novel framework for understanding the life satisfaction of religious minorities, integrating social, economic, political, and psychological factors. The model's emphasis on peace, protection, and prerogatives highlights the critical role of societal structures and attitudes in shaping minority well-being. The findings underscore the importance of addressing systemic inequalities and discrimination to improve the lives of religious minorities. The model offers valuable insights for policymakers and community leaders seeking to promote inclusion and enhance the quality of life for marginalized groups. The research also contributes to the broader understanding of life satisfaction, moving beyond individualistic models to consider the impact of social context.

This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to the life satisfaction of religious minorities in Kohat, Pakistan, using a novel "7P's" model. This model goes beyond existing frameworks to specifically address the unique experiences of marginalized communities. Future research could explore the generalizability of the 7P's model in other contexts, and investigate the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve these seven key aspects of life for religious minorities. Further studies should use quantitative methods to assess the relationship between the 7P's and life satisfaction measures.

The study's scope is limited to a specific geographic location and a particular set of religious minority groups in Kohat. The findings may not be generalizable to other regions or minority groups in Pakistan or elsewhere. The qualitative nature of the study limits the ability to make broad statistical generalizations. The reliance on self-reported data might introduce biases in the participants' responses. Future research should address these limitations by expanding the geographic scope and incorporating quantitative methods.