Clinical Psychology

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11888/17375

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    DIFFERENCES IN SEVERITY OF DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS IN OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE PALESTINIAN ADOLSCENTS. EFFECTS OF WEIGHT, SEX AND AGE
    (جامعة النجاح الوطنية, 2022-09-29) Agbaria, Hadeel
    Background: Depression is of the most significant obesity- related psychological disorders. Previous studies have found a bi-directional relationship between obesity and depression symptoms among children and adolescents. Most of these studies were conducted in Western countries. Their findings regarding the effects of gender and age on this relationship were inconsistent. This study has examined the relationship between weight and depression symptoms in addition to the effects which gender and age have on depression among Palestinian children and adolescents. Methodology: Data were collected from 90 Palestinian school students aged 9-16. Of these, 30 had normal weight, 30 had over-weight and 30 were obese (defined by CDC curves). About half of the participants were girls, and about half of them had an obese family member. After a school nurse measured their BMI, the participants completed depression, demographic and weight test questionnaires. Results: After data analysis, it was found that over-weight and obese participants exhibited worse depression (of all types) than those with a normal weight but the differences between them were insignificant. The only gender effect found was in the mood and body image scale. Of all obese participants, the girls exhibited worse symptoms than boys. In contrast, only the overweight participants showed a small opposite trend. Regarding age, effects were found only in depression total scale and in inactivity symptoms. In these scales, of all overweight participants, adolescents exhibited worse symptoms than children, while the opposite trend was found among obese participants. Conclusion: These findings showed that over-weight and obese Palestinian children reported suffering from depression and thus interventions should take this into account. In particular, it seems that over-weight boys or adolescents need more direct help/ intervention to lose weight while obese girls or children who feel more helpless about their weight need more medical and emotional support. Keywords: Depression; over-weight; obesity; body-image; weight-stigma; adolescents; collective culture; gender-roles.
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    THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CBT IN TREATING PTSD SYMPTOM AND IMPROVING PERCEIVED SELF-EFFICACY AMONG ABUSED CHILDREN: A RANDOMIZED EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
    (جامعة النجاح الوطنية, 2022-03-24) Sultan, Sujoud
    The study aims were to evaluate the efficiency of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in alleviating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and improving perceived self-efficacy among abused children. This study employed the experimental approach. The sample of study consisted of (30) children (aged 10-15), diagnosed with PTSD currently treated at a local mental health clinic. Study instruments included a PTSD scale (CPSS – SR – 5) that measures PSTD in children and a scale of perceived self-efficacy in children (Self-Efficacy Formative Questionnaire). The sample was randomly divided into two groups; an experimental group treated with Therapeutic Program based on CBT (n = 15), and a control group (n = 15). The results of the study revealed statistically significant positive effects of CBT in reducing PTSD related symptoms and improved perceived self-efficacy among abused children. The results of the study suggest that CBT is effective in treating children with PTSD and improving self-efficacy. The study recommended the necessity of paying attention to cognitive behavioral therapy and integrating it into various therapeutic areas, and developing more cognitive behavioral therapy programs to treat additional psychological disorders among children.
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    THE EFFICACY OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION PROGRAM IN REDUCING WORK-RELATED STRESS AND IMPROVING OCCUPATIONAL SATISFACTION AMONG LAWYERS INNORTH ISRAEL
    (جامعة النجاح الوطنية, 2022-03-17) Aburomi, Kamlih
    The study aimed to identify The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Intervention Program in Reducing Work-Related Stress and Improving Occupational Satisfaction among Lawyers. The quasi-experimental approach was used for its suitability for the purposes of the study. The study sample consisted of fourteen lawyers. Those who were chosen using the voluntary method (voluntary sampling) and divided into two groups: control group (8 lawyers) who were not subjected to the program and experimental group (6) lawyers who were, were subjected to the Cognitive Behavioral Intervention Program in reducing work-Related stress and improving occupational satisfaction program. The results showed that Cognitive Behavioral Intervention Program efficacy in reducing work-related stress among lawyers was in favor of the experimental group on the telemetry, and it was found that Cognitive Behavioral Intervention Program efficacy in improving occupational satisfaction and reducing stress among lawyers was in favor of the experimental group on the dimensional measurement, as the results showed. According to the Cognitive Behavioral Intervention Program. Between the post-test and the follow-up, there are statistically significant differences in the levels of work-related stress and occupational satisfaction. The study recommended the need to conduct studies related to the current study with the use of other programs that reduce the level of work-related stress and improve the level of occupational satisfaction, and other social groups
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    Evaluation of Five Developmental Factors among Palestine Early Childhood Using Portage Developmental Screening Tool
    (جامعة النجاح الوطنية, 2021-10-03) Darwazeh, Farah
    The current study explored the range of acquisition of developmental milestones in 1622 kindergarten age children in Palestine age using an internationally standardized and locally validated scale (Portage Developmental Screening Tool) and how social factors (parents education, salary, place of residence, etc.) affected overall functioning. The sample consisted of 1608 child, were excluded166 child screening tool, so that the sample consisted of 1456 child, 43.4% female and 56.6% male children between the ages of 3 and 8 years of age all attending a kindergarten or first grade class in the included schools. According to the findings, at least 12% of the children indicated a clinical developmental delay indicated by a two-year delay in any one scale or over a two-year delay in two or over scales. In the areas of cognitive functioning, independent life skills, and physical skills, 70% to 78% of children scored below their normative biological age. In the areas of communication and social skills 57% of childrenscored below their normative developmental age. In addition, all children evaluated were in fact, attending early education programsaddressing developmental goals and academic preparation (which the majority of Palestinian children are not). Physical education (which included coordination, balance, and other basic life skills) was the area of highest delay with approximately 78% of children (scoring below age norms. Examining demographic mitigating factors, the finding demonstrated a protective effect of maternal education. Consequently, neither father’s education level nor poverty level had any effect. Income level and consanguinity (relatedness of biological parents) as well as loss of oxygen during the birth process were noted as risk factors for normal development. This research clearly defines the critical need for immediate action, if children are unable to fulfill their social and developmental potential; it harms not only their individual future, but also the societies in which they live. In recognition of that reality, it is the collective responsibility of governments, families, and all health partners in development to ensure that every individual who begins life in every corner of the world has access to family care, education, health services and nutrition including in Palestine.
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    Experience of Palestinian Children During COVID 19 Pandemic Lockdown: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study
    (جامعة النجاح الوطنية, 2021-09-29) Ayoub, Haneen
    The global COVID-19 pandemic is currently one of the most important worldwide issues that is of international concern. The breakout of the disease that began in China has continued to spread to other regions and countries, Palestine included. Palestine has been in a state of emergency since March 2020 with strict policies of lockdown and home confinement implemented gradually. Students have been at home since the beginning of this emergency status. Little attention is devoted to the psychological impact of the pandemic and its measures on populations especially children. The surge of information, anxiety, panic, restlessness and uncertainty surrounding these circumstances, loss of contact with friends and school as well as changes in the daily routine leaves children vulnerable to psychological difficulties. Several studies conducted worldwide during the pandemic reflected symptoms of depression, anxiety, behavioral and emotional difficulties. The aim of this study is to explore and understand the lived experiences of Palestinian children under lockdown due to the COVID-19. The approach of the study is qualitative that results in comprehensive information regarding the psychological impact of this situation on children. The results of the study showed several themes of awareness, feelings of depression and anxiety, frustrations at loss of normalcy and change of routine, as well as feelings of uncertainty. The current Palestinian context also offers a perspective into the perception of risk in regards to Palestinian children. The results also provide paradoxical findings including not only negative impact but also positive impact of the lockdown in terms of family relationships and and quality time. Palestinian children and adolescent much like their peers worldwide experienced a negative psychological impact during the pandemic lockdown and probably continue to do so as the pandemic is still ongoing. The uncertainty and loss of ability to predict and plan are thought to be the riskiest one of all. Special attention should be dedicated to the psychological well-being of children and adolescent during this period and in the aftermath of the pandemic.
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    PARENTING STYLES AND ITS CORRELATION WITH THE ABILITY TO DELAY GRATIFICATION USING MARSHMALLOW TEST, AMONG CHILDREN OF 5 YEARS OLD, IN BETHLEHEM GOVERNORATE
    (2023-09-21) Leena Agbariea
    This study aims to identify parenting styles and their correlation with the ability to delay gratification using the Marshmallow test, among children of 5 years old, in Bethlehem Governorate. The study sample included 80 children with one of their parents (80 fathers/ mothers). The research sample was selected using a simple cluster random sampling method. Multiple Linear Regression test and T-test were used to study the correlations and comparison between the study variables. The results indicated that the authoritative parenting style was the most parenting style affecting the delay of gratification using the Marshmallow test in comparison with authoritarian and permissive parenting styles. Negative relationship was found between the authoritarian parenting style and the ability to delay gratification using the Marshmallow test. The results also showed a significant relationship between the authoritative and permissive parenting style with the ability to delay gratification. Results, recommendations, and future studies are discussed. Keywords: Parenting Style, Delay Gratification, Marshmallow Test
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    SELF-REPORTED CAUSES OF MENTAL ILLNESS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH PATHWAYS TO HEALTHCARE AMONG PEOPLE WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS IN PALESTINE
    (2023-03-27) By Zaynab Hinnawi
    Background: Mental illness affects every segment of population, in every country including Palestine. The beliefs held by patients regarding the causes of mental illness impact their treatment-seeking behavior. No doubt that understanding the context of the beliefs held by the patients and their family members with respect to the causation and treatment of various psychiatric disorders may help seeking behavior of mentally ill subjects and their adherence to treatment. Previous studies revealed many different attributions stated by mentally-ill people. Those attributions were relevant to the culture they belong to. The aim of this study was to find out the attributions of the Palestinian patients, and the pathways followed by them to seek healthcare. Methodology: The sample of this study consisted of thirty-one stable patients who attend private clinics. The participants were with different diagnoses, and from different cities of the West Bank in addition to Jerusalem. Semi-structured interviews using an adapted version of the McGill illness Narrative interview were conducted in order to illicit illness narratives. Results: The findings of this study showed three main attributions: supranatural, psychosocial, and biomedical causes. Participants sought help through two main pathways; psychiatrists and sheikhs. Other pathways were followed but with less countable frequency. Conclusion: An important number of patients attribute their psychiatric symptoms to supranatural causes. In regard to help-seeking behaviors, many patients seek help from nonmedical pathways. Keywords: Mental health; Attribution theory; Supranatural causes; Psychosocial causes; Biomedical causes; Treatment pathways; Psychiatrists, Sheikhs.
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    SUICIDE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PALESTINIAN MENTAL HEALTH WORKERS
    (جامعة النجاح الوطنية, 2022-02-22) Abu Ghoush, Shereen
    This study aims at identifying suicide from the perspective of Palestinian mental health workers by interviewing sample of Palestinian mental health workers consisted of 16 participants through an interview includes eight questions which have been analyzed by using qualitative method. The study findings showed that: 1. Mental health workers relate reasons for suicide in Palestine to external, internal and personal pressures. 2. There are differences between males and females include social reasons, economic reasons, and violence against women, family pressures, and personal reasons. 3. In questions related to Palestinian culture, mental health workers related factors to reducing the phenomenon to cultural factors, norms and customs, national culture, Strain, religion affects and family solidarity, while they related other factors to the increasing of the phenomenon, which included political, economic, social factors and psychological stress. 4. The dangerous intention to suicide in Palestine included evaluating case feeling, needs and case surrounding. In addition, 5. Concerning the transferring procedures for suicide cases: mental health workers determined specialist's tasks and referral procedures. 6. Procedures for informing families including collecting information, communicating families and authorities, determining treatment plan and providing supporting plan, 7. The role of the specialist in suicide case intervention includes assessment, communication, transferring and seeking support, providing guidance. 8. Suggestions to prevent suicide attempts included more research to understand the phenomena, increasing awareness towards suicide in all aspects, and providing supportive bodies and specialized centers. Implication of the study are mentioned such as training mental health workers, increasing awareness level towards suicide, and providing supportive bodies in order to decrease the phenomenon, besides future studies are discussed.
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    THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PLAY THERAPY IN DEVELOPING SOCIAL SKILLS AMONG HIGH FUNCTIONAL AUTISTIC CHILDREN
    (2022-09-15) Sally Abdalhai
    ABSTRACT Background: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Disorder (DSM-5), the essential features of the autism spectrum disorder are impairment in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts at the present time or in the child's history, and the inability to develop, acquire, understand and maintain social relationships. This is in addition to restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interest or activities. Previous studies have showed that play therapy has positive effects on autistic children’s social skills. Accordingly, this study sought to examine the role of play therapy in developing the social skills of high functioning autistic children. Method: The study participants were seven autistic children aged 6-10 years old. All of them were Palestinian Arabs living in Occupied Palestine and from Palestinian Institute for Childhood. The institute chose the autistic children according to the severity of their autism, and it also chose the high functioning autistic children. In this study, the researcher used the Autism Social Skills Profile was used to measure if there was an improvement in the autistic children’s social skills. The parents and the teacher answered the paper based-scale in 30-45 minutes. Results: The overall social functioning of children with autism improved after applying the play-based program in comparison with the period before the intervention. The differences were statistically significant. In contrast, the participants significantly improved their social skills in both subscales- social reciprocity and participation\avoidance. It can be concluded that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD showed significant improvements after the intervention on the total measure of social functioning. Conclusion: This quasi-experimental study can be used on autistic children by training teachers and guiding parents to set up a play therapy intervention plan to develop the high functioning autistic children’s social skills. Key words: Autism Spectrum Disorder, autistic children, social communication, social interaction, play therapy, social skills.
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    THE EFFICACY OF A COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY PROGRAM IN REDUCING DEPRESSION AND IMPROVING SELF-EFFICACY AMONG STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES
    (2023-08-23) Mayar Esam Adnan Athamleh
    Background: Learning disabilities are a type of neurodevelopmental condition. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the underlying aspects include deficits in learning skills, leading to decreased self-efficacy and future despair. Previous research has shown that cognitive-behavioral treatment improves self-efficacy and decreases depression in students with learning disabilities. As a result, this study aimed to investigate the impact of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on reducing depression and increasing self-efficacy among students with learning difficulties. Methodology: The quasi-experimental method with a pre-test-post-test control group design was used in the current study to test the effect of the independent variable (a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) group program) on the two dependent variables (reducing depression and improving self-efficacy) among students with learning disabilities. The design of two equivalent groups was used; control and experimental groups, the sample comprised 12 children who exhibited learning disabilities, with an age range of 12 to 13 years because their brain is still developing and deserves to be studied. Whereas the CBT program was applied to the experimental group. Meanwhile, the control group did not receive any intervention. Pre-test and post-test were conducted for the two groups to assess depression and self-efficacy before and after applying for the therapeutic program, and scores were compared and analyzed. Results: The results showed that CBT is effective in developing self-efficacy and reducing depression. This study examines the correlation between the level of depression and learning disabilities in children, upon the results of utilizing the level measure of depression as the primary metric and self-efficacy in children with learning disabilities, which was used as a pre-measure before applying the program for children with learning disabilities and as a measure after therapeutic intervention. Conclusions: The findings of the study lead us to consider the efficiency of cognitive-behavioral therapy and the significance of its continuity in lowering depression and increasing self-efficacy among students with learning disabilities, and can be used to train teachers and educational counsellors in schools and guide parents in developing a CBT intervention plan for children with learning disabilities. Keywords: Self-efficacy; Learning Disability; Depression; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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    THE ROLE OF ABILITY AND TRAIT EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ON MENTAL HEALTH AMONG PALESTINIAN BATTERED AND NON-BATTERED WOMEN: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
    (2023-04-14) Carolina Hodali
    Emotional Intelligence (EI) can be understood from two perspectives; EI as a mental capacity to process emotions and EI as a cognitive, personality, and an affective attribute. Studies on EI showed the importance of studying EI and its relationship to mental health outcomes (Stress, Anxiety and Depression). Worldwide and Palestinian studies showed high prevelance and strong relationship of Gender based Violence, specifically domestic violence with mental health outcomes. The study aimed to investigate the role of Ability Emotional Intelligence (AEI) and Trait Emotional Intelligence (TEI) in mental health outcomes among Palestinian battered and non-battered women. Moreover, the study looked for differences in mean scores of AEI and TEI and Mental Health Outcomes between battered and non-battered women. The contribution of AEI, TEI and Battering in the predicition of Mental Health Outcomes, and the main effects and interaction of AEI and TEI among battered and non –battered women were measured. The target population of the study were 102 women from 14 institutions in the West Bank (61 battered, 41 non-battered), and their ages ranged between 20 until 59 years old (M = 36.90, SD = 9.68). Results showed significant differences in all Mental Health Ouctomes between battered and non-battered women while no significant differences in their Emotional Intelligence was found. The researcher also measured the relationaship between the variables by using Multiple Linear Regression Test to learn about the relationship between women’s trait EI, Ability EI, and their Mental Health Outcomes, with women’s mental health outcomes as the dependent variable. The findings showed significant partial correlation between Battering and TEI and Mental Health Outcomes. However, we found significant partial correlation only between AEI and Anxiety. Moreover, for analyzing the main effects and interaction of EI and Battering on Mental Health Outcomes (Anxiety, Stress and Depression separately), the researher used the Two Way ANCOVA test analysis. The main results showed an effect of TEI on Anxiety and Depression, while AEI affects only Anxiety. Moreover, Battering affected more Stress and Depression than Anxiety. The predictive characteristics of AEI, TEI, and Battering on Mental Health Outcomes, as well as the implication of the results, were discussed. Keywords: Battered Women; Emotional Intelligence; Gender Based Violence; Mental Health Outcomes; Palestinian Context.
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    THE SOURCES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO RESILIENCE AND BURNOUT AMONG HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS IN PALESTINE
    (2023-06-01) Fatena Ahmad Anis Mahamid
    The aim of this study is to investigate the level and the relationship between psychological distress, burnout and resilience among health care workers in occupied Palestine. The study also attempts to discover the effects of some demographic variables, i.e., gender, age, monthly income, years of experience, and employment on psychological distress, resilience, and burnout. The study was conducted using the available sample of 153 health care workers in medical centers, hospitals, and emergency departments, in occupied Palestine. Samples indicated that 34.8% of respondents were male, and 56.2% were female. The results of the study revealed that the degree of psychological distress and resilience among health care workers in occupied Palestine were high, while burnout was very high. The results also indicated that psychologicaldistress has effect on burnout.The results also showed that there were differences in the total score of resilience and burnout among health care workers on the variable of age in favor of +50 years old statistically significant differences were present in the total score of psychological distress and burnout. In conclusion, the study recommends holding more rehabilitation workshops for healthcare providers on a continual basis in order to offer the latest developments in their field. This may encourage and help them to perform their work in a more positive manner. Keywords: Healthcare providers, psychological distress, resilience, burnout.
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    Validation of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale in Arabic Language within a Palestinian Context
    (جامعة النجاح الوطنية, 2019-06-16) Abd El Qadir, Ciwar
    Today there is an emerging need for psychological assessment instruments which can be used within and across cultures and countries. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether an Arabic version of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale–II (VABS-II) can be employed to measure adaptive behaviors of children in the Palestinian context. This was a non-experimental study design with a convenient sample looking at the correlation of the scores on the two tests domains; VABS-II and Portage scale domains. Two samples of participants were analyzed; a convenient sample was compiled with a total of 56 male and female children (ages 2-9) including a group of high-risk children who were referred to a local multi service center for neuro-developmental concerns (N = 26). The control group consisted of children attending a local private elementary school in northern West Bank territories (N = 30). Results showed that in the five developmental domains tested (Cognition, Communication, Socialization, Motor Skills, and Independent Living Skills) there were significant differences in some domains among the control group. Slight differences x were noted in the areas of cognition and motor skills for some sub-groups possibly related to differences in the scope of tasks utilized in each test. However, there were no significant differences among the high-risk group. The implication of these findings is that the Arabic version of VABS-II is an appropriate scale for assessing adaptive and maladaptive behaviors in a Palestinian context as it meets the standard of previously validated measures while adding scales of interest not available in the Portage, including an overall Adaptive Behavior Scale, a Maladaptive Behavior Scale, standardized T-Scores, and comprehensive full age standardized scales for ages birth to 90. Further investigation needs to be explored to assess the VABS-II efficiency in older and younger populations not included in this study