Dr. Rasha is the head of the Psychology Department at Ajman University, holding a Ph.D. in Psychology from Ain Shams University in Egypt. With over 20 years of experience in teaching, research, and community service, she also has a life coaching certification from Columbia University, USA, and 25 years of counseling experience. From 2016 to 2019, she established and managed the Student Counseling Unit, and previously served as the Director of the Counseling Department at the University of Sharjah from 2007 to 2011. Additionally, Dr. Rasha worked as an assistant researcher at the NCEEE in Egypt from 1996 to 2005. She has published numerous research papers and articles in both Arabic and English in reputable journals, including two books, the latest of which focuses on mental health and school counseling, released in 2022. Dr. Rasha has conducted various training courses, workshops, and lectures in psychology for public service organizations and schools. She is also a member of a support team for individuals of determination across the United Arab Emirates. Since 1998, Dr. Rasha has been a freelance journalist, contributing to numerous newspapers and magazines in both Arabic and English.
This study aimed to evaluate the network structure of suicidality and its relation with internalizing and externalizing symptoms in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A total of 754 patients with OCD were recruited. The mean age of all participants was 33.19, with a standard deviation of 10.65. Additionally, 43.9% of participants were female. We used the Scale for Suicide Ideation (SSI), Externalizing Spectrum Inventory–Brief Form (ESI-BF), Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, and Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms-II (IDAS-II) to estimate the network structure. Patients were also questioned about their prior failed suicide attempts and categorized into groups based on their history of suicide attempts. We created Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAG) to examine potential causal paths and utilized Markov Random Fields (MRFs) to demonstrate predictive linkages. The MRFs revealed that impulsivity, impatience, urgency, panic symptoms, and age were directly related to suicide ideation severity in both groups. However, general depression was linked to suicide ideation only among patients without a history of suicide attempts. Additionally, traumatic intrusions were linked to suicide ideation only among patients with a history of suicide attempts. The DAG model predicted that suicide ideation causes externalizing symptoms, while internalizing symptoms predicted suicide ideation in both groups. These findings suggest that specific internalizing and externalizing symptoms in patients with or without a history of suicide attempts may contribute to suicidality. Thus, suicide attempt history, as well as internalizing and externalizing symptoms, should be carefully monitored in patients with OCD.
Background: The Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ) originated from the Revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality. This study was conducted to assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the RST-PQ among a group of Iranian adults. Method: The cross-sectional study was carried out among 600 Iranian adults utilizing a convenient sampling method, following specific participant selection criteria to enhance the study methodology’s transparency (including the age range between 18 and 35 years’ participants without major psychiatric diagnoses). Participants completed both the Iranian version of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ) and the Five-Factor NEO-FFI questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis, employing the multiple indicators model (MIMIC) approach, was utilized in this study to control for demographic variables such as age and gender. Results: The confirmatory factor analysis results showed an acceptable fit of the proposed six-factor model based on the English version of RST-PQ (CFI = 0.905; RMSEA = 0.053). Also, Cronbach’s alpha values confirmed the internal consistency of the proposed structure. In addition, competing models were also used to select the bestproposed model. In this way, different models were evaluated, assuming a change in the correlation intensity between BIS and the Fight-Flight-Freeze System (FFFS). Conclusions: The convergent validity results with the Five-Factor Personality measure provided further support and were consistent with previous research findings. It is crucial to have an Iranian-language version of the RSTPQ to promote RST research and show how this theoretical framework aids in explaining and predicting various actions, whether they are abnormal or healthy.
We aimed to examine the factor structure of passion, resilience, and life satisfaction scales, as well as the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between different types of passion and life satisfaction among older Moroccan distance runners To assess reliability, a sample of 354 older adults (female =56.20 %; mean age = 64.33 years, SD = 12.02 years) participated in the study For the resilience validation study, our sample consisted of 283 older adults (female = 61.13 %; mean age = 62.48 years, SD = 14.31 years) They completed the adapted Passion Scale, Brief Resilience Scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale. The results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated acceptable reliability scores for the Passion Scale, Brief Resilience Scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale. The path analysis results showed that resilience played a mediating role between harmonious passion and life satisfaction, which strengthened the relationship These findings emphasise the importance of passion, resilience, and life satisfaction in promoting the health and well-being of elderly runners and can serve as a valuable resource for health support interventions. Keywords: confirmatory factor analysispassion typeslife satisfaction
This study aimed to identify the motives for using critical thinking skills among gifted and non-gifted students. A measure of motivation for using critical thinking skills prepared by Valenzuela & et al., 2011 was used, which includes two dimensions: motivation for use based on expectation and value. The results showed that the level of motives for using critical thinking skills among gifted students was high, while the level was medium among non-gifted students. The results also indicated that there were statistically significant differences in the dimension of expectation and the total degree of the motives of use due to gender in favor of male students. The study also found statistically significant differences in the dimensions (expectation, value) and the total score of the motives of use due to the classification of students (gifted or non-gifted) in favor of gifted students. The study recommended teachers and curriculum developers to find strategies and activities that would raise the level of motivation for critical thinking among non-gifted and female students. … Read more
There is a growing need to understand the role of social and personal factors in relation students’ academic engagement. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationships between interpersonal relationships (parents, peers, and teachers) and learning engagement (cognitive, behavioural, agentic, and emotional) among 477 high school students from Malaysia. The research applied a cross-sectional approach and data was obtained via survey questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were computed, and a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach with AMOS software was utilized for data analysis regarding measurement model and hypotheses testing. The structural model revealed that self-efficacy fully mediated the relationships between interpersonal relationships and the four dimensions of student engagement. The study highlights the importance of positive interpersonal relationships with parents, peers, and teachers in fostering students’ self-efficacy and subsequently enhancing their engagement in various aspects of their academic life. These results have implications for educators and psychological practitioners in promoting supportive environments that foster self-efficacy and engagement among high school students
The current paper aimed to investigate the network structure and centrality indexes of hypersensitive narcissism using the hypersensitive Narcissism Scale (HSN). Additionally, we aimed to explore its relationships with dark triad personality aspects. A globally diverse sample of “53,981” participants (47.9% non-United States responders) completed the HSN and Dark Triad Dirty Dozen scale (DTD). We estimated the network structure across genders to determine the core characteristics of hypersensitive narcissism. Additionally, bridge and central nodes (characteristics) were identified. All analyses were performed using R-Studio programming software. The network comparison test indicated significant differences in the network structures between males and females (Network-Invariance: 0.0489, P
The objective of the current research is to measure the level of phobias from the emerging corona virus (Covid-19) among individuals in the Arab environment in both United Arab Emirates and Iraq. The researchers used the descriptive analytical approach on a sample consisting of (561) participants (volunteers); (409) from Iraq (73%) and (151) from United Arab Emirates (27%) of the total sample, (63%) females, and (37%) males. The Corona virus phobia scale (prepared by researchers) was applied. The scale consists of (39) items that include three basic areas: Fear of the future (18) items, general anxiety (15) items, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (6) items. The results indicated that (82%(of the study sample suffer from a high degree of anxiety about infection with the Corona virus. The results indicated that there are differences in the degree of Corona phobia between individuals in Iraq and United Arab Emirates in favor of individuals from Iraq, who have high degree of anxiety and fear of being infected by the virus. The results also showed that there are no significant differences in the phobia of infection with the Corona virus that are attributed to gender, marital status, level of education, and profession. The study recommended directing the attention of governments and various institutions in both countries to the importance of providing health support and working to improve the level of mental health so that individual citizens can be able to adapt to different life variables.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health are likely to worsen as the epidemic progresses and will last long even after the pandemic has passed. The present study developed a coronaphobia scale during the pandemic to measure its psychological effects such as fear, anxiety, and depression in the majority of the cases in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is a 35-item scale that measures anxiety symptoms connected with COVID-19 and may be used to identify people who require mental health treatment. Based on 618 adults, the reliability and validity of these items were appropriate. The scales were distributed via social media using a Google form. Internal consistency, reliability analysis, and structural equation models, particularly confirmatory factor analysis, were carried out. The elevated scores on the coronaphobia scale were associated with social phobia, anxiety, stress, and depression. The coronaphobia score distinguishes well between those with and without dysfunctional anxiety (85% specificity and 90% sensitivity). These results support the coronaphobia scale as a valid and effective tool for clinical practice and research. Keywords: COVID-19; Coronaphobia scale; Development; Psychometric; UAE.
Doubtless, COVID-19 now presents a serious threat for mental health around the world, the unpredictable, fast-spreading caused universal awareness anxiety, and distress all. The present study, therefore, aims to understand the psychosocial impacts of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic on UAE Society. This descriptive and correlational study design has included 592 (192 males and 400 females), The participants are mix of locals and residents of Arabic speakers, who responded to the questionnaire on a voluntary basis. A multiple-choice questionnaire with (33) items was designed to investigate the psychosocial impacts of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finding has shown that (29.7%) of the respondents reported negative physical symptoms, (43. 7%) reported negative psychological Symptoms, and (43.6%) reported negative social symptoms. Findings also show that the oldest group, the Non-married group, and people with the highest income group have shown the highest psychosocial impacts among their groups, while there are no significant differences in the psychosocial impacts according to gender. This result can be of importance to health and social services to prioritize the psychological and social needs and do certain interventions in order to raise the mental health level and wellbeing among population. Keywords: psychosocial impacts, Social distancing, COVID-19, psychological impacts, social impacts, physical impacts.
The main goal of this study was to examine the impact of blended learning on the academic achievement of undergraduate students in the general chemistry (CHE101) course. The participants' learners of the study were (326) learners, who were randomly split into two groups, one of which taught by using blended learning (empirical group A, n = 163) and the other which with taught by using the conventional method (control group B, n = 163). To accomplish the objectives of the study, the researchers prepared the study tool, which is an achievement test, after confirming its validity and reliability. Data analyses showed that there is a statistically significant difference among the mean scores of learners in the two study groups on the achievement test, for the benefit of empirical group learners, who taught through blended learning. Moreover, the results revealed that achievement varied according to the College of the learners in the empirical group (in favor of those students of Pharmacy and Health Sciences College). However, there is no statistically significant difference in students according to the students’ gender variable and, according to the Academic year variable. The study recommended that blended learning be used more widely to cover different sectors of education.
The study aim to specify the Factorial composition of the psychological alienation Model within the concept of Selfdetermination Theory SDT. In comparison with the psychodynamic analysis. With considering, that Psychological alienation have two major forms that arise from the failure of satisfying the psychological needs. The study used descriptive analysis with a random sample from the population in higher education institutions at UAE, the total sample of (475) male and female students which chosen them randomly from two universities Ajman University and University College of Mother and Family Sciences. The study concluded that psychological alienation is a composite concept, which composes of latent and expressive factors. The first expressive factor is the personality alienation which itself consists of two latent concepts the (impersonality and Incompetence). In addition, the second expressive factor is the context alienation, which is the diversion from the society contexts specifying social systems, this factor consists of the latent concepts the (relatedless, Normlessness, rebellion), therefore we can use psychometric concept as a model for psychological alienation.
The study aimed to determine the level of psychological resilience for undergraduate students at Ajman University, and to study the related personal, social, and psychological variables that are specific to it. The sample consist of (260) students from Ajman University. the instruments of the study contain psychological resilience scale ,life satisfaction and personal ambition. Study finding showed that the majority of the study sample members enjoyed high to very high degrees of psychological flexibility. The result pointed that the increase in the degrees of psychological resilience with increasing age, monthly income, satisfaction with social life, and personal ambition, The life satisfaction variable was the most influential in improving the degrees of psychological resilience, as it was solely responsible for explaining approximately 97% of the total variance in the degrees of psychological resilience. The finding also showed that the more individual enjoys a high degree of life satisfaction, the greater the degree of psychological resilience and its factors. Finally, the study recommended that attention should be paid to factors contributing to high levels of life satisfaction and that have a positive effect on psychological resilience. Keywords: Psychological resilience, life Satisfaction, Personal ambition, Ajman university students
The study aimsat identifying the relationship between cultural intelligence and happiness among Ajman University students in the light of sex and specialization. The study sample consisted of 282 students at Ajman University. Cultural intelligence scale and Oxford Happiness scale were applied in this study. The results did not find significant differences in the total cultural intelligence, its dimensions and the happiness due to sex and specialization, except for the significant differences in the behavioral dimension attributed to specialization for the benefit of humanities faculties. The study showed significant positive relationships between cultural intelligence with happiness; as simple regression results indicated that total cultural intelligence predicted a degree of happiness (R Square= .24), and the stepwise multiple regression analysis also revealed that the metacognitive, motivational, and behavioral dimensions of cultural intelligence predicted a degree of happiness (R Square= .27). Finally, the study recommended the need to integrate the dimensions and skills of cultural intelligence into programs and activities aim at promoting happiness among Ajman University students. Keywords: Cultural Intelligence; Happiness; Ajman University Students
This study aimed to investigate the impact of using the differentiated instruction strategy on stu-dents ’achievement in an intermediate school course and their attitudes towards it. The study was conducted using a semi-experimental method. Participants were 483 students, split into two groups: empiric (n = 244) and control (n = 239). Achievement tests and questionnaires were used as tools for this study. Data analyzed through the SPSS program. The results indicated that there were statistically significant differences between the groups for the benefit of the empiric group that taught via DI. The results also revealed positive attitudes towards the strategy used. The study recommends that attention to applying the differentiated teaching strategy for teaching science curricula and other textbooks
Metacognition is the ability of learners to take necessary steps to plan suitable strategies for solving the problems they face, to evaluate consequences and outcomes and to modify the approach as needed, based on the use of their prior knowledge. Metacognition helps learners to successfully achieve a personal goal by choosing the right cognitive tool for this purpose. The study, therefore, aims to explain the relationship and impact of metacognitive awareness and academic motivation on student's academic achievement. This descriptive and correlational study design has included 200 students (60 males) studying sociology in the College of Mass Communication and Humanities at Ajman University, UAE. Academic intrinsic motivations scale and the metacognitive awareness inventory were used as instruments. PLS-SEM was used to examine the relationship between metacognitive awareness and academic motivation, and their impact on academic achievement. Females obtained significantly higher levels than males on the two scales of metacognitive awareness, as shown in metacognitive knowledge. Females reported a higher-level academic extrinsic motivation than males. There is a highly significant correlation between the students' academic achievement and academic motivation; academic achievement and academic intrinsic motivation; academic achievement and academic extrinsic motivation. Metacognitive awareness is a major contributor to success in learning and represents an excellent tool for the measurement of academic performance.