Effects of positive psychology interventions in Arab countries: a protocol for a systematic review (original) (raw)
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Middle East Journal of Positive Psychology, 2015
An indigenous positive psychology that addresses the human development needs of Emirati and expatriate residents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is proposed. A positive psychology approach leverages inherent, yet often neglected, social, cultural, and religious strengths to mobilize growth. Yet, psychology practitioners and researchers frequently focus on ill-being and weakness. Further, many psychology practitioners are non-Emiratis who tend to employ traditional psychological models from the West, which are perhaps incongruous to the UAE context; hence our call for an indigenous positive psychology. Psychological models rooted in Western notions of secular individualism run contrary to the UAE’s collectivistic and non-secular orientations. Moreover, focusing on the negatives, avoiding religion, and endorsing Western ideals of normality (disguised though they may be), can harm the psychological fabric of the UAE population. Although the field of psychology is expanding, a vision for practice and research is imperative; thus, the introduction of a framework for the development of an indigenous positive psychology that supports culturally appropriate strengths is relevant and timely. To do so, the tenets of positive psychology are reviewed, and steps necessary for the development of an indigenous version are proposed with the aim of facilitating the growth of the nation. https://middleeastjournalofpositivepsychology.org/index.php/mejpp/article/view/24
Developing an Indigenous Positive Psychology in the United Arab Emirates
An indigenous positive psychology that addresses the human development needs of Emirati and expatriate residents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is proposed. A positive psychology approach leverages inherent, yet often neglected, social, cultural, and religious strengths to mobilize growth. Yet, psychology practitioners and researchers frequently focus on ill-being and weakness. Further, many psychology practitioners are non-Emiratis who tend to employ traditional psychological models from the West, which are perhaps incongruous to the UAE context; hence our call for an indigenous positive psychology. Psychological models rooted in Western notions of secular individualism run contrary to the UAE’s collectivistic and non-secular orientations. Moreover, focusing on the negatives, avoiding religion, and endorsing Western ideals of normality (disguised though they may be), can harm the psychological fabric of the UAE population. Although the field of psychology is expanding, a vision ...
The International journal of social psychiatry, 2013
All too often, efficacious psychosocial evidence-based interventions fail when adapted from one culture to another. International translation requires a deep understanding of the local culture, nuanced differences within a culture, established service practices, and knowledge of obstacles and promoters to treatment implementation. This research investigated the following objectives to better facilitate cultural adaptation and translation of psychosocial and mental health treatments in Arab countries: (1) identify barriers or obstacles; (2) identify promoting strategies; and (3) provide clinical and research recommendations. This systematic review of 22 psychosocial or mental health studies in Middle East Arab countries identified more barriers (68%) than promoters (32%) to effective translation and adaptation of empirically supported psychosocial interventions. Identified barriers include obstacles related to acceptability of the intervention within the cultural context, community a...