Muna Al-Bahrani

Nomophobia, fear of missing out (FoMO), mindful attention, and happiness are interconnected psychological constructs, yet their interdependencies remain poorly understood, particularly in Arab-speaking contexts. Using network analysis (EBICglasso), this cross-sectional study examined these associations in 462 Omani college students across a 56-node, four-community network. Centrality indices (strength, expected influence) and bridge expected influence were calculated, with stability assessed via bootstrapping and gender differences examined using the Network Comparison Test. Results revealed strong within-community connections and notable cross-community links. Mindful attention showed positive associations with nomophobia and FoMO but negative associations with happiness. Happiness and mindful attention emerged as the most central constructs, while FoMO and mindful attention showed the strongest bridge associations across network communities. Stability coefficients exceeded the recommended 0.50 threshold, and no significant gender differences emerged in network structure or global strength. These findings highlight the complexity of the associations among mindful attention, nomophobia, FoMO, and happiness and suggest that the role of mindful attention may vary across contexts. The identified central and bridge constructs warrant further investigation as potential areas of focus in future digital well-being research.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common developmental disorder worldwide, occurring among children and adolescents across cultures and societies. ADHD manifests itself in difficulties with concentration, distraction, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. ADHD poses a challenge in school settings, affecting students' ability to follow lessons, adhere to instructions, and complete academic tasks. Omani schools are witnessing cases of ADHD, which calls for educational and health attention to develop effective strategies to reduce the prevalence of ADHD among school students. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among Omani students with learning disabilities (LDs). A descriptive survey design was employed, with a sample of 861 students with LDs from different governorates in Oman. To assess ADHD symptoms, a standardized scale was developed based on the criteria outlined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The final version of the scale comprised 25 items distributed across two core domains: Inattention and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity. Findings revealed that 28% of students with LDs met the criteria for ADHD, with Inattention being the predominant subtype (58%). ADHD was more prevalent among male students (73%) and was most commonly observed in students in grades 1-4 (75%). Additionally, 63% of ADHD cases were identified in students with Arabic language difficulties, particularly in reading and writing. The study highlights the need for systematic ADHD screening among students with LDs and recommends the adoption of the developed scale for early identification and intervention.

The current study examined the Career Thoughts Inventory (CTI (psychometric properties and its performance among a sample of 2366 adolescents; 1037 (45.4%) males and 1289 (54.5%) females. Item Response Theory (IRT) was applied to identify which CTI items proficiently contribute to a single proper measurement of CTI. IRT evaluates the amount of information for each item of the scale for each trait level on the trait dimension through the item information function. IRT allows the assessment of differential item functioning (DIF). Results showed that goodness of fit indices all supported the bi‐factor model. IRT identified one problematic item. CTI was shortened to 22 and DIF showed two items endorsed differently between males and females. Limitations and discussions were discussed.

Affect is involved in many psychological phenomena, but a descriptive structure, long sought, has been elusive. Valence and arousal are fundamental, and a key question-the focus of the present study-is the relationship between them. Valence is sometimes thought to be independent of arousal, but, in some studies (representing too few societies in the world) arousal was found to vary with valence. One common finding is that arousal is lowest at neutral valence and increases with both positive and negative valence: a symmetric V-shaped relationship. In the study reported here of self-reported affect during a remembered moment (N = 8,590), we tested the valence-arousal relationship in 33 societies with 25 different languages. The two most common hypotheses in the literature-independence and a symmetric V-shaped relationship-were not supported. With data of all samples pooled, arousal increased with positive but not negative valence. Valence accounted for between 5% (Finland) and 43% (China Beijing) of the variance in arousal. Although there is evidence for a structural relationship between the two, there is also a large amount of variability in this relation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

The impact of divorce experience on divorcees (N = 508) was examined within Arab context using stress measurement consisting of three domains: Cognitive, behavioral, and emotional. Results of a one-way analysis of variance indicated a statistically significant effect of gender within emotional domain. A strong correlation between emotional and cognitive symptoms subscales was found among divorcees. Negative moderate correlation between behavioral and cognitive as well as emotional and behavioral association were shown among men divorcees.

This study examined the mediating role of career decision self-efficacy in the relationship between career locus of control and career aspiration. A 9-item Career Aspirations Scale, 31-items Career Locus of Control Scale, and 24-item Career Decision Self-Efficacy Short Form were administered to 2700 students from grades 10 to 11 studying in high schools. Path analysis results indicated that a positive direct effect of the internal locus of control on career aspiration and a negative direct effect of powerful others on career aspiration. Internal control, luck, and powerful others explained 43% of the variation in career decision self-efficacy. The results showed a positive direct effect of career decision self-efficacy on career aspiration. All together internal control, luck, powerful others, and career decision self-efficacy explained 42% of the variation in career aspiration. Implications were discussed to enhance internal locus of control and career self-efficacy among students.

This study examines the differences between male and female adolescents and their maths study on their career aspiration. The study investigates the effect of grade point average and parents’ educational level on adolescents reported career aspiration. A career aspiration scale is administered to 2717 students representing tenth and eleventh grades. The findings reveal females have higher scores on career aspiration than males. Students who study pure maths in their career path have higher score on career aspiration than those with applied maths. Results also show significant effects of parents’ educational level and grade point average on adolescents’ career aspiration. Suggestion is provided to consider contextual variables in designing interventions.