Authors :
Mona Omar Sawan
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 6 - June
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/msb86d39
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jun1860
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Note : Google Scholar may take 30 to 40 days to display the article.
Abstract :
This study examined the impact of confidential psychological guidance on mental well-being and family stability
within Arab societies. While research in Western contexts has affirmed the effectiveness of counseling, limited attention has
been given to its role within Arab cultural, religious, and social frameworks. This research aimed to explore culturally
adapted counseling outcomes in Arab societies, focusing on emotional regulation, mental health, and family relationships. A
mixed-methods approach was used: quantitative surveys assessed changes in emotional distress and well-being before and
after counseling, while qualitative interviews provided insights into personal experiences and cultural perceptions. Findings
showed significant improvements in emotional regulation, with reductions in anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as
increased emotional resilience. Families also reported stronger relational dynamics, including improved communication and
reduced conflict. However, cultural stigma and limited access to trained professionals were significant barriers, particularly
in conservative areas. Despite these challenges, participants who overcame initial hesitations experienced substantial
benefits. This study contributes to cross-cultural psychological research, emphasizing the importance of culturally adapted
counseling and offering recommendations to improve mental health accessibility and reduce stigma in Arab communities.
Keywords :
Confidential Psychological Guidance, Arab Societies, Emotional Regulation, Mental Health, Family Stability, Cultural Stigma, Counseling, Mixed-Methods Approach, Family Dynamics, Mental Health Barriers, Cross-Cultural Psychological Research, Counseling Effectiveness, Mental Health Accessibility, Cultural Adaptation, Family Relationships.
References :
- Ahmad, R. (2018). Confidentiality and its importance in psychological counseling in conservative cultures. Psychology Today.
- Al-Sharif, M., & Al-Hadid, S. (2021). The effects of psychological counseling on family stability in traditional communities. Journal of Family Psychology, 35(4), 125–139.
- Brown, D., & Green, K. (2017). The cultural dynamics of counseling in Arab societies. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 48(3), 215–231.
- Farouk, M. M. (2018). Mental health stigma and its implications for counseling in the Arab world. Arab Health Psychology, 13(1), 55–68.
- Fathi, A. (2021). Mental health and family well-being: The impact of counseling services in conservative cultures. Journal of Mental Health and Family Dynamics, 6(1), 11-29.
- Hassan, F., & Kamal, I. (2020). Exploring the role of confidentiality in psychological counseling: A comparative study. Arab Journal of Psychology, 42(2), 34-50.
- Johnson, L. M., & Brown, P. (2019). The role of psychological counseling in family dynamics. Journal of Counseling and Family Therapy, 12(3), 45-58.
- Nasser, S. A. (2019). Confidentiality in counseling: Ethical challenges in Arab societies. Cambridge University Press.
- Parker, A., & Simon, J. (2020). Family-centered counseling: Enhancing psychological health in collectivist cultures. International Journal of Counseling, 45(5), 300–312.
- Smith, J. (2020). The impact of counseling on mental health in Arab societies. Oxford University Press.
- Zaki, L., & Saleh, H. (2019). Addressing mental health in Arab communities: International Journal of Cultural Studies, 22(4), 400–416.
This study examined the impact of confidential psychological guidance on mental well-being and family stability
within Arab societies. While research in Western contexts has affirmed the effectiveness of counseling, limited attention has
been given to its role within Arab cultural, religious, and social frameworks. This research aimed to explore culturally
adapted counseling outcomes in Arab societies, focusing on emotional regulation, mental health, and family relationships. A
mixed-methods approach was used: quantitative surveys assessed changes in emotional distress and well-being before and
after counseling, while qualitative interviews provided insights into personal experiences and cultural perceptions. Findings
showed significant improvements in emotional regulation, with reductions in anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as
increased emotional resilience. Families also reported stronger relational dynamics, including improved communication and
reduced conflict. However, cultural stigma and limited access to trained professionals were significant barriers, particularly
in conservative areas. Despite these challenges, participants who overcame initial hesitations experienced substantial
benefits. This study contributes to cross-cultural psychological research, emphasizing the importance of culturally adapted
counseling and offering recommendations to improve mental health accessibility and reduce stigma in Arab communities.
Keywords :
Confidential Psychological Guidance, Arab Societies, Emotional Regulation, Mental Health, Family Stability, Cultural Stigma, Counseling, Mixed-Methods Approach, Family Dynamics, Mental Health Barriers, Cross-Cultural Psychological Research, Counseling Effectiveness, Mental Health Accessibility, Cultural Adaptation, Family Relationships.