This study assessed the effectiveness of the “Friendship Program,” a psychosocial intervention designed to increase perceived social support and psychological resilience among elderly individuals in institutional settings in Jordan. Using a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest–follow-up design with a single experimental group, the study involved 27 elderly participants and 27 student volunteers trained in basic counseling and communication skills. The six-week program featured structured sessions based on social learning and cognitive-behavioral principles, designed to promote emotional expression, cognitive engagement, and interpersonal bonds. To evaluate changes in social support and psychological resilience, the Social Support Scale and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale were administered at three different time points. The results indicated that participants experienced enhanced perceived social support and improved psychological resilience, supporting the program's effectiveness in fostering emotional well-being and resilience in older adults. The findings underscore the importance of integrating structured psychosocial interventions into geriatric care settings.

Background/Objectives: Emerging evidence suggests that abstaining from tobacco smoking can influence emotional control and psychological well-being. This study examines the impact of short-term tobacco abstinence on emotional balance and psychological alienation through an experimental design. Methods: A total of 197 participants from a university in Jordan (academic year 2023/2024) were divided into three groups: one group abstained from smoking for 24 h (n = 65) and another for 48 h (n = 61), while the control group (n = 71) continued smoking as usual. Emotional balance and psychological alienation were assessed across all groups. Results: Participants who abstained from smoking (both 24 h and 48 h groups) reported lower scores on emotional balance and higher psychological alienation compared to the control group. Moreover, those in the 48 h abstinence group experienced significantly greater emotional imbalance and psychological alienation than those in the 24 h group. A significant negative correlation was found between emotional balance and psychological alienation in the 24 h abstinence and control groups, but not in the 48 h group. Conclusions: The findings indicate that short-term tobacco abstinence negatively affects emotional stability and increases feelings of psychological alienation. These effects are more pronounced after 48 h of abstinence compared to 24 h.

This paper explores the critical intersection of social work and Islam, focusing on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region amidst historical and ongoing conflicts. The study examines how Western-oriented social work education often clashes with the realities faced by Muslim populations who interpret the world through an Islamic lens. The impact of colonialism, modernization, and globalization on social work practices in the MENA region is emphasized, highlighting the enduring effects of these forces on local knowledge and the marginalization of indigenous Islamic wisdom. The study advocates for a paradigm shift toward authentization—developing social work approaches grounded in the local cultural and religious contexts of Muslim populations. It discusses the integration of Islamic practices and values into social work and psychotherapy, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of Islamic rituals, spirituality, and community-oriented practices. The paper also underscores the need for culturally relevant social work education that reflects the diverse realities of Muslim clients. By promoting a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach, the article aims to bridge the gap between Western social work practices and the needs of Muslim communities, fostering better outcomes and enhanced well-being for those served.

Background/Objectives: The current study explored the relationship between cognitive distortions and alexithymia in 214 Saudi adults aged 20 to 45. Methods: Participants completed the Cognitive Distortions Scale and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Results: Results showed a significant positive correlation between cognitive distortions and alexithymia. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that cognitive distortions were independently associated with overall alexithymia and difficulty identifying feelings after controlling for demographics, but not with difficulty describing feelings or externally oriented thinking. Gender moderation was non-significant across all outcomes, suggesting a similar cognitive–emotional pattern for both males and females. However, cognitive distortions partially accounted for the higher alexithymia scores observed in males, though this mediation finding should be interpreted cautiously given the unequal gender subgroup sizes. Culturally, these findings reflect norms in Arab societies, where emotional restraint—particularly among men—is often reinforced by values associated with honor and traditional masculinity. Such norms may inhibit emotional expression and contribute to higher levels of alexithymia. Additionally, collectivist orientations may foster cognitive styles that intersect with maladaptive cognitive distortions. Conclusions: These results highlight the need for culturally adapted cognitive-behavioral interventions that consider local beliefs about emotions and gradually enhance emotional awareness. Future research should examine the interplay of cultural, social, and religious factors with cognitive and emotional processes over time.