Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted EXPLORING HOW MEDIA AND FILM PORTRAY THE SOCIAL LIFE OF AUTISTIC PEOPLE(University of Essex, 2024-09-13) Alowa, Rayan; Busfield, JoanThis research highlights gaps in literature by exploring how fictional and non-fictional media portray the life trajectories of autistic people by examining the primary objectives in movies, TV shows, and documentaries. This research uncovers contradictions and stigmatization of autistic individuals, comparing these portrayals to existing literature. It highlights topics such as autistic adults navigating university life, transitioning to work, and forming intimate relationships. This research fills a gap within the literature, as this type of objective analysis has not been previously conducted in an academic setting. Through discourse analysis, the research explores how both fictional and non-fictional media shape social norms and generate stigma toward the autistic community. Unlike current literature, which focuses on why people on the autism spectrum1 are portrayed stereotypically, this research evaluates how they are depicted in fictional media using DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. Nine movies, TV shows, and documentaries were selected based on specific criteria, including representing at least one autistic character, to evaluate how they are depicted on TV. The research follows themes of a pre-established formula by Dr Baker (2008) known as “The Autistic Formula” to guide the evaluation of autism depiction of stereotypes in fictional media. Thus, by understanding how autistic individuals are portrayed in fictional media, this research sheds light on the social life experiences of autistic people.18 0Item Restricted Stigma Among Family Members of Children with Autism in Saudi Arabia: perceptions and experiences(University of Leeds, 2024-03-04) Almutairi, Taghrid; Gathercole, KateAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in communication, social interaction, and restricted, repetitive behaviors, exerts multifaceted impacts on both individuals with the condition and their caregivers. For those diagnosed with ASD, the condition significantly shape the daily lives of their families, who shoulder a substantial emotional, practical, and often lifelong burden. The caregiving journey can be both rewarding and demanding, encompassing a broad range of responsibilities. This study delves into the intricate web of experiences, perceptions, and societal reactions confronted by families of children with ASD in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Drawing upon Goffman's "courtesy stigma" theory, the research examines the extent of self-stigma and external stigma, investigating their multifaceted manifestations in this cultural context. Through thematic analysis of in-depth interviews, the study unveils five central themes: Negative Experiences due to Stigma that includes social exclusion, discrimination, isolation, and loneliness; Changes in Societal Attitudes; Emotional and Personal Impact that includes emotional burden, stress, and effects on daily life; Systemic Challenges that arises due to challenges in accessing services; and Support Systems that are being supportive in coping like support from community and family. The findings reveal that families encounter adverse societal responses, leading to isolation, discrimination, and emotional distress. However, the evolving societal awareness of autism in the community offers a glimmer of hope, bridging understanding and acceptance. Amidst challenges, familial and communal support systems emerge as vital pillars, underscoring their significance in navigating the complexities of raising children with ASD. Comparisons with existing literature corroborate and deepen the understanding of these experiences, both within the Saudi Arabian and global contexts. The implications of these findings underscore the urgency for awareness campaigns and education to dispel myths, fostering an inclusive environment for ASD families. The study culminates in recommendations for practical interventions and future research directions to address stigma and enhance the quality of life for these families. Despite its contributions, the research acknowledges its limitations and paves the way for further exploration into specific cities, cultural dimensions, and local contexts to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by families of children with ASD in Saudi Arabia.19 0Item Restricted The Relationship Between Stigma and Level of Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Within The Saudi Culture(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-11-30) Jambi, Amnah; Butcher, Howard KarlThere are two types of stigmas: self-stigma and public stigma. The focus of this dissertation was public stigma. The public stigma encountered by persons with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) contributes to the isolation of families due to the effort made by AD caregivers to adjust to social challenges (Abojabel & Warner, 2019). According to the Saudi Alzheimer’s Disease Association (2022), there are 130 thousand documented cases of AD, which comprised 9% of the aged population. The severity of stigmas can vary across cultures because stigmas of disease are connected to cultural norms (Corrigan, 2014). Most studies conducted in Saudi Arabia have assessed public stigma regarding mental illnesses, but no study has been found regarding public stigma within the AD scope. Population-based approaches that attempt to clarify stigma level prevalence in representative samples are important to develop methods to address these disparities and ensure equitable access to health care within the population's cultural context. The aim of this study was to 1) identify the relationship between public stigma and the level of AD knowledge among the Saudi population and 2) identify the potential factors that were associated with public stigma and AD knowledge levels among Saudi community members, within the context of a caring science perspective using critical caring theory and specific-situation theory. A non-experimental, correlational descriptive, and cross-sectional design was used for this study. The method of collecting data was an online survey method (Qualtrics) using the Basic Knowledge of Alzheimer's Disease (BKAD) to measure knowledge (Wiese, et al., 2017, 2019), and an adapted version of the Attribution Questionnaire AQ-9 to measure public stigma (Kim et al., 2021; Werner et al., 2017). Data analysis was performed via SPSS version 29. A total of (N = 150) participants were recruited in a span of three months. Data analysis revealed: 1) a significant correlation (r = -.20, p = .016) between AD knowledge and public stigma level, 2) significant factors associated with public stigma level were gender (B = 1.89, t = 2.51, p = .013), an education level (B = -2.69, t = -3.42, p < .001); and experience as an AD caregiver professionally (B = 2.69, t = 2.30, p = .023), 3) Factors significantly associated with AD knowledge level were the a) age group 18- 24 years old (B = 2.78, t = 2.27, p = .025), b) occupation in the non-medical profession category (B = -1.77, t = -2.04, p = .043), and c) education level (B = 2.27, t = 2.75, p = .007). Stigma can vary based on various contextual factors, including cultural influences, in which further studies are needed to better understand the concept in versatile cultures. The findings provided valuable insights into the patterns and significance of relationships between public stigma, AD knowledge, and factors associated with stigma and AD knowledge.40 0Item Restricted Burnout and Associated Stigma Among Saudi Arabian Healthcare Workers(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-11-06) Algahtani, Lina; Collins, KirstineBurnout and its associated stigma are critical issues affecting healthcare workers worldwide. This study examines the prevalence of burnout and stigma among healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia. The data was gathered through an online survey with 75 healthcare workers participants to explore their experiences with burnout, stigma, coping strategies, and potential workplace interventions. The results revealed a high prevalence of burnout, with 76% of participants reporting experiencing it. Numerous psychological and physical symptoms were associated with burnout, including exhaustion, lack of motivation, and sleep problems. Many participants felt unsupported in their workplace, highlighting the need for more effective communication and resources. 56% reported experiencing stigma when speaking about burnout at work and expressing worries about appearing incompetent. Fear of judgment and toxic work environments contributed to this stigma. Participants provided valuable insights on improving work conditions through a healthy environment, reduced hours, raising awareness, prioritising wellbeing, and offering counselling. This study sheds light on the interconnecting challenges of burnout and the stigma Saudi healthcare professionals face. The findings emphasise the importance of multifaceted strategies to address this issue. This research contributes to the limited existing knowledge on burnout and stigma in the Saudi healthcare system.38 0Item Restricted Intentions to Seek Mental Health Services among Arabs in the United States: The Effect of a Tailored Web-Based Educational Video(2023-07) Alosais, Ohoud; Okoli, Chizimuzo; Moser, DebraArabs in the United States (U.S.) are exposed to different stressors that place them at high risk of developing adverse mental health outcomes. Compared to other minority groups, Arabs in the U.S. have reported significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression. Researchers have found disparities between the need for mental health services (MHS) and actual utilization among Arabs in the U.S. Understanding the intrapersonal factors involved in MHS’ help-seeking behavior among Arabs in the U.S. is essential to reduce the burdens caused by untreated mental health disorders in this population. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation was to enhance our understanding of MHS help-seeking intentions among Arabs in the U.S. Specific aims are to: 1) scrutinize and synthesize the research literature examining factors that impact MHS help-seeking behavior among Arabs; 2) test the psychometric properties of an instrument for assessing MHS help-seeking behavior among Arabs in the U.S.; 3) examine the effect of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control on Arabs’ intentions to seek MHS; and 4) develop and test a tailored web-based educational video addressing factors that may affect MHS’ help-seeking behavior among Arabs in the U.S. Aim 1 was achieved by conducting a systematic literature review to identify factors affecting MHS help-seeking behavior among Arabs. Three databases (CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO) were searched systematically for English peer-reviewed articles published before November 2022. Seventeen studies were included. Utilizing the Socio-Ecological Model, we identified different factors that manifest at different levels: intrapersonal level (mental health literacy, lack of resources, privacy and confidentiality, language barriers, mistrust of MHS, and misconceptions about mental health), interpersonal level (family support), and community level (role of religious leaders). Different forms of stigma, gender norms, and negative beliefs intersect across the three levels. Aim 2 was achieved by conducting a psychometric analysis of the Mental Health Services Help-Seeking Behavior Questionnaire, a Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) guided questionnaire. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the U.S. using data obtained through an electronic survey of a convenience sample of Arab and Arab American college students (N=102). The tested instrument consisted of 13 items measured on a 7-point Likert-type scale ranging from (1) strongly disagree to (7) strongly agree. The instrument comprised four subscales: attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control (PBC), and intentions to seek MHS. Cronbach’s alpha values were>0.8 for all subscales and the total scale. The factor analysis revealed that four factors were present within the scale, accounting for a total of 81.4% of the items’ total variance. Aim 3 was achieved by conducting a quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest study to examine the effect of attitudes, subjective norms, and PBC on intentions to seek MHS and to test the impact of a tailored web-based video on MHS’ help-seeking behavior among Arabs in the U.S. The TPB was used to understand the trajectory of mental health-seeking intentions among Arabs in the U.S. Also, the development of the educational video was guided by this theoretical framework. A convenience sample of 154 Arabs and Arab Americans was recruited. Logistic regression analysis showed that, while controlling for sociodemographic, psychological distress, intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity, acculturation, public stigma, and self-stigma, individuals with higher attitude scores (OR = 4.876, 95% CI [1.71, 13.89]) and individuals with higher subjective norms scores (OR = 4.206, 95% CI [1.51, 11.73]) were significantly more likely to demonstrate a high intention to seek MHS. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed that the tailored web-based educational video elicits a statistically significant increase in intentions to seek MHS (Z = -8.600, p <0.001), attitudes toward seeking MHS (Z= -6.977, p<0.001), subjective norms (Z = -7.506, p <0.001), and PBC (Z = -7.681, p <0.001) among Arabs in the U.S. In conclusion, this dissertation has filled an essential gap in the evidence of MHS help-seeking behavior among Arabs in the U.S. Their MHS help-seeking intentions are primarily influenced by their positive attitudes toward seeking MHS and the social pressure or expectations from significant others rather than their perceived ability to access MHS or control the behavior of seeking these services. Additionally, the preliminary evidence provided in this study suggests that a tailored web-based educational video targeting mental health help-seeking behavior can positively influence attitudes, subjective norms, PBC, and intentions related to seeking MHS among Arabs in the U.S. The next logical step in this line of research would be to include a randomized controlled study with a longitudinal follow-up to assess the impact of this intervention on intentions and actual help-seeking behavior.28 0