Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Influence of Culture and Stigma on Help-Seeking for Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Study of Saudi University Students in the US(Kent State University, 2024-09) Alshehri, Amer Ali; Ding, Kelemental health help-seeking intentions and acculturation, stigma tolerance, expertness, and self-efficacy among Saudi international students in the United States. Additionally, it sought to explore the impact of anxiety, depression, and the COVID-19 experience on the intention. A cross-sectional survey research design was used to collect data from Saudi students enrolled in American universities. A sample size of 377 was pursued based on sample size estimation for a confidence interval of 95% and a margin of error of 5%. A total of 198 respondents completed the survey covering demographic variables, acculturation, stigma tolerance, expertness, intent, self-efficacy, anxiety and depression assessment, and COVID-19 impact and experience. Data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)Statistical significance was set at p≤.05. The findings highlighted the importance of considering cultural and individual factors in understanding mental health help-seeking behaviors among Saudi international students. The Theory of Planned Behavior provides a valuable framework for conceptualizing these behaviors. Implications of the findings for mental health interventions and support services for Saudi students in the United States are discussed.12 0Item Restricted Exploring Saudi Arabia's Appeal for Foreign Direct Investm(University of Edinburgh, 2024-08-28) Gedair, Suliman; Liu, LingThis capstone project investigates the factors that make Saudi Arabia an appealing destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) within the framework of Vision 2030. The research evaluates the Kingdom’s strategic location, abundant natural resources, favorable regulatory reforms, and sector-specific initiatives aimed at diversifying its economy beyond oil dependence. Through a comprehensive analysis of economic, infrastructural, and policy-based factors, the study highlights Saudi Arabia’s potential to attract and sustain global investments. By examining the incentives and structural advantages provided to foreign investors, this project offers insights into Saudi Arabia’s efforts to position itself as a competitive and sustainable player in the global market.19 0Item Restricted Wearing the Abaya: Changes in Generation preferences in relation to Colour and Style(university of the arts london, 2024-09-18) Alghamdi, Ghaida; Jin Hur, YoungThe Abaya is considered an important part of all women in Saudi Arabia. In previous research, there is limited knowledge of the preferences of wearing an Abaya’s specific deigns. Regarding the new changes in Saudi. This research examines the Preferences of Generation Z and Millennials in wearing the Abaya relating to style and color. A quantitative research was conducted targeting a population women of the age 18- 43 years old. The survey measured Abaya preferences depending on style and color. Based on a local research, three styles were chosen in two different colors related to their wearing intentions. The groups were divided into two generations for a comparative analysis within and between groups. Data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA (Age, Style, and color). This study showed that Generation Z is more likely to wear the color black more than blue. Even though they showed that minimal preferences to the presented styles. On the other hand, Millennials preferred the formal style of the Abaya more than the other styles. The results of this study are expected to be used as an experimental information in various fields, such as fashion and social psychology, to expand the research area based on the fashion evolvement in relation to culture in Saudi Arabia.9 0Item Restricted How can takeover regulation aid Saudi Arabia to achieve its Saudi Vision 2030? A comparative analysis between Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority Merger and Acquisition Regulation with UK’s Takeover Code(University College London, 2024-06-05) Alsebyani, Mohammed; De La Pena, FranciscoThis research presents a comparative analysis of how Saudi Arabia can amend its takeover regulations to align with the country's Vision 2030 objectives. By examining and comparing the Saudi regulatory framework with the UK Takeover Code, the study aims to provide actionable recommendations for the Saudi Capital Market Authority. Furthermore, it offers broader suggestions on how to improve the Saudi takeover code to meet international standards. This research presents a comparative analysis of how Saudi Arabia can amend its takeover regulations to align with the country's Vision 2030 objectives. By examining and comparing the Saudi regulatory framework with the UK Takeover Code, the study aims to provide actionable recommendations for the Saudi Capital Market Authority. Furthermore, it offers broader suggestions on how to improve the Saudi takeover code to meet international standards.21 0Item Restricted FACTORS INFLUENCING INFORMATION ADOPTION FROM SOCIAL MEDIA: THE CASE OF HEALTH INFORMATION IN SAUDI ARABIA.(Aston University, 2024) Almalki, Saad; Uren, Victoria; Hull, MatthewThe current study aimed to further understand attitudes toward source credibility by studying it in the context of social media use as a health information source among social media users in Saudi Arabia. During COVID-19 outbreak, the social isolation that people experienced led to social media being widely used as a medium for disseminating health information, and this has now become increasingly prevalent. Specifically, this study set out to identify which factors influenced the positive adoption of health information from social media platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study adopted a mixed methods design through using an online questionnaire, incorporating a novel vignette design, to gather quantitative data, and follow- up interviews for collecting qualitative data. The designed vignettes were a set of verified and unverified profiles on social media belonging to medical and non-medical experts. Based on collecting data from 397 participants to the questionnaire and 23 interviews, interesting findings were revealed. The study provides empirical support for the influence of source characteristics as heuristics to guide information adoption. Characteristics including sources’ knowledge, qualifications, verification mark and similarity between receiver and sender influence people’s attitudes towards source credibility. Furthermore, the findings confirmed that characteristics of information/content have a significant influence on participants' use of social media platforms as a health information sources. Timeliness, completeness, relevance and accuracy, are confirmed to influence people's attitudes toward adopting health information from social media platforms. It is believed that the current study is one of the few empirical studies to have examined the factors influencing the adoption of social media information by implementing a novel vignette design within a questionnaire. Hence, this study might make a methodological contribution with regard to using vignette design within quantitative methods. Furthermore, there also practical contributions can be made to policy makers with regard to employing social media to convey health and other types of information to the Saudi population..28 0Item Restricted PERSPECTIVES OF INSTRUCTIONAL COACHES IN SAUDI ARABIA ABOUT THE CURRENT MODEL TO IDENTIFY STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES(Washington State University, 2024) Alwadei, Hassan Mesfer; Dunn, MichaelInstructional coaches support teachers in referring and evaluating students through the learning disability (LD) identification process in Saudi Arabia. The instructional coaches also help students as they do day-to-day learning and assessment tasks. This study explored instructional coaches’ perspectives about the current model for identifying students with LD, its effectiveness, and the potential implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) as an alternative model. This study used semi-structured interviews with 12 instructional coaches to evaluate Saudi Arabia’s current identification methods. The results highlighted significant concerns about accuracy of identification and the risks of misidentifying students with LD. The findings suggest that MTSS, although it is not currently employed in Saudi schools, could provide a more reliable and comprehensive approach to addressing students’ academic and behavioral needs. Emphasizing the need for culturally- and linguistically-appropriate Special Education practices, the study advocates for MTSS’s gradual implementation with teacher training. This study contributes to the understanding about LD identification in Saudi schools and positions MTSS as an alternative solution for more effective support and identification. This study includes practical implications and recommendations for future research.43 0Item Restricted The Level of Intercultural Communicative Competence of Saudi Postgraduates in the UK and KSA (Comparative Study)(Newcastle University, 2024-02-12) Almeshal, Amjad; Schartner, AlinaThis doctoral thesis presents a longitudinal, comparative and mixed methods investigation of the level of intercultural communicative competence (ICC hereafter) of a Saudi sample of postgraduate students undertaking one-year taught MA degrees in English Language and Linguistics at universities in the UK and the KSA (N = 82). It also considered whether students’ study abroad motivations (SAM hereafter) influenced their ICC. Despite a considerable body of empirical research assessing students’ ICC abroad and at home, comparative mixed methods studies are rare. Furthermore, the association between SAM and ICC is seldom discussed. Therefore, the current study combined a quantitative questionnaire-based approach with a qualitative interview-based approach. The quantitative element explored the associations between a set of contributory factors (gender, prior overseas experience, occupational status, motivations to study abroad). The qualitative element was designed to monitor students’ self-reported level of ICC relative to their intercultural experiences. Data-collection took place over 8 months in three stages: Stage one (September-October) was a self-report survey to elucidate the students’ ICC and SAM; after which interviews (N = 16 volunteer participants) followed. Stage two (February) involved a second wave of interviews with the same participants. Stage three had been intended to take place at the end of the taught component (July), however, due to the potential impact of Covid-19 social restrictions on the participants’ ICC this was put forward to April/early May. For this third stage, the participants were asked to complete a self-report questionnaire to assess their ICC at the end of the academic year; they were then interviewed. The study revealed the malleability and dynamic nature of ICC, and revealed how the participants’ ICC had evolved in their 9 months in the UK, contrasting it with the cohort who studied at home. An association between the participants’ SAM and their ICC was found.35 0Item Restricted Development and Evaluation of a Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Intervention for Common Mental Health Problems Within Muslim Communities(University of Exeter, 2023-12-12) Alharbi, Hind Saleh M; Farrand, PaulBackground: Muslims experience the lowest recovery rate from mental health difficulties across all religious groups. However, there are many barriers at the level of Islam, Culture, systematic and provider, that prevent Muslims from access mental health treatment. Culturally adapting Low-intensity Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (LI CBT) may represent an acceptable solution. Methods: Informed by the MRC Complex Intervention framework (Skivington et al., 2021) alongside supplementary guidelines informing intervention development a Problem Solving LI CBT intervention for the treatment of depression in Sunni Muslims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Kingdom (UK) was developed. Stages I & II: Problem identification & Identification of evidence: A systematic review with a thematic synthesis was conducted to help understand the barriers that prevent adult Muslims residents in different countries from accessing psychological services and appreciate the acceptability of CBT in Muslim communities. Stage III: Determination of needs: A qualitative study (23 participants, 13 from KSA and 10 from UK) undertaken to explore suitable adaptations to CBT for Sunni Muslims in the UK and KSA. Stage IV: Modelling process and outcomes: Using the findings from Stages I – III, with input from an Islamic expert, and proof-reader helped to co-develop a Problem Solving LI CBT intervention. A qualitative study (20 participants, 9 Adult Saudi group, 3 Imams group, 8 Service related group) was also completed to refine the Problem Solving intervention to further enhance the acceptability of the intervention and inform implementation plans. Stage V: Intervention design: All results collected were used to inform final refinement of the intervention and inform the design undertaken by a professional design company with the intervention mapped using TIDieR guidelines (Hoffman et al., 2014). Results: Stage I: Four levels of barriers were identified as preventing Muslims from accessing Mental health services (Individual, Cultural, Provider, Management). Stage II: Recognised the importance of cultural adaptation to accommodate Muslim beliefs. Stage III: three groups based on acceptance of CBT and its integration with Islamic treatment appeared within Sunni Muslims in the KSA and UK, four levels of barriers (Islamic, Cultural, Individual, and Provider) were identified, in addition, LI CBT emerged as a potential solution. Stage IV: Developed a Problem Solving LI CBT intervention in Arabic for Sunni Muslims in KSA, and in English for Sunni Muslims in the UK, A qualitative study yielded three themes (Islamic, cultural, and implementation) identifying a general acceptance towards the problem solving intervention. Stage V: Described the Problem Solving LI CBT intervention mapped using TIDieR guidelines. Conclusions: This PhD developed a Problem Solving LI CBT intervention based on a deep understanding of Sunni Muslims in the KSA and UK, and highlighted the important of understanding differences between Muslim communities based on the different culture and Islamic sects.15 0Item Restricted Straddling Two Worlds: How Linguistic Backgrounds and Sociocultural Norms Influence the Experiences of Saudi Female Expats in Australia(University of Wollongong, 2023-03-08) Alhassoun, Lamia Abdulaziz; Ward, RowenaThis study constructs a collective story of Saudi female expats (SFEs) as they navigate the transition from their conservative society in Saudi Arabia to a new one in Australia. It examines the impact of the SFE’s Arabic background and their English learning experiences in Australia on their lives and explores SFEs perceptions of their self-representation in the social and educational milieu in Australia. Additionally, it sheds light on the intricate relationships between language, culture, gender and self-representation. The study employs a demographic questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with twenty-two SFEs in Australia. The study adopts lenses from social identity theory (Erikson 1968; Tajfel & Turner 1979, 1986), Intragroup marginalisation (Castillo et al. 2007), Social learning theory (Bandura 1977; Ryle 2011) and Oberg's cultural shock theory (1960) to guide the analysis of the study data. The findings of this study reveal that SFEs, generally, have a positive attitude towards learning and using the English language. However, SFEs’ low self-confidence in their English language proficiency negatively impacted their cross-cultural interactions in Australia. The study attributes SFEs' low self-confidence to five factors: limited opportunities to practice English, a preference for socialising with Arabic speakers, the COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia's English education policies and limited interest in English improvement. The study also explores how SFEs represent themselves differently in Australia. Their reflections in the research interviews revealed that they define their ‘in’- and ‘out’-groups differently depending on the context in relation to their interlocutor’s ethnicity, gender, language and faith. SFEs indicated that when interacting with Saudi male compatriots, they tend to be formal and direct in line with the norms of their Saudi culture and upbringing marked by gender segregation. However, they are friendlier and more open with non-Saudi male interlocutors due to the more relaxed gender norms in Australia. One of the key findings is that SFEs’ interactions with non-Saudis are influenced by their sense of obligation to represent their faith and nationality in the best light. The study also shows that the SFE’s insufficient knowledge of Australian culture and their low confidence in their English skills, tends to make their interactions with native-English speakers to be direct and to the point. SFEs are aware that they can appear terse for this reason. The lack of opportunities to interact with the host/Australian community and learn about Australian culture was negatively impacted by the social isolation policies imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study contributes to the limited literature on the experiences of SFEs as they navigate cross-cultural contexts and self-representation in Australia. This study offers valuable insights into the real-world challenges experienced by SFEs in adjusting to a more liberal society while maintaining their cultural identity. It sheds light on their perceptions of self-representations and attitude towards learning and using English and straddling cultures in Australia. Practical implications for improving cross-cultural interaction and strategies for enhancing English language education programs to better accommodate the growing SFE community in Australia are discussed in the conclusion.47 0Item Restricted Exploring Teachers’ Beliefs and Practice Regarding Children’s Creativity in Visual Art from Three to Six Years Old in Riyadh, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(University of Leeds, 2023-12-01) Aldosari, Dimah Hamad M; Clarke, PaulaThis qualitative study aimed to explore preschool teachers’ beliefs and practices regarding preschool children’s creativity in the visual arts in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has neither a programme at preschool nor a university course designed to support children’s creativity, which could pose a problem for preschool teachers when defining what creativity is and how to support it. The research was based on the theories of Bourdieu, Bronfenbrenner and Vygotsky (Bourdieu, 2010; Vygotsky, 1979; Bronfenbrenner, 1979; 2005; Routledge, 2016; Harkonen, 2007; Thuketana and Westhof, 2018; Reunamo et al., 2014), which assert that cultures and societies have an influence on children’s development, especially their creativity. For this case study, three methods were developed and applied in four sequential phases with 11 teachers in three cases of preschools in Riyadh. The methods were semi-structured interviews (first and fourth phases), observation (second phase), and a photography task (third phase). The study revealed that the teachers agreed that children’s development is influenced by their culture and society. However, the teachers were uncertain about the definition of ‘creativity’. Teachers’ beliefs led their practice in supporting the creativity of the children, which reflected several barriers that teachers face, some of which are not easy to overcome. These barriers were a source of inspiration for the teachers to discern what to advise policymakers. This research can help educators to explore definitions of children’s creativity and support it with the use of the observation schedule developed in this study to observe children’s creativity. It can also help teachers define what policymakers could provide for them to support children’s creativity in preschools. Finally, this research could inform further studies in the area of creativity, especially through the use of the methods developed for this study as there may be a lack of applicable research methods related to this subject.31 0