Eastern Context Research Articles

The prevalence of and the effect of global stressors on eating disorders among medical students

BackgroundEating disorders (EDs) are among the most serious forms of psychiatric illness, potentially leading to multi-systemic complications. Owing to their high stress levels, medical students are more likely to experience mental health difficulties that predispose them to developing EDs. Societal stigmatization and misinformation, especially in a middle eastern context, contribute to the underreporting and challenges in seeking the appropriate treatment at an early stage, increasing the risk of complications and mortality. EDs remain an under-studied phenomena in the middle east, limiting understanding and treatment options.ObjectiveThe objectives of the current study were to assess the prevalence of EDs, potential contributing factors, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as an independent global stressor among medical students at the Arabian Gulf University.MethodsThis cross-sectional study consisted of a three-part self-administered questionnaire comprising of demographic data, the Eating Attitudes-26 (EAT-26) test, and COVID-19 associated stressors. The study was conducted on medical students at the AGU in the preparatory year up to Year 6. Data was collected from September 2022 to February 2023.ResultsThree hundred and ninety-seven students were recruited in the present study. 32.1% of the tested students demonstrated an elevated risk for developing EDs. Living situation, earlier years of study, and mental health status were significantly associated with increased risk. Response to global stressors such as COVID-19 pandemic was significantly correlated to worsening EDs status in high-risk individuals.ConclusionEating disorders have been discovered to be highly prevalent among medical students, which brings to light an undervalued health concern. This warrants both awareness programs on campus, and the development of individual-tailored eating disorder treatment programs to halt progression and increase overall quality of life and education.

Assessing and monitoring clinical practice of undergraduate nursing students: a middle eastern context

This paper presents an innovative Weekly Clinical Skills Progress (WCSP) tool to support the assessment of undergraduate nursing students in their clinical placements. The WCSP tool was implemented at the University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) Nursing Program in Spring 2024 to address inconsistencies in assessment documentation related to the absence of clearly defined proficiency levels in clinical courses. The UCQ clinical faculty trialed the newly developed WCSP tool on eighty-seven third-year nursing students enrolled in the clinical course Nursing Practice for High Acuity and Chronic Conditions. These students were divided into 11 groups, each consisting of six to seven members per instructor, and were placed in various medical-surgical clinical sites throughout Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Qatar. During the course implementation and following, feedback from faculty, students and buddy nurses indicated the WCSP tool clarified the clinical goals, enabled consensus on clinical proficiency levels according to the course outline, and assessments were more consistent. Though the WCSP tool is still being refined, and more qualitative and quantitative research is needed, this paper contributes valuable preliminary results and recommendations that benefit nursing programs worldwide.

Boardroom diversity and financial performance in Palestinian banks and insurers

This study examines the impact of board diversity—precisely age, nationality, and experience—on the financial performance of 13 Palestinian banks and insurance companies listed on the Palestine Stock Exchange (PEX) from 2011 to 2022. Using a comprehensive panel data approach and controlling for endogeneity with a two-step system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimator, the analysis explores how diverse board characteristics influence financial outcomes measured by ROA and ROE. Unlike previous studies focused mainly on developed markets or gender diversity, this research offers new insights into the role of board diversity in emerging economies, particularly in the Middle Eastern context. The results reveal that while age diversity negatively impacts firm performance, experience diversity positively correlates, underscoring the importance of industry-specific expertise in financial governance. Nationality diversity, however, exhibits no significant effect, suggesting that foreign representation may introduce complexity without necessarily enhancing performance. These findings contribute to Agency Theory, Upper Echelons Theory, and Resource Dependence Theory, offering practical recommendations for regulators and firms in developing markets to optimise board composition. This study expands the discourse on board diversity by highlighting the nuanced effects of specific diversity dimensions in the financial sector, providing valuable insights for governance practices in similar economic environments.

Corporate entrepreneurship, supply chain management strategies and performance in the setting of Saudi Arabia: Empirical investigation

The objective of this study is to assess the joint effect of corporate entrepreneurship (CE) and supply chain management (SCM) strategies on firm performance in the circumstance of Saudi Arabian manufacturing firms. This is interesting in the sense that while previous scholars have focused on CE and SCM separately, the combinative aspect of the two particularly in nonwestern countries seems still to be short of attention. In this respect, this paper attempts to apply a resource-based view and suggest that CE and SCM complement each other and in the end performance of the firm will be increased. Out of the 84 Saudi manufacturing firms covered in the structured survey, data was analyzed using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression. The results indicate that CE, particularly dimensions such as new business venturing, product innovation, technological entrepreneurship, mission reformulation, reorganization and system-wide changes, significantly enhances firm performance. Additionally, SCM strategies were found to have a positive and statistically significant impact on firm performance, highlighting the critical role of effective supply chain management in operational efficiency and competitive positioning. The findings contribute to the literature by providing empirical evidence from a Middle Eastern context, thereby enhancing the generalizability of existing theories on CE and SCM. The study also offers practical implications for managers and policymakers, suggesting that aligning CE initiatives with SCM strategies can drive sustained competitive advantage. These insights are particularly relevant for firms operating in emerging markets, where economic reforms and diversification efforts, such as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, necessitate strategic innovation and supply chain optimization.

Cross-cultural perceptions and tourist satisfaction in the Middle Eastern context: a case study of Abu Dhabi’s destination image

PurposeThis study aims to examines the cross-cultural perceptions and satisfaction of international tourists visiting Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, focusing on how cultural backgrounds influence destination image and tourist experiences.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative, interpretivist approach was adopted, with semi-structured interviews conducted with 20 international tourists between November 2021 and March 2022. A non-probability purposive sampling was used to select participants who had previously visited key attractions in Abu Dhabi. Thematic analysis was applied to extract key insights.FindingsThe findings underscore the pivotal role of Schwartz’s universal values and cultural beliefs in shaping tourist perceptions and satisfaction. Distinct differences emerged among cultural groups: Asian tourists demonstrated a greater awareness of Abu Dhabi’s attributes, while Western tourists often held preconceived notions influenced by comparisons with Dubai. Tourists reported overall satisfaction with Abu Dhabi’s cultural and environmental offerings, but also highlighted gaps in marketing and infrastructure that could enhance destination appeal.Originality/valueThis study contributes novel insights to the relatively underexplored domain of cross-cultural tourism in the Middle East. By exploring the dynamic interplay between cultural values and tourist perceptions, it offers actionable recommendations to enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as a global tourism hub, bridging gaps between academic literature and industry practices.

Marital happiness in a Middle Eastern context: are men happier?

BackgroundResearch on marital happiness in Middle Eastern cultures is lacking. This lack of understanding has created several challenges for policymakers and marriage counselors as divorce rates have increased over the past decade.MethodThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of marital happiness among Omani couples and its association with demographic variables, including gender, level of education, and duration of marriage. A convenience sample of 1137 married people from different regions in Oman responded to the Marital Happiness Scale.ResultsOmani couples, in general, indicated a high level of marital happiness. Married men seemed significantly happier about their marriages than wives did. Income and education level also affect perceived marital happiness. Marital happiness increased as income increased while level of education was partially associated with marital happiness. Place of living was not a significant predictor of marital happiness. Lower levels of perceived marital happiness among couples in polygamous marriages were observed. The spouses' kinship did not affect their perception of marital happiness.ConclusionThis study showed that financial stressors and education level significantly influence marital happiness. Men and women also perceive marital happiness differently. The results offer implications for research and practice, especially for policymakers and marital counselors.

Effects of mindfulness-based strengths practice (MBSP) among women undergraduates in enhancing positive mental health

ABSTRACT The study investigates the effectiveness of an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) intervention to enhance the positive mental health of women undergraduates by focusing on the development of character strengths, flourishing, mindfulness, and the reduction of psychological distress. Using a quasi-experimental design, the study involved 162 undergraduate women (mean age 18.55) from rural backgrounds; 80 volunteered for intervention and 82 for the control group. Participants completed pre-, post-, and three-month follow-up assessments, and the results showed significant gains in mindfulness, PERMA (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment) flourishing, character strengths, and a reduction in psychological distress, with moderate to large effect sizes. A follow-up after three months showed persistent effects in certain aspects. This investigation among the Indian population contributes to the literature on MBSP in an Eastern context. It underscores the effectiveness of MBSP as a positive psychological, mindfulness-based intervention on college campuses for promoting well-being and mitigating mental health challenges among college students.

The ICT usage in the Middle East: contribution to the development of the society

ABSTRACT This paper aims to understand and analyze the illusion of control of ICT in the Middle Eastern context and to link the variables drawn from the illusion of control concept that are trust, skills, familiarity trust, skills, familiarity and benefits to the success and to the improvement of the user’s life. These variables were chosen because they fit most to the ICT use. We used a sample composed of members of generations X and Y holding a university degree. After analyzing the data collected at the sample level, we identified the two most influential variables on the illusion of control in this context, which are trust and having skills. This research contributes to the UN sustainable development goals (SDG). Public policies should promote the best practices and implement training programs that allow ICT users to manage the technological tools and overcome the potential risks.

From the Persianate World to Multiple Worlds of the Persianate

ABSTRACT This article fleshes out two future directions for Middle Eastern studies as it puts the recent scholarship in Ottoman studies in dialogue with Alexander Jabbari’s The Making of Persianate Modernity. First, like Jabbari, who interpreted the sexual puritanism in modern Persian literary histories as a convention of Persianate modernity, the author notes that critics can analyze key claims in texts of Arabic and Turkish modernity as generic conventions rather than as facts that capture sociopolitical transformations of modernity. Second, the author argues that The Making of Persianate Modernity, which examines the “form that the Persianate takes” in modern Iran and South Asia, can serve as a point of departure for studying the diverse forms that the Persianate takes in other Middle Eastern contexts, which do not have to be subsumed to a single Persianate world. While the term “Persianate world” has served as a useful heuristic concept, critics can shift their focus to “the multiple worlds that the Persianate has taken” as they analyze communities, such as the Ottoman literati, who do not self-identify as members of a cosmopolitan Persianate community. The Persian textual heritage can cultivate multiple worlds that uphold different, and even contradictory, political ideals and aesthetic norms.

Why “Trying to Keep the War Alive”?: Exploring the Shanghai Postcolonial Flâneur in J. G. Ballard’s Empire of the Sun

ABSTRACT J. G. Ballard’s novel Empire of the Sun narrates how Jim, a British boy, survives in wartime Shanghai, particularly after the 1941 Japanese invasion. Existing interpretations of this story as a “Bildungsroman” have largely neglected Jim’s abnormal inclinations to “keep the war alive” even as the Japanese army faces defeat. To unravel this paradox, this paper draws upon the concept of “postcolonial flâneur”, and proposes that as a flâneur Jim’s Shanghai life encompasses evolving forms of mobility, reflecting shifting colonial relations. On the surface, Jim’s journey may appear as a tale of personal growth, yet it exposes an underlying colonialist mentality infused with imperial chauvinism. By placing the novel within the comparative context of Western and Eastern coming-of-age narrative traditions, the study also explores why Western interpretations tend to accept this paradox as natural, while Eastern perspectives may take a more critical stance.

Saudi undergraduate students’ perceptions of plagiarism: A case of EFL research writing tasks during E-learning sessions

Plagiarism has long been a concern within the academic community. However, its prevalence and impact in the Middle Eastern context, particularly in Saudi Arabia, have not been sufficiently addressed. This study aims to investigate Saudi undergraduate students' perceptions of plagiarism in English as a foreign language (EFL) research writing during e-learning sessions and examine whether their academic levels, grade point average (GPA), and gender play a substantial role in affecting their perceptions of plagiarism. A survey was conducted with 110 Saudi undergraduate students (33 males and 77 females) majoring in English at a university in Saudi Arabia. The findings indicate that most of the participants were aware of the most prevalent forms of plagiarism in EFL research writing during e-learning sessions. The findings also reveal that students' GPA and gender did not have a statistically substantial impact on the participants' perceptions. However, it was observed that students’ academic levels had a discernible effect on their perceptions. This study provides some practical implications for enhancing student awareness and assisting them in avoiding plagiarism in EFL research writing.

Exploring mindfulness interventions across cultures: a comparative meta-analysis of mindfulness interventions for athletes in Western and Eastern contexts.

Applying mindfulness training across cultures can be challenging because its internal motivation depends on values, but there are differences between Western and Eastern contexts. This meta-analysis examines the comparative impacts of the Western Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment (MAC) approach and the culturally-adapted Chinese Mindfulness-Acceptance-Insight-Commitment (MAIC) mindfulness training for athletes, to explore the importance of cultural adaptation in cross-cultural psychology to psychological skills training. This meta-analysis was registered with Prospero (ID: CRD42023474474) and adhered to the PRISMA principles. The PICO search methodology was employed to identify pertinent Chinese and English literature across six databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP) from 2003 to 2023. The evidence originated from randomized controlled trials. Effect sizes were evaluated across three primary domains: athletic performance, mindfulness, and psychological flexibility, and heterogeneity and publication bias. Both MAC and MAIC demonstrated positive effects across all outcome categories in 18 studies. MAIC exhibited substantially larger effect sizes compared to MAC. In mindfulness (MAIC: g = 1.273, p < 0.001; MAC: g = 0.521, p = 0.001), sports performance (MAIC: g = 0.945, p = 0.015; MAC: g = 0.550, p < 0.001), MAC did not provide evidence of improved psychological flexibility (g = 0.076, p = 0.747), while MAIC demonstrated significant benefits (g = 0.964, p < 0.001). While MAIC is based on MAC, it yields more significant outcomes. This may be the "Insight" component introduced by MAIC, which skillfully integrates Eastern context. The MAIC strategy not only becomes more appropriate for local athletes but also indirectly enhances their mindfulness, athletic performance, and psychological flexibility, resulting from cultural adaptation. The new idea not only solves the culture shock caused by the direct application of Western MAC approach on Chinese athletes, but also provides a new solution to the problem that there is insufficient evidence to support the effect of the MAC approach on "psychological flexibility." Investigating differential effects between MAC and MAIC contributes to understanding the significance of culturally adapting mindfulness training and transnational movement of practices. The findings will assist practitioners in selecting evidence-based protocols tailored to athlete needs and cultural contexts. Prospero (ID: CRD42023474474).

A “WEST” Theory in the East: Decoupling and synergistic evolution of water utilization, economy, and society in China

AbstractTo attain a thorough examination of the dynamic interaction mechanism between China's utilization of water resources and its economic and social development, this paper innovatively introduces a Western theoretical framework within an Eastern context. The aim is to quantify the process of decoupling and synergistic evolution from 2006 to 2020. Decoupling signifies achieving economic growth while reducing resource use or mitigating environmental impacts, whereas synergy denotes enhancing economic efficiency while contributing to environmental protection. This paper employs the Tapio elastic coefficient method to construct a decoupling model. A collaborative model, based on the entropy weight Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and weighted average methods, also assesses the organization and coordination of subsystems within the complex water‐economic‐social system. The findings reveal a strong decoupling between China's water resource management and economic and social systems, as indicated by a consistently negative decoupling index. Similarly, the economic system exhibits a degree of inefficiency influenced by factors like economic cyclicality and resource allocation. In contrast, the social system experienced a decline, particularly during the pandemic (2019–2020), leading to a social instability. This study provides valuable policy formulation and sustainable development insights, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics between water utilization, economy, and society.

An integrative model of the key factors determining consumer behaviour towards street food

PurposeThis study examines how street food affects urban culture, economics and sustainable tourism. It examines how street food stands, as a cultural and economic phenomenon, influence consumer behaviour and local traditions, particularly in Oman’s evolving street food scene.Design/methodology/approachAdopting a quantitative research design, this study utilises an integrated model combining the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) and Attitude-Social-Influence-Efficacy (ASE) models. This approach facilitates a comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing consumer behaviour towards street food consumption. The methodology includes surveys and structured interviews with consumers and vendors to assess perceptions, attitudes and behaviours linked to street food in Oman.FindingsThe research identifies key sociocultural, economic and marketing factors that significantly influence consumer engagement with street food. It highlights how traditional elements, such as local customs and societal norms, interplay with contemporary marketing strategies to shape consumer preferences and experiences. The findings suggest that street food not only enhances the culinary experience for travellers but also plays a crucial role in the sustainable development of local tourism economies.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature by providing a novel empirical exploration of street food consumption in Oman, a relatively underexplored area within tourism research. It offers valuable insights into how street food can be leveraged to bolster local economies and enrich the tourist experience through sustainable practices. By integrating the S-O-R and ASE models, this research provides a unique framework for understanding the dynamic relationship between street food culture and consumer behaviour in a Middle Eastern context.

The grassroots and citymaking in the Middle East: The agency of tactical participation in Amman, Jordan

ABSTRACT In Middle Eastern contexts, like Jordan, the public participation spaces referred to as “invited spaces” for state-led participation are heavily controlled by the state and its representatives. This paper explores the various ways in which grassroots and civic organizations navigate and sometimes manipulate the state apparatus’ planning rules and grids to create alternative modes of meaningful participation in the production of the city. Following the Arab Spring in 2011, local grassroots organizations started adopting “new languages and taktikat” (تَكتِيكَات,’ tactics in English, words used by the grassroots to describe their practices) that allowed them to move beyond direct confrontation with the state in the so-called “invented” spaces of participation led by civil society. Building on de Certeau’s notion of “tactics,” this paper looks at these approaches as tactics used by grassroots to negotiate power and participation within neoliberal top-down authorities. Ultimately, it argues against viewing grassroots initiatives solely in terms of a binary lens of legality/informality or “invited”/“invented” dichotomies, as they neither function as insurgents nor remain passive.

Diplomatic webs: the influential figures shaping U.S. policy in Israel, Qatar, and Iraq

Abstract Purpose This study examines the Twitter/X networks of U.S. ambassadors in Israel, Iraq, and Qatar from 2017 to 2024, aiming to assess how digital diplomacy is conducted through these platforms. Utilizing Sprinklr, we gathered 586,736 mentions involving the ambassadors’ Twitter handles, with a focus on evaluating the influence and communication strategies within these networks. Design/methodology/approach We analyzed a random sample of 30,000 tweets from the collected data using network analysis techniques. This approach enabled the examination of centrality metrics within the ambassadors’ digital networks, providing insights into the influence patterns and communicative interactions via Gephi. Findings The analysis revealed a significant influence of state actors and established political elites who predominantly engage in unidirectional communication, despite the platforms’ capabilities for interactive and reciprocal dialogues. We identified elected officials and specific non-governmental organizations as key actors shaping the diplomatic narratives, highlighting the diverse yet controlled actor interplay in digital diplomacy. Practical implications This research underscores the need for strategic adjustments in digital diplomacy practices to enhance interaction and inclusivity. Our work provides policymakers with insights into leveraging digital platforms for more effective and dynamic diplomatic exchanges. Social implications The study illuminates the role of digital platforms as critical venues for shaping diplomatic narratives by both state and non-state actors. Notably, our findings highlight the use of hashtags in advancing human rights movements and in discussions surrounding the Israel–Palestine conflict, demonstrating hashtags’ impact on global and regional advocacy efforts. Originality/value This research offers a unique perspective on the integration of traditional diplomatic roles with contemporary digital strategies, particularly highlighting the constraints and potentials within Middle Eastern contexts. We suggest ways to enhance the inclusivity and effectiveness of diplomatic engagements through improved social media utilization, thereby contributing to the evolving field of international relations and public diplomacy.

Unlocking organisational citizenship and innovation: a servant leadership approach for psychological empowerment

PurposeThe study sought to investigate how servant leadership affects employees' organisational citizenship and innovative behaviour by emphasising the mediation role of psychological empowerment. Relying on social exchange and self-determination theories, the present research examined the associations between these key elements in organisational dynamics.Design/methodology/approachTwo waves of data were obtained from 325 supervisor-subordinate dyads working for 15 nonprofit organisations.FindingsThe results uncovered a significant and positive connection between leaders with a strong servant mindset and employees' organisational citizenship and innovative behaviour. Psychological empowerment was found to serve as a mediator in the anticipated correlations. Cultivating leaders with an enduring servant attitude was found to significantly boost employees' organisational citizenship and innovation, supported by improved psychological empowerment.Originality/valueThis study is distinctive as it fills a gap in research on the relationships between servant leadership, psychological empowerment and work outcomes in the global nonprofit sector, particularly in the Eastern context. This disposition, when given the opportunity, will contribute to strengthening working productivity.

Exploring the relationship between perceived organizational support and affective commitment among Saudi employees: the mediating effect of organizational trust

Despite the acknowledged importance of perceived organizational support (POS), organizational trust (OT), and affective commitment (AC) for favorable organizational outcomes, relatively little is known about the processes that underlie these various associations, especially in Islamic, Arabian Middle Eastern contexts. This study aims to address this gap by exploring the relationships between POS and AC, and testing the mediating effect of OT in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This study conducted a survey of 347 Saudi employees from a wide range of organizations, occupations, and industries and performed a hierarchical regression analysis. The results provided evidence of the validity of the three relevant constructs (POS, OT, AC) and the generalizability these constructs have outside of North American samples. It also indicated that POS is a significant predictor of OT, and both POS and OT were significant determinants of AC. The study also revealed that OT partially mediates the relationship between POS and AC. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the POS-OT-AC link in the Islamic Arabian context of the KSA. This study is among the first to test the mediating effect of OT on the POS-AC relationship, aiding the understanding of the indirect relationship between POS and AC.

Exploring the Predictors and Mechanism of Protean Career Orientation in the Eastern Context

Exploring the Predictors and Mechanism of Protean Career Orientation in the Eastern Context

The dispersal of monastic libraries in the early nineteenth century: Buxheim and Karakallou

This article discusses the dramatic dispersal of monastic libraries in Europe and the Christian East during the early nineteenth century through two contrasting examples. These are: (1) the 1423 St Christopher woodblock print and other early examples of fifteenth-century printing, formerly the property of the Charterhouse at Buxheim in Swabia but purchased in 1803 by Alexander Horn for George John, 2nd Earl Spencer; and (2) a series of Byzantine manuscripts, formerly the property of the monastery of Karakallou on Mount Athos but purchased in 1837 by Robert Curzon, later 14th Baron Zouche. It identifies changing perceptions surrounding the value and use of books on the parts of both monks and collectors as central to this moment and explores the different – but often surprisingly similar – ways in which books left monastic ownership in western vs. eastern contexts.