Tunisian University Students Research Articles

The relationship between childhood trauma and adulthood anxiety and depression among Tunisian university students

Introduction Traumatic childhood has increasingly high incidence rates and can be predictive of negative health outcomes. There is a large consensus indicating that childhood trauma is significantly involved in the development of mood disturbances in adulthood.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine the relationship between retrospectively recalled childhood trauma and adulthood anxiety and depression in a sample of undergraduate university students.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 365 university students randomly selected from 8 universities in Sfax (Tunisia). Information about childhood maltreatment, depressive and anxiety symptoms were gathered through the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) respectively. To test the hypothesis, examining the relationship between anxiety, depression, and childhood trauma, we used Spearman’s correlation test. Multivariate logistic regression models were used as well.ResultsThe mean age of our participants was 20.3 years. More females (68.2%) than males participated in the study. Our findings showed that the five childhood trauma subtypes (emotional abuse and neglect, physical abuse and neglect, sexual abuse) were significantly correlated with anxiety and depression symptoms severity (p<0.01). Emotional abuse was the strongest risk factor for adulthood anxiety symptoms (OR=6.002, 95% CI= [3.238; 11.125]) while emotional neglect was the strongest risk factor for depressive symptoms in adulthood (OR=6.214, 95% CI= [3.428; 11.267]). Multivariate analysis revealed that, in subjects with childhood trauma, scores of anxiety symptoms were positively and highly associated with the severity of emotional abuse (adjusted B=1.438, 95% CI= [1.951; 9.092], p=0.000). Depression symptoms severity were as well positively correlated with severity of emotional abuse (adjusted B=0.848, 95% CI= [1.043; 5.224], p=0.039), and severity of emotional neglect (adjusted B=1.044, 95% CI= [1.263; 6.389], p=0.012).Conclusions This study highlighted the relevance of childhood trauma as a factor contributing to anxiety and depression in adulthood. Thus, early psychological support of victims of childhood trauma can reduce the rate of anxiety and depression among these subjects.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Difficulties in emotional regulation in a Tunisian university setting

IntroductionEmotion regulation is the conscious or automatic control of emotions to adapt, cope, and maintain well-being. Effective emotion regulation is central to mental health, impacting work, and relationships. University students, facing academic pressures and social transitions, represent a unique demographic where emotion regulation challenges are particularly relevant.ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the emotion regulation difficulties in university students.MethodsA descriptive study was led from August to September 2023. An online questionnaire was distributed to a population of Tunisian university students. We administered a socio-demographic questionnaire and the Arabic version of the difficulties in emotion regulation scale short form (DRES-SF), a self-report measure developed to assess clinically relevant difficulties in emotion regulation.Results Participants in this study consisted of 307 undergraduate students, with 78.1% being women and 21.9% men, representing various academic disciplines at Tunis el Manar University in Tunisia. The mean age of the participants was 22 years, with a standard deviation of 2.84.In the assessment of emotional regulation difficulties, participants reported a mean total score of 42.47 ± 12.68. Participants who repeated years in college had more difficulties in emotional regulation (p<0.05). Limited access to emotion regulation strategies had a mean score of 7.64 ± 3.0, while nonacceptance of emotional responses was rated at 7.40 ± 3.17. Additionally, impulse control difficulties were reported with a mean score of 6.46 ± 3.31, and difficulties in engaging in goal-directed behavior were observed with a mean score of 9.44 ± 3.18. Moreover, participants expressed a lack of emotional awareness, which was quantified with a mean score of 8.45 ± 2.69, and a lack of emotional clarity, which yielded a mean score of 7.12 ± 2.69. Additionally, a significant association was noted between gender (p < 0.05), age (p < 0.05), and the lack of emotional awareness, suggesting potential gender and age-related variations in emotional regulation difficulties within this university sample.ConclusionsOverall, these findings suggest the necessity of emotion regulation training in the university setting. Further studies are important to understand the impact of emotional regulation difficulties.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Learners’ Language Learning Style Preferences, Class Level, Gender, and Using Mobile Apps for EFL Learning Among Tunisian University Students

Currently, the utilization of mobile devices and more specifically mobile language applications is a current ongoing tendency. In line with this trend, this study investigated the linkage between language learning style preferences, class level, and gender on the one hand and the use of mobile applications for EFL learning among university students in Tunisia on the other hand. The considered variables were gauged using a Likert-scale response format questionnaire. The subjects were 180 Tunisian university students at the Higher Institute of Management of Gabes aged 19 to 28. Two data analysis procedures were used: namely, the Spearman Rho correlation giving insight into the correlations among the study variables, and the alpha internal consistency coefficient informing about the reliability of its instrument. Based on the study findings, students’ language learning style preferences proved to have a direct bearing on the use of mobile applications for EFL learning. Concerning the link between class level and mobile applications for EFL learning use, no meaningful relationships were registered between these two variables. As regards the correlation between gender and the use of mobile applications for EFL learning, no significant difference was detected between male students and their female counterparts. Through the achieved results, it is recommended that the interrelationship between students' differences and the use of mobile applications for EFL learning is a field of research that merits further scientific exploration to shed more light on the existing literature regarding the use of mobile applications for EFL learning.

Code mixing among Tunisian university students

Code mixing among Tunisian university students

Multidimensional Assessment of Student Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Latent Profile Analysis Integrating Positive Psychology

Background: The mental health of young adults, especially university students, has become an increasingly concerning issue. In order to develop targeted interventions and support initiatives, it is essential to comprehend distinct mental health profiles and identify vulnerable groups among Tunisian university students. This study aimed to achieve three main objectives: (a) to empirically identify different profiles of mental health among young adults in Tunisia, based on a person-centred approach using the dual-factor model of mental health, (b) to outline the identified profiles, which incorporate both psychopathological symptoms and indicators of positive subjective well-being, across sociodemographic and academic achievement factors, and (c) to establish predictors of these profiles.Methods: Cross-sectional data was collected from a cohort of teenage Tunisian university students (n = 1185, 54% females), aged between 18 to 24 years old (Mean = 21.10; SD = 2.02). Participants completed an online survey, which included assessments of socio-demographic characteristics, academic achievement, stress, depression, anxiety, spiritual well-being, life satisfaction, and happiness.Results: Analysis of latent profiles revealed the existence of three distinct mental health classes. The first profile (21.1%) represented individuals with poor mental health. The second profile (42.5%) consisted of individuals with moderate mental health, and the third profile (36.4%) comprised individuals with good mental health. Significant differences were found between these three classes regarding family income and academic completion (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). Multinomial logistic regression analysis provided Odds Ratios (OR) with Confidence Intervals (CI), revealing that the poor mental health class was associated with low family income (OR: 3.28; 95% CI: 1.90–5.63) and failed academic achievement (OR: 46; 68% CI: 28.23–77.20). Additionally, the moderate mental health class was linked to low family income (OR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.30–2.72), living with family (OR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.49–0.99), and failed academic achievement (OR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.06–2.11). However, no significant associations were found for middle family income (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 0.93–1.74) and dwelling in university residence (OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.60–1.10) as predictors.Conclusion: This study revealed that a considerable number of university students aged 18 to 24 were vulnerable to mental health issues, irrespective of gender and age. However, students belonging to classes with low incomes and those who did not pass exams were identified as the most vulnerable groups. It is crucial to pay particular attention to these students and provide appropriate support and interventions.

Exploring the Antecedents of Entrepreneurial Intention With the Theory of Planned Behaviour on Tunisian University Students

This study proposes to use the theory of planned behaviour to predict students' entrepreneurial intentions in Tunisian context. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to collect responses from 257 students. Regressions analysis was used to test hypotheses. The result shows that attitude, perceived behavior control, and subjective norms significantly influence the entrepreneurial intention. The findings will be useful for government to support entrepreneurship and encourage graduates to start their own businesses to solve even part of the unemployment problem among the youths. The article is one of the initial attempts in Tunisian context to understand the entrepreneurial intention by using the theory of planned behaviour.

P-451 Fertility awareness among Tunisian university students: A state-of-knowledge survey

Abstract Study question To investigate the beliefs and knowledge of university students regarding fertility. Summary answer University students are aware of the impact of unhealthy lifestyle on fertility. There are however misconceptions about the ideal age for childbearing and treatment limits. What is known already The gradual decline in fertility is currently well documented. Furthermore, the mean age of first-time mothers is increasing, especially in groups with higher educational levels. However, the level of awareness (sensitization) of couples to infertility factors such as female age and environmental factors is not well-known. Study design, size, duration A 12 items-questionnaire on infertility aspects « 12QSI » was previously developed and validated. The questionnaire is divided into 3 sections: (i) epidemiology of infertility, (ii) causes and risk factors for infertility, and (iii) treatment of infertility. A seven-month online survey of a random sample of Tunisian students was conducted. Data collection was carried out via Google Forms® by sharing the link on social media platforms and groups. Participants/materials, setting, methods The survey was completed by 800 respondents. We retained 775 responses according to the inclusion criteria: complete response, being of childbearing age and attending university education. Statistics were obtained using SPSS® software. Main results and the role of chance Participants were 24.6 ± 5 years of age on average. Almost 57% were women. The average knowledge score was 56.7 ± 28%. The lowest scores were found for the questions on infertility treatment (only 15% of correct answers) with an overestimation of the chances of success of Assisted reproductive technology (ART). An underestimation of the impact of age on both male and female fertility was reported. The mean score was significantly better for the group of respondents studying medicine than for the rest (63 ± 32% vs. 48 ± 26%; p < 0.001), and for respondents who have faced an infertility problem compared to those who have not (65 ± 28% vs. 56.3 ± 29%; p < 0.001). Limitations, reasons for caution The representativeness of the sample is not ensured. Survey distribution only through social networks could be a limit. Wider implications of the findings Over-optimism regarding the importance of age and the effectiveness of infertility treatments is noted, which can lead to unintended infertility. Educational programs should be developed to address erroneous beliefs and to increase the population`s knowledge of fertility. Trial registration number

The Effect of Personality Traits, Class Level, and Gender on EFL Learners' Online Learning Acceptance among Tunisian University Students

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the transition from in-person instruction to online education. Most students in Tunisia repudiated such sudden transfer. This study, then, probes into factors that impact the online learning experience during the pandemic. Hence, it investigates the effect of affective variables, namely personality traits, on learners' acceptance of online learning in the Tunisian EFL formal university context. Additionally, it scrutinizes the relationship between remote learning on the one hand and class level and gender on the other hand. The considered variables are gauged using a Likert-scale response format questionnaire. The subjects are 150 Tunisian EFL university students at the Higher Institute of Applied Studies in Humanities of Gafsa. The data analysis procedures used are the alpha internal consistency coefficient informing about the instrument's reliability and the Spearman Rho correlation, giving insight into the correlations among the study variables. The study found that personality represents a good predictor of learners' acceptance of distance learning. Regarding the class level, no significant correlation was found between this variable and acceptance of online learning. The same insignificant correlation was detected between gender and Internet-based learning. Hence, the study concludes that considering learners' differences is primordial in accounting for the success of EFL online courses.

SLEEP DISTURBANCES AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS : A TUNISIAN STUDY

IntroductionPoor sleep quality is a major health problem worldwide. University students tend to suffer from problems of sleep regularity, quantity and quality, which can affect their academic performance, and have a serious impact on their psychological and physical well-being.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of insomnia among Tunisian university students, and to identify its associated factors.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional web-based study among university students from several Tunisian faculties. Data were collected using a questionnaire spread throughout social media (Facebook), using the Google Forms® platform, during September and October 2022.We used the “Insomnia Severity Index” (ISI) to assess the severity of insomnia.ResultsA total of 144 students completed the questionnaire. Their mean age was 23.38±3.27 years, with a sex-ration (F/M) of 2.8. Among them, 70.1% were single and 68.8% lived with family. Among our participants, 10.4% were followed for chronic somatic disease, 11.1% for chronic mental disease, while 29.2% have already been diagnosed and treated for sleep disturbances.ISI showed that 72.2% of students suffered from insomnia: 45.1% Subthreshold insomnia, 19.4% moderate clinical insomnia and 7.6% severe clinical insomnia. Insomnia was significantly more frequent among psychoactive substances users (75.7% vs 57.6%; p=0.043). ISI scores were significantly higher among cannabis users (17.4 vs 11.06; p=0.025).ConclusionsOur study highlighted that insomnia is prevalent within the university student population, and psychoactive substances consumption seems to worsen it. Thus, when designing interventions to improve sleep quality among students, the main determinants need to be taken into consideration.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The Chaining Method for Better Vocabulary Retention: Tunisian University Students as a Case Study

A major current focus in vocabulary instruction has been on how to foster autonomous learning and provide learners with techniques to deal with vocabulary retention. In view of this idea, numerous studies have been interested in investigating the effect of teaching such mnemonic strategies on learners’ ability to retain new items. Thus, this paper intends to focus on the concept of the narrative chain method as a memory vocabulary learning strategy that helps EFL learners to remember new vocabulary. It, therefore, aims at shedding light on the importance of learners’ active role in practising the method, creating and imagining the storyline, and reflecting on it at the end of the process. To reach this purpose, fifty first-year Tunisian EFL university students were randomly selected to complete memory vocabulary strategy training. An evaluation checklist was then held to gain more information about their attitudes toward the technique’s efficiency. Qualitative results have provided positive feedback concerning the narrative chain method treatment. The findings of the current study have led to crucial contributions to vocabulary teaching practices that should display the close connection between the active vocabulary learning/retention process and long-term memory in the Tunisian context.

Miswriting in the Teaching of Turkish as a Foreign Language: The Tunisian Case

This research was undertaken with the aim of evaluating, classifying, and detecting mistakes made by Tunisian students learning Turkish as a foreign language at the A1 level. The study is descriptive and was performed using document and content analysis methods. Forty Tunisian university students participating in the study were asked to write about their emotions, ideas, and plans after being given a topic in the classroom at a specific time. Afterwards, their incidences of miswriting were determined while analyzing the texts. Their mistakes were classified under the headings of spelling mistakes, morphemic mistakes, phonetic mistakes, syntactic mistakes, and semantic mistakes. The writing errors grouped within these categories were subsequently re-evaluated according to their specific features and presented again under more narrow subheadings. It was determined that the students made 206 spelling mistakes, equaling 39.84% of the total, followed by 119 morphemic mistakes equaling 23.01%, 95 phonetic mistakes equaling 18.37%, 52 syntactic mistakes equaling 10.05%, and 45 semantic mistakes equaling 8.70%, for a total of 517 writing errors. The majority of these incidences of miswriting happened due to factors such as negative transfer, the distinctive structure of the Turkish language, and the students’ lack of knowledge and experience. It is emphasized that writing-oriented error analysis studies in the teaching of Turkish as a foreign language should be increased and continued at all levels.

“Just do it tomorrow”: Procrastination in Tunisian university students

IntroductionProcrastination is a common phenomenon among students, defined by the tendency to delay tasks. Procrastination can have a negative impact not only on academic achievement but also on other areas of life.ObjectivesTo assess students’ level of procrastination and associated psychological factorsMethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study in students from three different universities: a medical school, a law school and an engineering school. Socio-demographic, clinical and academic data were collected. Procrastination was assessed using the Pure Procrastination Scale. We further administered the Short Version of the impulsive behaviour scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Perfectionism scale, and the one item Self-esteem Scale.ResultsOur sample consisted of 1019 students. The mean age was 22 ± 2.25 years, 62% were females and almost 70% were single. The mean level of procrastination was 35 ± 10.42. Procrastination was positively correlated with impulsivity (r= 0.37 p=0.00) and perfectionism (r= 1.32 p= 0.00) and negatively correlated with life satisfaction (r= -0.22 p = 0.00) and self-esteem (r= - 0.12 p= 0.00).ConclusionsThe level of procrastination was relatively high in our study population. As described in the literature, impulsiveness and perfectionism were closely and positively related to procrastination, whereas higher procrastination scores were linked to lower quality of life and self-esteem. Our findings underline the need for counselling services with a focus on procrastination for university students.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Transcultural validation of the “regulation of emotions questionnaire” among Tunisian university students

IntroductionThe regulation of emotions is a psychological process covering the capacity of inhibiting, maintaining or modulating emotions to create a coherent psychological functioning and to enable the individual to live in adequacy with his or her environment.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to develop an Arabic version of the “Regulation of Emotions Questionnaire-2” (REQ-2T) from Phillips & Power, 2007, and to validate it in a sample of Tunisian university students.MethodsThis is a validation study conducted in a sample of 384 Tunisian university students to whom we administered the REQ-2T, the DASS-21 questionnaire and a sociodemographic questionnaire. We tested face and content validity, reliability, and construct validity of the Arabic version of the REQ-2.ResultsFace and content validity were satisfying. The internal consistency was average, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient ranging from 0.44 to 0.65. The inter-dimensional correlation reflected statistically significant and logical correlations within the REQ-2T. Temporal stability was satisfying with a variable concordance of 0.65. Exploratory analysis revealed four factors similarly to the original version of the questionnaire. Statistically significant correlations were found between the REQ-2T and its external validator (DASS-21).ConclusionsThe REQ-2T demonstrated good psychometric properties, thus this scale can be reliably used as a measure of emotion regulation in the Tunisian population.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

How did Tunisian university students cope with fear of COVID-19? A comparison across schizotypy features

BackgroundLittle consideration has been given to the impact of COVID-19 on people at risk of psychosis despite their particular preexisting vulnerability. We aimed to examine the role of coping strategies in determining the levels of fear in nonclinical students with high levels of self-reported schizotypal personality traits as compared to low-schizotypy controls. MethodThis was a cross-sectional survey. The Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale and The Brief-Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced were used. ResultsHigh-schizotypy students had significantly higher maladaptive strategies scores and higher levels of fear of COVID-19 as compared to low-schizotypy students. Multivariate analyses have shown that high-schizotypy individuals were likely to rely on coping responses that are maladaptive (venting) and have potential exacerbating effects on fear of COVID-19, whereas low-schizotypy individuals were likely to use adaptive responses (acceptance) that seemed to be effective in reducing fear of COVID-19. ConclusionThis study provided preliminary cross-sectional evidence for a differential impact of COVID-19 on individuals according to their schizotypy features. However, larger longitudinal population-based studies are necessary to confirm our findings.

Food consumption in Tunisian university students and its association with sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle behaviours.

This study aimed to characterise food consumption among students at the University of Carthage (Tunisia), assessing quality of diet and main dietary patterns, and their association with potential conditioning factors. Cross-sectional study. Participants self-reported food consumption in two 24-h recalls and information about sociodemographic, anthropometric and lifestyle characteristics such as BMI, birthplace, physical activity, eating places or kitchen appliances. Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) and the Nutrient Rich Foods (NRF) index (NRF9.3) were used to assess diet quality. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to identify eating patterns. Linear regression models were used to test the association of dietary patterns with the diet quality markers. Students at the University of Carthage, Tunisia. 132 students. Almost 96 % of participants need shifts towards healthier food. Four main food patterns were identified 'Traditional food', 'Transitional food', 'European breakfast' and 'Western food'. 'Traditional food' was the first dietary model, positively associated with MDS and NRF9.3. Women showed higher adherence to 'European breakfast' and higher quality of diet by NRF9.3. Students eating out of home showed higher adherence to 'Western food', those who never kept a regular schedule of meals consumed lower amount of vegetables and tubers, and sedentary or low active students had a higher intake of ready-to-eat products. Diet quality of the participating Tunisian students is inadequate, but traditional Mediterranean diet remains the main pattern in spite of the advanced transitional nutrition. Some lifestyle risk behaviours affecting quality of diet were identified in this work, which supports the youth's particular vulnerability.

From Reading to Writing Argumentative Texts: Strategies as a Bridge

Reading and Writing differ in accordance with the position of the learner and depend on the process of retrieving ideas from the text or formulating ideas into a written text. Reading process becomes a writing process when it turns from a receptive skill into a productive one. Wittrock (1989, p. 347) explains that “These well-known differences are summarized best by the commonly accepted belief that writing is the process of putting meaning on written pages, whereas reading is the process of getting meaning from the written pages”. Nevertheless, and despite the different aspects of the two skills, a large and growing body of the literature has investigated and highlighted the existence of common points and the conversion from Reading to Writing. This paper investigated the conversion of Receptive strategies into productive strategies in the writing of argumentative essays by 147 Tunisian University students. Results revealed the strong connection of the two sets of strategies and recommends teachers to raise students’ awareness of the latter to enhance their proficiency level. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship and connection between Reading and Writing in English as a Foreign Language context, and more particularly in the Tunisian University Setting. This study argues in favor of focusing on that connection while teaching Reading and Writing argumentative texts to non-native speakers.

Writing Strategies across four disciplines in a Tunisian Context

English is now widely established as the world language for information exchange, communication, and conducting research (Cenoz & Jessner, 2000; Wood, 2001); and developing satisfactory writing strategies is crucial. Writing is a challenging skill, the complexity of which is mainly felt at University Level. This paper investigated writing strategies among 147 Tunisian university students, majoring in Hard Science and Soft Science courses (English, French, Medicine and Engineering). Its objective was to verify to what extent factors such as academic field, gender, and proficiency interact with each other and with writing strategies. A Survey of Writing strategies was adopted as the main investigating instrument. Findings reveal that Language majors are higher users of strategies than other majors, yet this does not seem to impact their proficiency level. The results suggest raising students’ awareness of Writing strategies by teaching them explicitly and drawing their attention to them.
 
 

Les corrélats des traits de personnalité psychopathiques dans un échantillon d’étudiants universitaires en Tunisie

BackgroundAlthough psychopathy and its predictive factors are well documented in clinical samples, studies in non-clinical populations are relatively rare. We proposed to assess psychopathy traits in a population of Tunisian university students and to analyze their predictive factors. MethodThis was a cross-sectional study of 516 university students enrolled at three major Tunisian universities (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of Tunis, National Engineering School of Tunis, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis). Participants responded to a survey sheet containing sociodemographic data and the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale. ResultsThe students were female in 63.2 % of the cases, with a mean age of 22.7years. The socio-economic level was middle class in 62.4% of the cases. More than one-quarter of students (26.7%) consumed tobacco. The majority of students (81.4%) spent their free time on the Internet, while 11.8% participated in associative work. Psychopathy scores were relatively high (mean LSRPS scores=64.8) with no noticeable gender differences. Psychopathic traits were significantly associated with university (P=0.017), maternal occupational status (P=0.038), and tobacco use (P=0.029). In addition, the total psychopathy score was significantly lower among students sharing activities with their families (P=0.044) and among students participating in associational work (P=0.025). The multivariate multiple regression has retained as predictive factors of psychopathic traits the fact of being the eldest of his siblings and the associative work. ConclusionPrevention strategies should be put in place to prevent psychopathy and its individual and social impacts in young adults in general, and in university students in particular, especially promoting associative activity in the university environment which is currently lacking in our context.

MARCH 1968: PRACTICING TRANSNATIONAL ACTIVISM FROM TUNIS TO PARIS

AbstractThis article examines the activism of Tunisian university students in the late 1960s. During the series of events surrounding the student protests of March 1968 at the University of Tunis, political activists across Tunisia and France forged communication networks or drew upon existing ones in order to further their political claims. The objectives of this article are to investigate the historical roots of these transnational networks in the colonial and postcolonial periods as well as to integrate Tunisia within the “global 1968.” Through an analysis of student protests and government reactions, I argue that ties with the former metropole shaped students’ demands and that a strictly national perspective of events is insufficient. In response to state repression, Tunisian activists shifted their struggle from global anti-imperialism toward the expansion of human rights on the national level. The networks proliferated over the course of 1968 and beyond as concrete realities shaped the direction of new claims.

Tunisian university students’ choice of apology strategies in a discourse completion task

The present study is an investigation of the use of the speech act of apology by Tunisian university students. A hundred students whose mother tongue was Tunisian Arabic were randomly selected for the study. Discourse completion test (DCT) was used to elicit apology strategies by the subjects. The findings suggested that Tunisian university students used statement of remorse most in three main situations where the offended is: (i) a close friend, (ii) old in age and (iii) having the power to affect the offender's future. A noticeable percentage of subjects denied responsibility for the offence and shifted responsibility to other sources using accounts. Other less used strategies were: self-castigation, offer of repair, blaming the victim, invoking Allah's name, intensification, minimization, and humour. This work can have implications in intercultural communication.