Psychology

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.aab-edu.net/handle/123456789/56

The Psychology community showcases scholarly publications and research outputs authored by faculty and researchers in the Faculty of Psychology. This collection includes journal articles, working papers, conference proceedings, and other academic works that contribute to the understanding of theory, policy, and practice. It aims to promote open access to high-quality economic research conducted within the institution.

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Survey data show the correlation between school attachment dimensions and internet addiction among secondary school students in Kosovo
(AAB College, 2025-07-10) Mustafa, Armen; Basha, Ertan
This is a dataset that identifies data regarding the correlation between dimensions of school attachment and Internet addiction. The data was gained from a research population of adolescents aged 15–19 years attending secondary schools in Kosovo. The whole sample consists of 525 students, 310 (59%) of them were female, and 215 (41%) were male, respectively 214 (40.8%) were students attending the tenth grade, 189 (36%) were in the eleventh grade and 122 (23.2%) were in the twelfth grade. Data was collected via a survey with paper-pencil questionnaires from 6 different secondary schools from 4 different cities in Kosovo. Stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used. Research analy- ses were conducted with SPSS, using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s analysis, which aimed to examine the non-parametric relationship between dimensions of school attachment and internet addiction. The research instru- ment was verified to have all the necessary psychometric values considered suitable for research. Several descriptive statistical analyses were performed to further clarify the data and provide the necessary platform for further analysis.
Psychometric properties of the dissociative subtype of posttraumatic stress disorder scale: replication and extension in two Germanspeaking samples
(AAB College, 2025-07-10) Gashi, Arlinda
Background: The fifth version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) introduced the dissociative subtype of posttraumatic stress disorder (D-PTSD). To assess this subtype, the Dissociative Subtype of PTSD Scale (DSPS), a 15-item self-report measure to identify lifetime and current dissociative symptoms of D-PTSD, was developed. However, so far, the scale has only been validated in war veterans. Moreover, criterion validity and diagnostic utility have not been examined yet. Objective: We aimed to validate the DSPS in two samples of civilian trauma-exposed Germanspeaking participants. Methods: In Study 1, a pre-registered online study, participants with and without PTSD symptoms (N = 558) answered questionnaires about traumatic experiences, dissociation, PTSD, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, somatic symptom disorder, alcohol use disorder, absorption, and dissociative responding to trauma-related questionnaires. In Study 2, which used secondary data of a pre-registered clinical study, participants with a PTSD diagnosis (N = 71) answered questionnaires about traumatic experiences, dissociation, PTSD, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, somatic symptom disorder, and dissociative responding to standardized trauma exposure. Moreover, PTSD, D-PTSD, and other diagnoses were assessed with structured clinical interviews. Results: Analyses confirmed a three-factor structure as well as high internal consistency, and high convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity of the DSPS. Moreover, the scale was able to identify a latent D-PTSD group and individuals with D-PTSD diagnosis. Conclusions: The DSPS constitutes a reliable and valid tool to assess D-PTSD symptoms in clinical practice and research and thereby may contribute to a better understanding of these debilitating symptoms.
Goal Orientation and Interpersonal Relationships as Success Factors of Group Work
(AAB College, 2025-07-10) Mustafa, Armen
In the higher education system of Kosovo, working in groups is quite widespread, but there is very little research regarding the effectiveness of this form of cooperation. Given the ongoing reforms and challenges within Kosovo’s higher education system, understanding the factors influencing group work effectiveness is crucial for improving academic outcomes and fostering collaborative learning environments. The aim of this research is to measure the students’ perceptions of the factors that increase/decrease the effectiveness of group work in the Colleges and Universities of Kosovo. From a theoretical point of view, there are many factors thatmake group work effective; however, this article is oriented towards models that assume that success depends on “clear definition of the task” and “interpersonal relationships.” A quantitative approach was used, with data collected through a questionnaire that had a very high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha α = 0.88). The questionnaire was distributed in electronic and physical form and was completed by 417 respondents, including students of public universities and colleges in the Prishtina region. The empirical data of this article have shown that “goal orientation” and interpersonal relationships have significant effects on group success. For example, students who reported a clear understanding of their group’s objectives were more likely to experience positive group dynamics and achieve higher satisfaction with the outcome. Similarly, students who reported strong interpersonal relationships with their peers were more likely to engage in productive discussions and collaborative problem-solving. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the importance of fostering clear task definitions and positive interpersonal dynamics to enhance group work outcomes in Kosovo’s higher education institutions. This research provides practical recommendations for educators and policymakers, suggesting that fostering a clear focus on goals and promoting effective interpersonal interactions within groups can significantly improve the quality of group work and student outcomes.
The effectiveness of internal cohesion psychotherapy in treating young clients with depression and anxiety disorders: The role of developmental assets in Kosovo context
(AAB College, 2025-07-10) Gashi, Arlinda
The positive youth development approach (PYD) is widely used as a meaningful framework to guide research, policy, and intervention, to support young people to develop their full potential. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is a verbal and psychological procedure that can be a suitable solution to mental health concerns, which are prevalent among youth. This study aimed to explore the potential role of developmental assets in treating clients with depression and anxiety disorders using Internal Cohesion Psychotherapy (ICP). In total, 10 young people who took at least five sessions of ICP were part of this study. Indepth semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather information about clients’ experiences with ICP and their perception/opinions on the presence of developmental assets in their lives. The results confirm the effectiveness of ICP in treating depression and anxiety, while clients acknowledge the role of developmental assets in their psychotherapeutic process. The current study has important theoretical, practical, and research implications. It provides evidence on how clients use their developmental assets in maximizing the effectiveness of the ICP process. The usage of developmental assets to enhance the effectiveness of psychotherapy opens a new path for further research and can serve as a foundation ground for intervention on mental health among youth.
Dataset on the correlation between nomophobia dimensions among university students in Kosovo
(AAB College, 2025-07-10) Basha, Ertan; Mustafa, Armen
This is a dataset that describes data on the correlation be- tween dimensions of Nomophobia. Data were obtained from a study population of university students aged 18–29 years. The entire sample consisted of 841 university students. Of these, 609 (72.4 %) are female students and 232 (27.6 %) are male students. Data were collected using paper-and-pencil surveys from the students in the three cities: Prishtina, Fer- izaj, and Gjakova. Stratified and purposive sampling tech- niques were used. Research analyses aiming to examine the relationship between nomophobia dimensions were carried out using descriptive statistics and Pearson analysis in the SPSS program. The research instrument was confirmed to have all necessary psychometric values deemed appropriate for the study. Various descriptive statistical analyses were performed to further clarify the data and provide the nec- essary platform for further analysis.
Treating major depression using internal cohesion psychotherapy: A case report
(AAB College, 2025-07-10) Gashi, Arlinda
Major depression is the most prevalent mental illness, often treated using different psychotherapy approaches. In this case study, we present a comprehensive account of the intervention process based on the principles of internal cohesion psychotherapy (ICP). We describe the case of a 26-year-old woman from Kosovo who was diagnosed with severe major depression and subsequently engaged in 11 ICP sessions. The ICP intervention mainly focused on the client’s relationship with four systems, corresponding to the core elements of ICP: Intrapersonal, interpersonal, professional, and spiritual, considering three time points – the past, the present, and the future. The second evaluation, conducted during the eleventh session of ICP, found minimal depressive symptoms in the patient. This case study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the effectiveness of ICP as an eclectic approach in the treatment of major depression.
Impact of domestic violence in the manifestation of aggressive be-havior among adolescent aged 15
(AAB College, 2025-07-10) Mustafa, Armen
The main purpose of this study is to explore the impact of domestic violence in the manifestation of aggressive behavior among adolescents. Through this research study is aimed to promote research in this area for the purpose of awareness of people and society in Kosovo for consequences of domestic violence in general and children in particular. The reason for such a study lies in the fact that Kosovo society as a society in transition still suffering from the consequences of war and extreme Serbian violence, increasingly spreading phenomena which are based violence, such as domestic violence, violence against children, violence in schools, youth delinquency, etc. For this is designed a case study to get a unique perspective on the experience of domestic violence and its impact on the behavior of a teenager aged 15. Case study was conducted mainly through semi-structured interview. The data were supplemented with additional interviews with other persons and analyzed documentation. Data analysis was done through analysis of the phenomenological interpretation. The main question which is based on the study has been: Why adolescents aged 15 years from families with a history of violence demonstrate aggressive behavior toward others? The case study shows that adolescents in this age because of violence experienced, along with other problems, also demonstrate aggressive behavior, often by modelling the parents’ behavior.
Research on Community Violence against Adolescents in Kosovo and related Variables
(AAB College, 2025-07-10) Mustafa, Armen
The main purpose of this study was to conduct a research about the prevalence of violence against adolescents in the community, the types’ prevalence of the violence; people who the most frequent use violence against adolescents, and the relationship between the types of violence and adolescents’ demographic factors (gender, age and residence). The study was conducted in a sample of 608 adolescents from 10 Pristina’s high schools, aged 15-18. For this study are used quantitative methods in fact survey type, while as the main instrument for data collection was used the questionnaire. The study's findings show that 9 out of 10 adolescents have experienced community violence (approximately 92%), of whom 1 out of 9 adolescents high-level violence. From the types of violence, psychological violence is the most prevalent violence followed by violence against property, physical violence and sexual violence. The results of the study show that people who use more violence against adolescents are their peers, then adults and at the lowest level of violence are used by certain groups. Males, whether they are peers or adults, are the ones who use more violence against adolescents than females. When we talking about demographic characteristics and their relation to the types’ prevalence of the violence, gender and residence of adolescents results to have an impact only on physical violence, but not on the other types of violence, while adolescents’ age, being almost the same, results without any impact on the types’ prevalence of the violence. Concerning these findings, have been addressed specific recommendations, the main purpose of which is to raise awareness and prevent violence in society in general and to children and youth in particular.
Investigation of Violence Against Children in Schools with Types and Related Variables: Kosovo Sample
(AAB College, 2025-07-10) Mustafa, Armen
The main purpose of this study was to conduct an investigation on the level (extent) of violence against children in school, on types of violence and on the relationship between violence and demographic characteristics of children (gender, residence and age). This study focused on a sample group of 618 children, respectively students of grades 10 to 12 of higher secondary schools in Prishtina, Kosovo. With this sample group a structured questionnaire applied, which was composed of four (4) questions for each of the following types of violence: violence against the property of children and school property, psychological violence, physical violence and sexual violence. Results of this study have shown that approximately 87% of children have experienced, at least, once one type of violence throughout their education. Among these types of violence, violence against the property of children and against school property has been reported the most (73.6%), which is followed by psychological violence (69.3%), then physical violence (47.5%) and sexual violence (22.1%). Data have shown that in the level of reliability α = 0.5, gender as a demographic factor has appeared to be more influential in the prevalence of some types of violence (violence against property, psychological violence and physical violence), residence has appeared to be influential when speaking about physical violence only, while age has been shown to be an influential factor in the prevalence of violence against children in school.
Adaptation, validity and reliability study of the “Internet Addiction Scale for Adolescents” into Albanian
(AAB College, 2025-07-10) Basha, Ertan; Telaku, Naim; Mustafa, Armen
The aim of this study was to verify the dimensions of Internet addiction in Albanian. This study employed “Internet Addiction Scale for Adolescents” to determine internet addiction. The verification of language equivalence, the scale form was administered to 164 university students studying at AAB College Faculty of Psychology and 61 High School students studying at the British School of Kosovo (altogether 245). In addition, the Cronbach Alpha internal srability coefficient was found to be .828. It was observed that the factor load values of the scale items varied between .56 and .72. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin coefficient (KMO) was 0.82 and the Bartlett x2 Sphericity value was 605,874 (p<.000). In confirmatory factor analysis, it was seen that the one-dimensional structure of the scale provided a good fit. [x2=63.168, df=26, x2/df=2.42 RMSEA=.077, RMR=.069, S-RMR=.049, GFI=.95, AGFI=.91, CFI=.94, NNFI=.90, IFI=.94]. The findings obtained as a result of the validity factor analysis and the reliability of the scale show that the Albanian scale is valid and reliable.
The Relationship between Personality Traits and Compliance with the COVID-19 Preventive Measures in Kosovo
(AAB College, 2025-07-10) Cana, Likane
The COVID-19 pandemic urged systematic restrictive measures in order to avoid the spread of the virus. Different countries applied different restrictive measures; however, their efficacy was vastly dependent on the willingness of the people to comply with them. How people perceived the pandemic yielded different adaptive behavior to preventative measures. In this direction, individual characteristics (i.e., personality) seem very important. The current study aimed to map a relationship between personality structure as postulated within the five-factor model of personality with the tendency to comply with preventive measures, as mediated by perceived stress and concerns over coronavirus. In a sample of 3252 adults, we found that the traits of openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness directly and positively predicted compliance. However, concerns over coronavirus partially but positively mediated the relationship between agreeableness and conscientiousness on compliance. Perceived stress, on the other hand, was not a significant mediator, although it was significantly and positively predicted by neuroticism but negatively by extraversion. These findings showed that different personality traits have different direct effects on compliance with preventative measures.
SELF-ESTEEM AND JOB SATISFACTION AMONG THE ACADEMIC STAFF IN HIGHER EDUCATION
(AAB College, 2025-07-10) Ahmeti, Aferdita
Education in the 21st century is focused on knowledge based on collaboration, interaction, and creativity. We need knowledge, skills, competencies, and characteristics of individuals who will create knowledge with the assistance of university academics. So the objective of our paper was to determine the relationship between self-esteem and job satisfaction among 150 full-time academic employees, employed at three state universities in the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of North Macedonia. We used the following measuring instruments: job satisfaction survey (JSS) and Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSE). Results show that 86 (57.33%) subjects have high self-esteem, 38 (25.33%) have a medium level of self-esteem and 26 (17.34%) have low self-esteem. We found that the low self-esteem of the subjects does not depend on job satisfaction, while there is a significant correlation between the medium level of self-esteem and job satisfaction and the high level of self-esteem and job satisfaction. In addition, the self-esteem of the academic staff depends on the total job satisfaction, coworkers, and nature of work, communication, salary. The obtained results show that job satisfaction and job success are moderators of self-esteem in academic staff (Marcionneti & Castelli, 2022).
Treating major depression using internal cohesion psychotherapy: A case report
(AAB College, 2025-07-10) Studenica, Arvesa
Major depression is the most prevalent mental illness, often treated using different psychotherapy approaches. In this case study, we present a comprehensive account of the intervention process based on the principles of internal cohesion psychotherapy (ICP). We describe the case of a 26-year-old woman from Kosovo who was diagnosed with severe major depression and subsequently engaged in 11 ICP sessions. The ICP intervention mainly focused on the client’s relationship with four systems, corresponding to the core elements of ICP: Intrapersonal, interpersonal, professional, and spiritual, considering three time points – the past, the present, and the future. The second evaluation, conducted during the eleventh session of ICP, found minimal depressive symptoms in the patient. This case study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the effectiveness of ICP as an eclectic approach in the treatment of major depression.
Linguistic, affective, parental, and educational contributions to the bicultural identity development of Balkan minority adolescents
(AAB College, 2025-07-10) Studenica, Arvesa
This study investigated linguistic, affective, parental, and educational contributions to bicultural identity, in two samples of younger (13-to 14-year- old; N = 95) and older (16-to 17-year- old; N = 67) bilingual adolescents, who were immigrants or belonged to ethnic minority communities in the Balkans. While bicultural identity level was not differentiated as a function of age group, there was an age-related shift in its predictors. Bicultural identity level was significantly predicted by perceived educators' attitudes toward linguistic/cultural diversity in the younger adolescent group, but by personal affective states (motivation and attitudes) toward the mainstream language in the older adolescent group. Implications of the findings are discussed regarding educational and family practices that would facilitate biculturalism in minority adolescents.
The types of intrinsic motivation as predictors of academic achievement: the mediating role of deep learning strategy
(AAB College, 2025-07-10) Kamberi, Mimoza
The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between types of intrinsic motivation and academic achievement through a deep learning strategy. Specifically, the study focused on the intrinsic motivation to know, the intrinsic motivation to experience stimulation, and the intrinsic motivation toward accomplishment. Participants were 310 randomly sampled university students. The descriptive, correlational, and mediation analyses were applied to the data. Results show that the intrinsic motivation to know was positively and directly related to academic achievement. However, the intrinsic motivation to experience stimulation and the intrinsic motivation toward accomplishment were not directly related to academic achievement. Regarding mediation effects, the deep strategy of learning mediated the relationship between the intrinsic motivation to know and academic achievement, as well as between the intrinsic motivation to experience stimulation and academic achievement. These results show that intrinsic motivation to know was positively and directly related to academic achievement, while the link between intrinsic motivation to experience stimulation and academic achievement was significant only indirectly via deep learning strategy. This study emphasizes awareness-raising interventions for the academic community about the effects that types of intrinsic motivation may have in relation to learning strategies in academic achievements.
Anxiety predictors among college students in Kosovo
(AAB College, 2025-07-10) Kamberi, Mimoza
This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence and anxiety predictors among college students in Kosovo. Participants were 676 randomly sampled college students (M = 21.54, SD = 4.44), selected from three universities (two private) in the 2015/2016 academic year. Pearson chi-square, t-Test, ANOVA, linear and multiple regressions were used. The prevalence of anxiety was 33.6%. The symptoms were significantly related to gender (p = .00), study year (p = .00), family income (p = .00), group age (p = .00) and father’s employment (p = .00). Female students, students living in extended family, first-year students, students whose mothers did not work, showed statistically higher levels of anxiety. Anxiety was predicted by gender, study year, previous study academic achievement and family income. Study findings stress the importance of understanding the relationship of psychosocial factors and anxiety, for the purpose of determining the necessary and adequate interventions and programs.
Emotional intelligence as a protective factor against mental health problems of health workers
(AAB College, 2025-07-10) Kamberi, Mimoza
Emotional intelligence is regarded as a protective factor among many different groups in the face of adversities, among these has been the COVID-19 pandemic. This study, conducted in 2021 in Kosovo, aims to explore the protective role of emotional intelligence against mental health problems, at the workplace among health and nonhealth workers, and those not working at all. In total, 408 active students in their third year of studying at the AAB College in Prishtina, Kosova were participants of this study. The population consisted of health workers, non-health workers and unemployed individuals. The Adult Self-Report was used to assess internalization and externalization problems. It was found that those working in the health sector have reported statistically higher means (mean=5.14, SD=0.80) of emotional intelligence compared to non-health workers and those not working at all (mean=4.38, SD=0.69). In addition, in both subscales, internalizing and externalizing problems, health workers have shown statistically significant lower means differences compared to non-health workers and those not working at all [F(2; 405)=15.17, p<0.001]. A direct negative association has been found between scores of emotional intelligences and internalizing and externalizing problems. Health workers experience the highest level of job stress and show highest scores in emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence serves as a protective factor against psychological problems including internalizing and externalizing.
Dealing with the Past Intergroup Violence
(AAB College, 2025-07-10) Voca, Shpend; Kamberi, Mimoza
In intergroup conflicts, dealing with the past is essential for reconciliation. Peoples’ tendencies to blame each other for the past ingroup suffering by outgroup can cause a considerable challenge for reconciliation. Alternatively, if people show forgiving attitudes toward outgroups for inflicting ingroup suffering, intergroup relations can improve. This study analyzed how rival group members react when discussing past intergroup violence. The study is based on structured dialogue meetings with Albanian and Serbian participants in Kosovo. Using Braun and Clarke’s guide for data analysis, the results showed that rival group members emphasize mainly the events when the ingroup have suffered while neglecting the events when the outgroup have suffered. The study found that people use various strategies to deny or justify past ingroup violence toward the outgroup. Forgiveness, apology, blaming the other, collective responsibility and ingroup shame, are themes that have emerged when rival groups discussed past intergroup violence. We discuss the implications of these themes for intergroup relations in Kosovo.
Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS): The Study of Validity and Reliability
(AAB College, 2025-07-10) Basha, Ertan
The purpose of this study is to examine validity and reliability of the Albanian version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), which is developed by Lovibond and Lovibond (1995). The sample of this study is consisted of 555 subjects who were living in Kosovo. The results of confirmatory factor analysis indicated 42 items loaded on three factors (Depression, Anxiety and Stress). As it is shown in the original form, the scale is occurred by three factors. Factor’s coefficients were as follows: for the depression .25 to .61, for anxiety .30 to .53 and for stress .31 to .51 for overall scale. Compliance validation points of DASS were respectively found between .85 and .81 and, 80. Item total correlations were .25 to .61. Findings demonstrated that Albanian version of DASS has similarity with other researches for reliability and validity scores.
The Relationship between Game Addiction and Personality Traits
(AAB College, 2025-07-10) Basha, Ertan
This study aims to examine the relationship between children's game addiction and personality traits and whether children's game addiction levels differ significantly according to age, class level, and gender. This research was conducted on teenagers in the British high school of Kosovo, which is located in Pristina. The sample was composed of 239 teenagers studying at high school in Kosovo in the academic year of 2016-2017. The sample of the study consisted of 239 teenagers between the ages of 12-17. 130 (54.4%) of the participants were female and 109 (45.6%) were male. In the research, first of all, the normality of the data was tested, and since it was determined that the data were normally distributed, analyzes were carried out using parametric tests. As a result of the analysis, game addiction of children was found to be negatively correlated with a personality tra, and positively correlated with a neurotic personality trait. No relationship was found between game addiction and personality traits such as extraversion. There was no significant mean difference between game addiction and age, gender, and grade level. As a result, there is a relationship between game addiction and tender-mindedness personality traits and neuroticism. The fact that game addiction is not related to age and grade level may be due to the fact that the sample has similar developmental characteristics.