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.

News

Latest update: New research articles and working papers from the Faculty of Psychology have been added.

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 27

Adaptation Study of Computer Game Addiction Scale to Albanian Language
(AAB College, 2025-07-11) Basha, Ertan
The aim of this study is to adapt the sub-dimensions related to game addiction of the Computer Addiction Scale developed by Çakır, Ayas & Horzum, 2011 into the Albanian context. The original of the scale consists of three sub-dimensions, “internet addiction”, "prefering playing computer game to other activities and disrupting the tasks" and "inability to quit playing computer game and associate it with real life", and a total of 51 items. Only two sub-dimensions of the scale, which are related to game addiction, "preferring games to other activities and disrupting tasks" and "being unable to quit the game and associating it with real life" were adapted and the scale was named as Computer Game Addiction. The adaptation of the instrument began with translation, continued with an examination of the linguistic equivalence, and finalized with analyses of validity and reliability. The scale items were initially translated by one of the researchers. The translation was examined by four experts (two Albanian Language and two Educational Sciences experts with PhD degrees in their field) with good Albanian proficiency to finalize the Albanian version. To verify the linguistic equivalence, both the Turkish and Albanian versions were then administered to 15 students that being educated in Faculty of Education in Prizren State University of Kosovo with one-week break. The correlation findings showed there were positive significant correlation between the Turkish and Albanian versions. The Albanian version was administered to 250 university students studying in Faculties of Psychology and Computer Engineering of AAB University of Kosovo, to check its validity and reliability. The results obtained from confirmatory factor analysis and the reliability analysis indicate that the Albanian version of the scale is valid and reliable.
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.
An Evaluation the Level of Depression, Anxiety and Stress the Kosovo War Veterans
(AAB College, 2025-07-11) Basha, Ertan
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship veterans living between depression and anxiety, and professional status, socio-economic status and educational status. Simple random sampling method was used for designating sample. The sample consist of veterans living in different parts of Kosovo. The total number of the sample was 555 including 468 male and 87 female. In the study, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS) Scale have used to collect data. The data was interpreted evaluating veterans in terms of gender, marital status, get help or not, permanent disability, death of relative, professional status, socio-economic status and educational status. According to the statistical analysis of the data gathered from the participant of the research it has been found that there are significant differences between the levels of depression, anxiety and stress in terms of professional status, social-economic and educational status of Kosovo veterans.
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.
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.
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.
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.
EXAMINATION OF INTERNET AND SHOPPING ONLINE ADDICTION ON KOSOVO STUDENTS DURING THE COVID PERIOD
(AAB College, 2025-07-11) Basha, Ertan
In order to carry out this research, questionnaires were collected online, where the main focus was students from public and private faculties. The specific focus of the research is the correlation of internet addiction with online shopping. In order to achieve the objectives of the study and the ideal results, participants were selected from different faculties in Kosovo and we were able to collect data from different parts of Kosovo. These questionnaires were collected during the covid-19 period in 2021. Questionnaires were applied to different age groups starting from 18 years old and above. The number of participants in this study is 295. The research analyzes were done with IBM SPSS Statistics, where a non-parametric correlation and Spearman's analysis between Internet addiction and online shopping were aimed in our research, we noticed gender differences in the dependence on online shopping where women have resulted higher in this case, the value is higher of addiction to online student shopping varies significantly in terms of gender. Our results also show a significant change in financial status which means dependence on online shopping leads to financial difficulties. Internet and shopping addiction has resulted in positive correlations; addiction has been high where the main cause may be the pandemic time which has made people more passive. This research aimed to find the dependency of online shopping in the universities of Kosovo, where the research was conducted through two questionnaires that measured Internet addiction and online shopping where the focus was on students.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
School Attachment and its Dimensions as Predictors of Internet Addiction among High School Students in Kosovo
(AAB College, 2025-07-10) Mustafa, Armen; Basha, Ertan
Background: Nowadays, the importance and influence of the Internet have increased in lives of adolescents, and this has also affected, to some extent, the attachments that adolescents have with the school. This study aimed to examine if the dimensions of school attachment are predictors of Internet addiction among high school students in Kosovo. Methods: The data were 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 were collected via a survey with paper-pencil questionnaires from 6 different secondary schools in 4 different cities in Kosovo. In the data analyses, percentage, arithmetic mean, t-test for independent groups, one-way variance, correlation, and regression analysis were performed. Results: The results of the study show that some of the dimensions of school attachment are predictors of Internet addiction, such as feelings about school (ß=-.306, p<.001), attitudes toward students (ß=.150, p<.01), and student's perception of school (ß=-.143, p<.001). However, two dimensions have not shown a significant impact on internet addiction: interest in learning (ß=0.018, p>0.05) and attitudes toward teachers (ß=-0.02, p>0.05). Conclusion: Based on the study findings, it can be concluded that the stronger attachment to school is, the lower level of internet addiction is, and vice versa.
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).
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.
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.
The Evaluation of the Relationship between the Problem Solving Skills and Psychological Symptoms of University Students
(AAB College, 2025-07-11) Basha, Ertan
The purpose of this study is to examine relationship between the problem solving skills and psychological symptoms of university students. In addition, in the study has been analyzed whether the changes of age and gender can make a significant difference. The study has been consisted of 200 university students. %55 of these students are female and %45 male. In the study has been used ‘’The Problem Solving Inventory’’ (Heppner and Petersen, 1982) ‘’The Brief Symptom Inventory’’ (Derogratis and Lazarus, 1994), and Personal Information Form to collect data. As a result of the findings of the study has been found negative relationship between the problem solving skills approach-avoidance conflict, and obsessive cumpulsive disorder and phobic anxiety. On the other hand, according to findings of the study it is seen that no significant differences between female and male students in terms of pscyhological symptomps. Also, it has been found that differ in terms of the gender the problem solving skills approach-avoidance conflict (t0.05: 198= -2.589; p<.05) and the average score for male students are higher than female students.