Date of Completion

5-5-2023

Degree Type

Honors Thesis

First Advisor

Maire Ford

Abstract

Given the intractable conflict in Palestine, those living in the area are exposed to constant stress and trauma. A wealth of prior research findings clearly reveals that stress, with an emphasis on traumatic stress, leads to decrements in mental and physical well-being. Thus, it is important to consider implementing interventions that might help people in this area cope with stress. Researchers have advocated for the use of meditation to lower stress and anxiety levels. In the current investigation, I will present findings from a study that I conducted in Palestine, looking at the impact of mindfulness meditation on effective coping with stress. I will discuss data on the effects of two different mindfulness meditations (a religion-based meditation to fit the collectivist, Islamic culture and a standard meditation) on current stress levels. I will also present descriptive data on the following exploratory variables to gain a better contextual understanding of the population: attachment to God, coping by using spiritual practice, and trauma symptoms. Beyond expanding the conversation of mental health into the Arab world, this study intends to provide insight into factors that may influence effective stress coping for Palestinians and investigate whether mindfulness meditation offers Palestinian Muslims a therapeutic mechanism to cope with the stressors they are currently experiencing.

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