Journal of University of Anbar for Humanities

Aims: Occupational stress represents a significant challenge for educational counselors, with potential implications for both their personal well-being and professional efficacy. This investigation seeks to examine the mediating roles of psychological resilience and life orientation in the relationship between work-related stress and life satisfaction among educational counselors in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Methods: The study sample comprised 300 educational counselors (105 male, 195 female) recruited from three governorates: Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok. Data were collected using validated instruments with established psychometric properties (reliability and validity) for assessing the constructs of interest. Analytical procedures included correlation analysis, regression modeling, and path analysis to test the hypothesized mediation model. Results: Findings revealed a significant negative association between work-related stress and life satisfaction (β = −0.14). Conversely, psychological resilience and life orientation demonstrated positive relationships with life satisfaction (β = +0.21 and β = +0.23, respectively), while also showing inverse associations with perceived occupational stress. Notably, a modest positive correlation emerged between perceived workload intensity and life satisfaction, suggesting that optimally challenging work demands may contribute positively to overall well-being. The final structural equation model demonstrated satisfactory fit indices, confirming that resilience and life orientation partially mediate the relationship between occupational stressors and life satisfaction. Conclusions: These findings extend the existing literature on occupational well-being and provide empirical support for targeted interventions aimed at promoting psychological resilience and adaptive cognitive frameworks within educational settings. Practical implications include recommendations for fostering supportive professional environments that enhance counselor well-being and, by extension, the quality of mentoring and educational support in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the phenomenon of emotional divorce among married preparatory school teachers in Karbala Governorate. It sought to achieve two primary goals: first, to measure the prevalence of emotional divorce within this population; and second, to determine if significant differences in its prevalence exist based on gender (male- female). Methods: A descriptive-analytical design was employed. Data were collected using the emotional divorce scale developed by Al-Fatlawi and Kadhim (2012), whose psychometric properties (validity and reliability) were confirmed for the local context. The scale was administered to a stratified random sample of 489 teachers—226 males and 263 females—drawn from the preparatory schools under the Karbala Education Directorate. Results: Statistical analysis, including one-sample and independent-samples t-tests, revealed that the participating teachers experienced a statistically significant level of emotional divorce. This indicates a prevalent state of emotional coldness, a lack of affective communication, and a psychological gap within their marriages, despite the outward continuation of family life. Furthermore, the results showed no statistically significant gender-based differences, suggesting that male and female teachers experience emotional divorce to a comparable degree. Conclusions: The findings confirm that emotional divorce is a tangible issue within the educational community in Karbala, pointing to a crisis in marital relationships among teachers. This phenomenon may be linked to professional stressors, such as workload and classroom pressures, or broader life stresses that erode marital quality. Crucially, the absence of gender differences reveals emotional divorce as a shared, relational dysfunction rather than a problem affecting one spouse more than the other. This underscores the complexity of the issue and suggests that effective intervention must address the couple as a unit rather than focusing on individuals

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the phenomenon of emotional divorce among married preparatory school teachers in Karbala Governorate. It sought to achieve two primary goals: first, to measure the prevalence of emotional divorce within this population; and second, to determine if significant differences in its prevalence exist based on gender (male- female). Methods: A descriptive-analytical design was employed. Data were collected using the emotional divorce scale developed by Al-Fatlawi and Kadhim (2012), whose psychometric properties (validity and reliability) were confirmed for the local context. The scale was administered to a stratified random sample of 489 teachers—226 males and 263 females—drawn from the preparatory schools under the Karbala Education Directorate. Results: Statistical analysis, including one-sample and independent-samples t-tests, revealed that the participating teachers experienced a statistically significant level of emotional divorce. This indicates a prevalent state of emotional coldness, a lack of affective communication, and a psychological gap within their marriages, despite the outward continuation of family life. Furthermore, the results showed no statistically significant gender-based differences, suggesting that male and female teachers experience emotional divorce to a comparable degree. Conclusions: The findings confirm that emotional divorce is a tangible issue within the educational community in Karbala, pointing to a crisis in marital relationships among teachers. This phenomenon may be linked to professional stressors, such as workload and classroom pressures, or broader life stresses that erode marital quality. Crucially, the absence of gender differences reveals emotional divorce as a shared, relational dysfunction rather than a problem affecting one spouse more than the other. This underscores the complexity of the issue and suggests that effective intervention must address the couple as a unit rather than focusing on individuals

Aims: This study aimed to design a proposed training program grounded in the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), with the central goal of improving the professional performance of mathematics teachers who instruct students with learning disabilities. Methods: To achieve this aim, the researcher employed a descriptive-analytical approach, which was appropriate for reviewing and synthesizing relevant literature and prior studies to inform the development of the proposed program. Results: Statistical analysis of the data revealed a significant gap between the current instructional practices of mathematics teachers and the actual needs of students with learning disabilities, underscoring the urgent need to enhance teachers' professional competencies in this area. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the proposed program holds considerable potential for raising teachers' awareness of inclusive learning principles and strengthening their capacity to adapt instructional methods. Specifically, it is expected to help teachers diversify the means of representation, expression, and engagement in order to meet the varied needs of students with learning difficulties in mathematics. Conclusions: The study concludes that professional development programs rooted in UDL principles offer a promising and strategic approach for preparing mathematics teachers to work effectively with students with learning disabilities. It recommends empirically testing the proposed program on a sample of teachers to assess its practical effectiveness, integrating UDL principles into teacher preparation curricula within colleges of education, and ensuring sustained institutional support for teachers to implement these strategies in their classrooms.

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is considered one of the complex psychological disorders that generates extensive debate in clinical and research circles. This disorder is characterized by the presence of multiple identities or self-states that alternate in controlling the individual's behavior and cognitive processes, accompanied by memory loss that exceeds ordinary forgetfulness. Symptoms appear in varying degrees of intensity and form, often associated with experiences of depersonalization and derealization, in addition to a wide range of emotional and cognitive symptoms. Literature indicates that early trauma, especially in childhood, plays a pivotal role in the development of the disorder, as the mind employs dissociative mechanisms to protect the individual from the psychological pain associated with those experiences. Diagnosis is made according to DSM-5 criteria, which focus on the presence of identity disruption and memory loss, while excluding organic causes or the effects of psychoactive substances. Psychotherapy is considered the cornerstone in dealing with DID, as it aims to achieve patient stability and enhance integration among the different identities. Medications can also play a role in managing accompanying symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Cultural and social dimensions are crucial in shaping the experience of the disorder, as interpretations of dissociative phenomena vary across cultures, affecting help-seeking and treatment. Recent research developments focus on supporting biological indicators and neuroimaging to better understand the mechanisms of the disorder and develop more precise therapeutic protocols.

Aims: This study aims to quantify the size and analyze the spatial distribution of the workforce in the rural areas of Ramadi District, identifying patterns of concentration and dispersion across its sub-districts. It further seeks to examine workforce participation across various economic sectors and government occupations, elucidating its role in supporting production and service delivery. A primary objective is to diagnose the principal challenges confronting this workforce, which is considered a fundamental pillar of rural development. Methods: The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach. It relies on official statistics and administrative records related to the labor force. Quantitative methods, including percentages and relevant statistical indicators, are employed to analyze the data. A spatial analysis approach is also utilized to identify geographical variations in worker distribution across the sub-districts and to reveal patterns of sectoral and occupational concentration. Results: The findings reveal significant spatial disparities in workforce distribution, with the largest proportion concentrated in sub-districts characterized by higher population density and better service availability. The government sector absorbs a substantially larger share of the workforce compared to productive sectors, while the agricultural and industrial sectors demonstrate a relative decline in labor absorption. The study also identifies key challenges, including limited employment opportunities, weak economic diversification, and a pressing need for vocational training programs to enhance workforce efficiency and achieve balanced rural development. Conclusions: The study provides a multi-faceted examination of the labor force reality in the rural areas of Ramadi District from numerical, spatial, and sectoral perspectives. It analyzes the distribution of workers by economic sector and government employment, highlighting disparities among sub-districts. Furthermore, it discusses the relationship between population size and employment opportunities, as well as the impact of infrastructure and services in attracting labor to specific areas.

Aims: This study aims to elucidate the geographical and strategic importance of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by analyzing the influence of its geographic location on the development of its regional and international stature. It further seeks to clarify the role of natural resources, particularly oil and gas wealth, in underpinning its economic power. A central objective is to highlight the strategic significance of the UAE's position on the Arabian Gulf and its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, examining the implications of this geography for its political, economic, and security roles. Methods: The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, systematically analyzing the geographical and locational characteristics of the UAE and correlating them with key economic and strategic variables. A geopolitical framework is also employed to interpret how locational factors have shaped the country's regional and international role, drawing upon a review of relevant geographical and political literature. Results: The findings demonstrate that the UAE's geostrategic location, combined with its economic strength derived from oil and gas resources, constitutes a fundamental pillar of its enhanced regional and international standing. Its position on the waters of the Arabian Gulf, its proximity to the critical chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz, and its shared borders with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman have all contributed to consolidating its geopolitical role. These factors have positioned the UAE as a key actor in regional security, energy markets, and trade networks. Conclusions: The study has demonstrated that the United Arab Emirates' ascendance as a significant regional and international actor is inextricably linked to its unique geographical and strategic positioning. The findings confirm that its location on the Arabian Gulf and its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz are not merely geographical facts but fundamental components of its national power. This location, combined with its substantial oil and gas reserves, has provided the foundation for its economic strength and geopolitical influence. The study has also shown that the UAE's borders with key regional players and its control over vital maritime spaces have made it an indispensable participant in the security architecture and economic dynamics of the Middle East. Its role in global energy markets and regional trade is a direct consequence of these geographical givens, amplified by strategic policy choices. Ultimately, the UAE's case exemplifies how a state's geographical endowment, when coupled with effective resource management and a clear strategic vision, can be translated into enduring political and economic power on the world stage.

Aims: This study aims to analyze the morphometric characteristics of the Wadi Abu Kahf drainage basin, a tributary system draining into Lake Razzaza, the entirety of which lies within the administrative boundaries of Anbar Governorate. The research also seeks to underscore the significance of fluvial basin analysis in elucidating the hydrological and geomorphological properties of the basin. A primary objective is to identify the natural parameters influencing surface runoff and flash flood potential, thereby informing strategies for optimal land utilization within the basin. Methods: The study employs a descriptive-analytical approach to examine the basin's natural and morphometric attributes, drawing upon topographic maps and pertinent geographical data. Quantitative analytical techniques were utilized to compute fundamental morphometric indices, including basin area, length, width, main channel length, and perimeter. Furthermore, an analysis of altitudinal variations and slope gradients was conducted to assess their influence on the dynamics of water flow within the basin. Results: The findings reveal that the basin has a perimeter of approximately 347 km, a length of 111.3 km, an average width of 11.6 km, and a main channel length of 145.5 km. The basin exhibits a progressive decrease in elevation from 344 meters above sea level at its headwaters to approximately 46 meters at its outlet. This considerable altitudinal gradient indicates a pronounced slope, which significantly enhances surface runoff velocity. These geomorphometric characteristics suggest that the basin is susceptible to flash floods of relatively high intensity, posing a potential geomorphological hazard to the region. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative analysis of the morphometric characteristics of the Wadi Abu Kahf basin, a significant hydrological feature within the Lake Razzaza system. The results demonstrate that the basin's morphology—characterized by its considerable area, elongated configuration, and pronounced gradient—predisposes it to rapid hydrological responses, including high-velocity surface runoff and flash floods. The study emphasizes that characterizing these morphometric properties is not merely an exercise in geographical description but a fundamental prerequisite for effective land-use planning and sustainable water resource management. Consequently, it recommends the undertaking of more detailed hydrological and geomorphological assessments to develop flood hazard maps and delineate areas suitable for safe agricultural and urban development.

Aims: This study aims to monitor and analyze spatiotemporal changes in land cover/land use during the period (1995–2025) based on Landsat 5 and Landsat 8 satellite imagery. The primary goal is to detect the impact of these changes on land cover indices and Land Surface Temperature (LST). The study also seeks to elucidate the relationship between various environmental variables—namely vegetation cover, water bodies, and urban expansion—and their respective roles in altering the local thermal balance. Methods: The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach supported by remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) techniques through the analysis of multi-temporal satellite imagery. A set of spectral environmental indices were extracted, including the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), and the Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI). These indices were employed to determine the extent and direction of land use change and to analyze their correlational relationship with variations in land surface temperatures over the study period. Results: The findings revealed a marked increase in land surface temperatures from 46.4°C in 1995 to 59.9°C in 2025, indicating a clear disruption of the local thermal balance. This temperature rise is primarily attributed to rampant urban expansion and the intensification of urban heat island effects. Despite a recorded limited increase in vegetation cover of approximately 3.23 km² according to the NDVI, its cooling effect remained constrained due to the dominance of human activities and the expansion of impervious surfaces. The results also demonstrated a strong inverse relationship between NDVI and NDWI indices on one hand and land surface temperatures on the other, as the shrinkage of water bodies diminished the environment's thermal regulation capacity. Conversely, the NDBI index showed significant urban expansion from 122.26 km² to 150.51 km², which was accompanied by a temperature increase of approximately 13.5°C. This confirms that the pattern and density of urban expansion constitute a critical factor in disrupting the local thermal equilibrium. Conclusions: The study concludes that land use/land cover changes, particularly unplanned urban expansion, represent the primary driver of rising land surface temperatures and the degradation of thermal balance in the study area. The findings underscore that relying solely on vegetation and water indices without considering the spatial distribution patterns of urban built-up areas is insufficient for achieving environmental thermal stability. Accordingly, the study recommends the adoption of sustainable urban planning policies that integrate environmental indicators into urban development strategies, enhance vegetation and water bodies, and curb the sprawl of impervious surfaces to mitigate thermal impacts and achieve a better environmental balance.

Aims: This study aims to analyze the urban transformations witnessed in the city of Erbil over the period (1980–2025), with a focus on measuring patterns of urban expansion and tracking the evolution of urban density. The study seeks to employ built-up surface data derived from the Global Human Settlement Layer (GHS-BUILT-S) product to identify spatiotemporal changes in built-up surface ratios at high spatial resolution, understand the relationship between population growth and urban land use transformations, and assess urban development trends and their spatial and temporal implications. Methods: The study relied on analyzing built-up surface data extracted from the GHS-BUILT-S dataset (R2023A), which provides a continuous measurement of built-up surface percentage at a spatial resolution of 100 meters. Data were retrieved for eleven temporal epochs (from 1980 to 2025) and processed using the Google Earth Engine platform for image analysis and preparation. Subsequently, the extracted values were reclassified into five categories according to built-up intensity (from very low to very high density). Statistical analyses were conducted using MATLAB software to measure temporal trends and spatial patterns of urban expansion. Results: The results revealed a clear and consistent increase in built-up areas in Erbil, with a gradual transition from low-density development patterns (0–25%) to high-density development patterns (exceeding 50%), particularly after 2000. The highest density category (75–100%) increased more than fivefold, while areas of very low density declined significantly. Statistical analysis revealed a strong negative correlation (r = -0.85) between population and low-density built-up areas, while a strong positive correlation (r = 0.82) emerged between population and high-density built-up areas. These findings indicate that demographic pressures and economic growth serve as primary drivers of both horizontal expansion and increased urban density. The study also demonstrated that Erbil's growth passed through two main phases: the first, before 2000, characterized by low-density horizontal expansion, and the second, after 2000, witnessing a remarkable increase in urban density due to improved economic stability and growing investments. Conclusions: The study concludes that utilizing long-term, high-resolution built-up surface data is crucial for tracking urban changes and analyzing their patterns, as it provides deep insights into the relationship between population dynamics and spatial transformations. The findings confirm that urban planning in rapidly growing cities like Erbil requires integrated strategies that account for both horizontal expansion and density increase. The study recommends integrating these methodologies into sustainable urban planning processes to ensure a balanced urban future.

Aims: This study aims to analyze Tunisia's position on the developments of the Arab-Israeli conflict and to elucidate the role Tunisia played on the Arab stage during a pivotal phase of this conflict. The study seeks to understand the dynamics shaping official and popular Tunisian positions within the context of major regional transformations. Methods: The study adopted an integrated scientific methodology, employing the historical approach to trace the evolution of Tunisian political positions toward the Arab-Israeli conflict and to analyze related events and political decisions during the specified period. The descriptive-analytical approach was also utilized to describe the nature of official and popular positions and analyze them in light of the political and regional context the region witnessed during that phase, taking into account the complex interactions between local and Arab levels. Results: The study revealed that the Tunisian position underwent a substantial transformation following the signing of the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty in 1979, resulting from widespread popular opposition that intensified within Tunisia and across the Arab world. Broad segments of Tunisian society considered that this treaty contributed to marginalizing legitimate Palestinian rights, particularly the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state on their land. Furthermore, Egypt's recognition of Israel and its conclusion of political, economic, and commercial agreements with it sparked extensive criticism in official and popular Arab circles alike. Amidst this context, the Tunisian government moved toward adopting a position more aligned with Tunisian and Arab public opinion supporting the Palestinian cause and rejecting various forms of normalization with Israel, reflecting a convergence between official position and popular will. Conclusions: The study concludes that the Tunisian position on the Arab-Israeli conflict was neither fixed nor unidimensional; rather, it formed and evolved in response to complex internal and regional variables. The findings highlight that the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty constituted a critical turning point in reshaping the Tunisian position, as the trend supporting Palestinian rights and rejecting normalization strengthened due to popular pressure and the influence of the Arab context rejecting the treaty. The study confirms that the Tunisian position during that phase reflected the distinctive relationship between state and society in Tunisia, and the capacity of public opinion to influence foreign policy directions, particularly on issues linked to national and Arab identity. The study recommends expanding research to include comparative analysis with positions of other Arab countries, toward a deeper understanding of the complexities of interaction between local and regional variables in shaping policies toward the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Aims: This study aims to monitor and analyze the policies and procedures adopted by the authorities responsible for reforming university education in Tunisia during the period (2011–2018). Its primary objective is to assess the extent to which these policies responded to the requirements of the transitional phase that followed the country's political and social transformations. The study also seeks to reveal the effectiveness of these reforms in achieving their stated goals and their capacity to develop the higher education system in alignment with the demands of sustainable development and contemporary societal changes. Methods: The study adopted an integrated scientific methodology dictated by the nature of the subject. This primarily involved employing the historical approach to trace the trajectory of higher education reform in Tunisia from the colonial era, through the post-independence period, up to the study period (2011–2018), aiming to understand the historical backgrounds and institutional structures that shaped subsequent educational policies. The descriptive-analytical approach was also utilized to describe and analyze various educational policies and their implementation mechanisms, examining their content and the outcomes they produced within the context of the university education reform process. Results: The results showed that university education reform in Tunisia constituted a pivotal juncture for testing the ability of higher education institutions to adapt to the major transformations the country witnessed following the popular movement. Despite the availability of numerous opportunities to develop the higher education system, the reform outcomes revealed a relative slowness in responding to the challenges at hand, as well as a weakness in the capacity of implementation mechanisms to translate declared visions and policies into tangible results on the ground. The study also revealed a clear gap between the ambitious objectives of the reforms and the actual outputs in terms of education quality and its relevance to the labor market. Conclusions: The study concludes that the Tunisian university education reform experience after 2011 reflects a broader problem concerning the difficulty of transitioning from the policy formulation phase to effective implementation. The findings underscore the urgent need to adopt a comprehensive national strategic vision that goes beyond piecemeal approaches, focusing on human capital development and enhancing the creative and innovative capacities of students and academics. The study recommends the necessity of involving all stakeholders in the educational process (faculty members, students, the private sector, and civil society) in the design and implementation of reforms, and linking higher education outputs to national development needs and labor market requirements, thereby contributing to achieving effective and sustainable reform in the Tunisian university education system.

Aims: In the digital era, cyberterrorism has emerged as a critical threat to global security. Distinguished by its inherent secrecy, operational complexity, and the transnational reach afforded by advanced information and communication technologies, this form of crime poses unique challenges for monitoring and legal prosecution. Its evolution has profoundly impacted the organizational structures and operational methods of terrorist groups, who now employ sophisticated mechanisms such as website hacking, digital viruses, psychological warfare, cyber espionage, and direct attacks on information systems. Within this context, this study investigates the role of social media platforms in countering this threat. Specifically, it aims to measure the extent of Facebook usage among a sample of university students and analyze the platform's perceived effectiveness in raising awareness about the dangers of cyberterrorism. Methods: This research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach. A study sample of 400 students (male and female) was selected using a simple random sampling method. A questionnaire was developed as the primary data collection instrument, and its psychometric properties, including validity and reliability, were rigorously established prior to administration. Results: The statistical analysis revealed that a significant majority of respondents (67.5%) advocate for Facebook to implement stricter controls to limit the spread of terrorist content. The findings suggest this perspective stems from the dual impact of such material: it serves as an operational incentive for terrorist groups to legitimize their activities and reinforce their digital presence, while simultaneously inducing psychological distress, fear, and a sense of frustration among the public exposed to depictions of violence and extremism.