This study is one of the first researches aimed at exploring the developmental stages of morality... more This study is one of the first researches aimed at exploring the developmental stages of morality in Albanian children, within the framework of Kohlberg's theory. In his theory, Kohlberg assumes that children pass through different levels of moral development, affecting how they perceive the world, make judgments, and make decisions. For this reason, one of the dilemmas used in many similar researches, the Heinz dilemma, was chosen to explore the attitudes of children at different ages, to very sensitive issues, but also in opposition to the moral or legal norms.
The application of coping strategies in adolescent depressive symptoms, 2020
The development of depression in adolescents is an important issue, especially at the school leve... more The development of depression in adolescents is an important issue, especially at the school level. Ongoing observations, but also numerous studies, report an important link between adolescence and coping with psychological problems (Oehler,2017). Personal challenges, identity exploration, biological, social and emotional changes and career dilemmas, can all be factors that affect overall well-being (Žukauskienė, 2014). For this reason, the role of mental health professionals in educational institutions should be primary. School-based preventive interventions are the most effective and applicable approaches to mental health issues and specifically depression (Hilt-Panahon, Kern, Divatia & Gresham, 2008). This study aims to apply a preventive intervention on depression symptoms at adolescents (N-25) aged 15-17. 'The Adolescent Coping with Stress' intervention strategy, which is based on a cognitive-behavioral approach, aims to psycho-educate and prevent symptoms of depression. The research was conceived in the form of quasi-experimental design Pre-Post Test, with a control group where no intervention was applied, and an experimental group, where 12 sessions of different activities were implemented based on the prevention strategy. To complete the study objectives, a mixed methodology was used, consisting of applying the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI II), semi-structured clinical interviews, and applying the intervention strategy. The results of the study showed that subjects in the experiment group reported reduced levels of depression symptoms compared to the control group subjects. Significant differences between groups emphasized the importance of applying intervention strategies that should be used in schools to increase adolescent resilience and coping with stressful events to enhance overall psychological well-being.
Beyond formal learning: Emotional Intelligence and Academic Performance, 2019
Emotional intelligence is the individual's ability to identify, understand, and manage emotions, ... more Emotional intelligence is the individual's ability to identify, understand, and manage emotions, both in themselves and in others. Numerous studies conducted in different cultures, consider emotional intelligence (IE) as an important component in the learning process and in enhancing academic performance (Furnham, 2016). Students with high IE, have a higher sense of responsibility, and are more productive in understanding and integrating complex information (Thoti, 2016). For this reason, it is important that the school as an educational institution, to be focused on emotion education. It has been noticed that in Albanian schools there is a lack of curricular or extracurricular activities that focus on recognizing, expressing and managing emotions or IE-focused curricula. Curricula and school environments should encourage empathy instead of competition and integrate into the concept of intelligence, not only intellectual intelligence but also emotional intelligence. The current study evaluates precisely the relationship between IE and academic performance (PA). To fulfil the purpose of this research, a sample of 971 adolescents was selected in 11 public schools of the city of Tirana. Adolescents completed the IE questionnaire (TEIQ-SF) and reported PA through reporting the mean grade. Data analysis indicated a moderate correlation between PA and IE (r = .488, p≤. 01). This result shows that with the increase of IE linearly the PA increases and conversely. The study also explored the relationship between gender and age and IE, when girls (M = 4.66) report higher IE levels than boys (M = 4.08) and IE has a positive correlation with increasing age (r = .360, p, 01). These findings are important as they might have implications for investing in socio-emotional skill development of youth as a way to also improve their academic performance.
This study is one of the first researches aimed at exploring the developmental stages of morality... more This study is one of the first researches aimed at exploring the developmental stages of morality in Albanian children, within the framework of Kohlberg's theory. In his theory, Kohlberg assumes that children pass through different levels of moral development, affecting how they perceive the world, make judgments, and make decisions. For this reason, one of the dilemmas used in many similar researches, the Heinz dilemma, was chosen to explore the attitudes of children at different ages, to very sensitive issues, but also in opposition to the moral or legal norms.
The application of coping strategies in adolescent depressive symptoms, 2020
The development of depression in adolescents is an important issue, especially at the school leve... more The development of depression in adolescents is an important issue, especially at the school level. Ongoing observations, but also numerous studies, report an important link between adolescence and coping with psychological problems (Oehler,2017). Personal challenges, identity exploration, biological, social and emotional changes and career dilemmas, can all be factors that affect overall well-being (Žukauskienė, 2014). For this reason, the role of mental health professionals in educational institutions should be primary. School-based preventive interventions are the most effective and applicable approaches to mental health issues and specifically depression (Hilt-Panahon, Kern, Divatia & Gresham, 2008). This study aims to apply a preventive intervention on depression symptoms at adolescents (N-25) aged 15-17. 'The Adolescent Coping with Stress' intervention strategy, which is based on a cognitive-behavioral approach, aims to psycho-educate and prevent symptoms of depression. The research was conceived in the form of quasi-experimental design Pre-Post Test, with a control group where no intervention was applied, and an experimental group, where 12 sessions of different activities were implemented based on the prevention strategy. To complete the study objectives, a mixed methodology was used, consisting of applying the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI II), semi-structured clinical interviews, and applying the intervention strategy. The results of the study showed that subjects in the experiment group reported reduced levels of depression symptoms compared to the control group subjects. Significant differences between groups emphasized the importance of applying intervention strategies that should be used in schools to increase adolescent resilience and coping with stressful events to enhance overall psychological well-being.
Beyond formal learning: Emotional Intelligence and Academic Performance, 2019
Emotional intelligence is the individual's ability to identify, understand, and manage emotions, ... more Emotional intelligence is the individual's ability to identify, understand, and manage emotions, both in themselves and in others. Numerous studies conducted in different cultures, consider emotional intelligence (IE) as an important component in the learning process and in enhancing academic performance (Furnham, 2016). Students with high IE, have a higher sense of responsibility, and are more productive in understanding and integrating complex information (Thoti, 2016). For this reason, it is important that the school as an educational institution, to be focused on emotion education. It has been noticed that in Albanian schools there is a lack of curricular or extracurricular activities that focus on recognizing, expressing and managing emotions or IE-focused curricula. Curricula and school environments should encourage empathy instead of competition and integrate into the concept of intelligence, not only intellectual intelligence but also emotional intelligence. The current study evaluates precisely the relationship between IE and academic performance (PA). To fulfil the purpose of this research, a sample of 971 adolescents was selected in 11 public schools of the city of Tirana. Adolescents completed the IE questionnaire (TEIQ-SF) and reported PA through reporting the mean grade. Data analysis indicated a moderate correlation between PA and IE (r = .488, p≤. 01). This result shows that with the increase of IE linearly the PA increases and conversely. The study also explored the relationship between gender and age and IE, when girls (M = 4.66) report higher IE levels than boys (M = 4.08) and IE has a positive correlation with increasing age (r = .360, p, 01). These findings are important as they might have implications for investing in socio-emotional skill development of youth as a way to also improve their academic performance.
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Papers by Renisa Beqiri