The Effectiveness of a Selective Counseling Program in Reducing Symptoms of Avoidant Personality Disorder Among Survivors of ISIS Captivity

Abstract

This research aims to identify the effectiveness of a selective counseling program in reducing the symptoms of avoidant personality disorder among a sample of survivors of ISIS captivity. The researchers adopted a quasi-experimental approach, utilizing the Rashid and Qaddouri (2016) scale for Avoidant Personality Disorder, which consists of 40 items with "yes" and "no" options. A psychological program was also developed, comprising 12 sessions, and its psychometric properties were analyzed. The research sample included 25 survivors from the Bersivi camp for internally displaced persons, and the assessment tools were administered to a sample of these survivors. The results showed the presence of symptoms of Avoidant Personality Disorder among the survivors. After implementing the program with 15 survivors, statistically significant differences were found between the pre- and post-test results in the experimental group, favoring the post-test. This indicates the program's effectiveness in alleviating the symptoms of this disorder. The research recommends integrating selective counseling programs into the psychological programs offered to those affected by wars and conflicts. Based on these findings, the researchers offered several recommendations to relevant authorities and provided suggestions for future research.