Raghda Alnabilsy

2 papers in the library · publishing 2025

Papers

The Need for Mindfulness in the Arab-Bedouin Community in Israel: Recommendations for Cultural and Context-Informed Adaptations

Mindfulness October 17, 2025 Raghda Alnabilsy, Shiran Israel, Inbal Soroker et al.

Mindfulness and self-compassion are strongly linked to better mental well-being among Arab-Bedouins in Israel, a marginalized group facing socio-economic hardships and limited mental health resources. A cross-sectional study of 181 participants found that higher trait mindfulness and self-compassion were associated with lower anxiety, depression, and perceived stress. Qualitative interviews with eight Arab-Bedouin mental health professionals who completed an adapted Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program revealed that delivering MBSR in Arabic, integrating Islamic values, and using gender-sensitive practices increased cultural alignment and engagement. Culturally adapting MBSR to language, gender norms, and Islamic teachings enhances its relevance and effectiveness for this community.

DOI: 10.1007/s12671-025-02687-5 Full text Mindfulness Thematic analysis Mental health Psychological intervention +11

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Ethiopian-Israeli Young Adults: Coping with Stress, Exclusion, and Racism

Shiran Israel, Raghda Alnabilsy, Michael Zaitchik et al. preprint

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) can be a meaningful resource for Ethiopian-Israeli young adults coping with chronic stressors such as socioeconomic disadvantage, racialized discrimination, and identity tensions, but its effectiveness depends on cultural resonance, practical framing, and relational safety. In a qualitative study of 25 Ethiopian-Israeli young adults who completed an eight-week MBSR course, participants reported enhanced emotion regulation, embodied awareness, and coping with discrimination. However, cultural and practical barriers—such as norms discouraging emotional vulnerability, emphasis on productivity, and competing life demands—limited engagement. The findings indicate that mindfulness should not be assumed culturally neutral and that contextually grounded adaptations are needed.

DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/9qj4g_v1