Faculty Of Social and Behavioral Sciences

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A Study of the Relationship Between Teacher Efficacy, Demographics, and Students' Achievements in Reading in United Arab Emirates
(2006) Francis, Lina G.
The current study examined the effects of teachers' sense of efficacy on students' reading achievement. Other demographic variables were studied as possible influential factors on teachers' sense of efficacy. Two separate questionnaires were completed by the supervisors and the teachers, respectively. The target sample were the foreign teachers (N=42), supervisors (N=3), and students (N=799) in two elementary private schools located in Dubai, United Arab Emirate. The reliability of the teacher efficacy scale was tested by Cronbach Alpha. One-way ANOVA tests, independent t-tests, and multiple regressions were used to test the hypotheses. Significant results showed that experienced teachers have higher sense of efficacy than novice teachers. Furthermore, results showed that the higher the teacher's efficacy: a) in student engagement, the higher the student's open ended score; b) in classroom management, the lower the student's score on comprehension; c) on the whole Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale, the higher the student’s scores on vocabulary and open ended sections. Finally, new directions for research were proposed.
Academic Achievement as a Function of Frequency of Testing and Level of Motivation
(2010) Nassab, Ghina
The present study reviewed Research on the impact of classroom testing frequency, and examined the effects of frequent testing on student's motivation at the elementary level. Participants were six grade elementary level students in two Lebanese Private schools, which are similar in many aspects but differ in their testing procedures as one uses the frequent testing technique while the other uses the non-frequent way of testing. The instrument used to collect data was the 20-item Academic Motivation Scale (AMS) questionnaire, which is designed to assess the extent to which an individual's academic motivation is intrinsically or extrinsically driven. Data was collected then analyzed using t-tests and correlations. The results indicated that frequently tested students had higher extrinsic motivation and higher school grades than non-frequently tested students.
An Individualized Approach to Conceptualizing Problematic Internet Use, in the Context of the Pre-existing Psychopathology
(2020) Loukieh, Stephanie
Background: Internet Addiction (IA), a rapidly growing clinical phenomenon in mental health with detrimental consequences, is yet to be deemed a new independent disorder, due to speculation around it being an extension of a pre-existing Psychiatric disorder. This impacts the development of treatment modalities for this addiction, and the way in which it can best be incorporated into the DSM-5. This study attempts to search for signs of differentiation in this disorder across different Psychiatric diagnoses. Method: The prevalence rate of Internet Addiction across five major diagnostic groups was checked, using the Internet Addiction Test, while controlling for age, through Binomial Logistic Regression; and the Updated Cognitive Behavioral Model of Generalized Problematic Internet Use (PIU) was tested within each group, using the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2, through Multi-group Structural Equation Modeling. Results: There’s a significant difference in the comorbidity with IA across the disorders, and the highest is with Bipolar Disorders; however, the Obsessive-Compulsive group has more severe cases and a higher mean score on the IAT, this is in comparison with Anxiety, Depression, and Schizophrenia spectrum groups. The least comorbidity of IA is with the latter. Excessive use was significantly higher in the Obsessive-Compulsive and Bipolar groups. The Cognitive-Behavioral model changed in two of the five groups, the Depression group model emphasized the role of Mood Regulation in the development of PIU more than the original, and the Schizophrenia group model developed a new interesting pathway, highlighting the social challenges of that disorder. Conclusion: preliminary findings show significant signs of differentiation in the development and process of IA across pre-existing disorders, suggesting that cases of IA should be conceptualized in an individualized approach.
Anxiety, Depression, and Persistent Complex Bereavement among the Families of the Enforced Disappeared and Deceased during the Lebanese Civil War
(2022) Rehimi, Rim
The purpose of this quantitative research was to study mental health implications, specifically symptoms of depression, anxiety, and persistent complex bereavement among the families of the deceased and forced disappeared during the Lebanese Civil War. The research aim was to compare the families of the deceased with the families of the forced disappeared on the following variables: symptoms of anxiety, symptoms of depression and symptoms of persistent complex bereavement. A purposeful and convenient sample of 26 Lebanese individuals who had lost a core family member in the Lebanese civil war participated in the study, 13 of whom had lost a family member to death, and 13 others who had lost a family member to forced disappearance. Data were collected using a survey that included a demographic questionnaire, the “Beck Anxiety Inventory”, the “Beck Depression Inventory”, and the “Inventory of Complicated Grief”. Between-subjects t tests were used to test the hypotheses. As hypothesized, the results showed that individuals who had lost a core family member to enforced disappearance scored significantly higher on symptoms of anxiety, symptoms of depression, and symptoms of complicated grief than those who had lost a family member to death during the same time period in the Lebanese civil war. It is recommended to use clinical interventions that focus on psychoeducation, methods of narrative therapy that are based on storytelling for finding more positive meaning as well as approaches that increase the individuals’ tolerance for ambiguity.
Aspects of Personality that Predict Resilience among Lebanese University Students
(2016) Daouk, Sariah
The purpose of the study was to examine which aspects of personality predict change in total resilience scores among Lebanese university students. It was hypothesized that broad personality factors (positive emotionality, negative emotionality, and constraint) would significantly predict total resilience score. More specifically, achievement motivation, wellbeing, social potency, and stress reaction traits would be among the significant predictors of resilience. The Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire Brief Form (MPQ-BF) and the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) were used as instruments as well as a demographic data sheet. A total of 180 participants were recruited through convenience sampling from 3 different private universities in Lebanon. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, t-tests, Analysis of Variance, and standard Multivariate regression analysis. Positive emotionality and negative emotionality significantly predicted 20.2% of the variance in total resilience score, with positive emotionality being the stronger predictor. Achievement motivation, well-being, and stress reaction significantly predicted 28.1% variability in total resilience score, with Achievement motivation being the stronger predictor. Overall, mental health professionals and counselors can use the findings on positive emotionality, negative emotionality, achievement motivation, wellbeing, and stress reaction scales to help students better mitigate daily stressors and to promote everyday resilience.
Attachment and Reflective Functioning Moderating the Relationship between Child Sexual and Physical Abuse, Post-traumatic Stress, and Post-traumatic Growth
(2023) Jammoul, Abeer
This study intends to further explore the relationship between child sexual and physical abuse, trauma, and growth, with an emphasis on its link to attachment and reflective functioning. It expands on previous work by assessing the degree to which attachment security plays a role in the relationship between a history of child sexual and physical abuse and posttrauma-related symptoms with highlighting the possibility of post traumatic-growth. It also aims to highlight the significance of mentalization/reflective functioning that can be a protective factor between child sexual and physical abuse and both PTS and PTG A sample of 125 Lebanese adults 18 years and older, living in Lebanon, who have experienced sexual and physical abuse during childhood were asked to fill out a questionnaire including demographic questions and a 25 minute questionnaire sexual and physical abuse questionnaire (SPAQ), revised-adult attachment scale (close relationship version), the reflective functioning questionnaire (RFQ), the PCL‐5 short version 4-item self-report questionnaire, and finally a final structure of 8 items scale that measure PTG (PTGI-8). Only 85 met criteria and were included in the study. In this sample, secure attachment plays a protective in individuals who experienced childhood abuse where securely attached individuals scores lower on PTS than insecurely attached. However, attachment doesn’t play a role in the relation between child abuse and PTG. Reflective functioning is also a good protective factor by which “genuine” mentalizing aids in lowering PTS symptoms in abused individuals, however it doesn’t have the same powerful significance in increasing PTG.
Attachment Insecurity and Eating behavior: The Mediating Role of Difficulties in Emotion Regulation
(2021) Baker, Myriam Claire
Attitude towards Cosmetic Surgery and Perceived Attractiveness of Cosmetic Surgery Consumers in Lebanon
(2010) Zebian, Nadine
The present research was divided into two parts; the first details the findings of a public survey with a total of 234 university students in Lebanon to study the acceptance of cosmetic surgery and the factors playing into this acceptance such as gender, watching cosmetic surgery programs, having peers and mothers who use cosmetic surgery, and body weight of the participants. The 15-item Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale was used. Acceptance of cosmetic surgery was higher in females than in males. In females, acceptance was related to body weight, to having peers who use cosmetic surgery, but was not related to having mothers who use this surgery. Acceptance of cosmetic surgery was higher in all participants who watch programs on cosmetic surgery. The second part of the research had a total of 60 females who rated the attractiveness of a female consumer of cosmetic surgery. A black and white photo of a woman was used. Results indicated that in comparison with others, consumers of cosmetic surgery perceived other consumers as more physically attractive.
Attitudes, Beliefs and Expectations Towards Maternal Employment and Non-parental Care among Female University Students
(2011) Fiani, Nathalie J.
The purpose of the current study was to investigate the attitudes and expectations of female Lebanese college students (N = 145) in regard to maternal employment, exclusivity of maternal care, and non-parental childcare. Beliefs about the costs and benefits of maternal employment were measured by the Beliefs about the Consequences of Maternal Employment scale (BACMEC). The Exclusive Maternal Care scale determined the extent to which the participants believe that only a mother is best suited to care for her child, whereas the Home/Employment Orientation scale evaluated the woman's preference for staying home versus her desire to return to work. Additional variables were explored in order to identify the subjects' preferences and perceived future plans in relation to maternal work history, the type and timing of non-parental care arrangements, work resumption, and the major factors influencing such decisions. The study indicated a significant relationship between early maternal work history, beliefs in the benefits of maternal work, and work resumption. Moreover, beliefs in the costs of maternal work were significantly associated to the attitudes toward the exclusivity of maternal care, which in turn yielded a significant relation to participants' home/employment orientation. The correlation between subjects' home/career inclinations and preferred age of the child to be placed in childcare and for mother to resume work also proved significant.
Body Dissatisfaction, Social Comparison, Life Satisfaction, and Gender as Predictors of Disordered Eating Behaviors in Lebanese University Students
(2020) Khalil, Karim
The study investigated the relationships between body dissatisfaction, social comparison, life satisfaction, gender and disordered eating behaviors (restrictive, emotional, and external eating) in Lebanese university students. A total of 130 participants participated in this survey design study by filling a demographics sheet, the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), the Physical Appearance Comparison Scale–3 (PACS-3), the Brief Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale- College Version (BMSLSS-C), and the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ). It was found that body dissatisfaction, upper social comparison, dissatisfaction with self were predictors of restrained eating behaviors. Satisfaction with family, on the other hand, was found to be a predictor of emotional eating behaviors. Moreover, upper social comparison was found to be a predictor of external eating behaviors. Females engaged in more restrictive eating than males, but no significant gender differences were found with emotional and external eating. We concluded that higher body dissatisfaction, as well as higher social comparisons and lower life satisfaction can have negative consequences on eating behaviors in university students, but more so with females. We recommended helping students through psychoeducational programs and family counseling for improved body image and behavior.
Body Weight, Self-esteem and Depression in Lebanese Male and Female University Students
(2005) Papas, Anita D.
The purpose of this study was to examine differences in body weight and desired body weight between males and females, also to find out if the discrepancy of actual weight and desired weight led to low self-esteem and depressive symptoms. Perception of a weight problem was studied in relation to self-esteem and depression as well. The sample consisted of 160 university students, BMI and DBMI were calculated based on self-reported weight and height. Perception of having a weight problem was evaluated by one question: "Do you see yourself as having a weight problem?" Self-esteem was measured by the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and depression was measured by using the Beck Depression Inventory. The results conveyed that more females than males were in the underweight and normal weight categories. Desired BMI was always lower for females in all weight categories whereas for males desired BMI fluctuated a lot depending on their weight category. The discrepancy between actual weight and desired weight had no relation to self-esteem and depression. Perception of a weight problem did not predict level of self-esteem however in predicting depression the relation proved to be highly significant.
Bullying as a Predictor with Personality Traits as a Moderation of Employees’ Burnout at the Workplace in Lebanese Corporations
(2022) Nassar, Diana Gharib
The workplace can impose significant pressures on employees that can lead to unprecedented outcomes that have significant impact on their psychological well-being. Studies have suggested that workplace bullying is one of the pressures faced by employees, whereby they are exposed to several offenses, physical and verbal. Investigations in that regard have shown that workplace bullying is an indicator of burnout in employees, which is a work-related stress characterized by physical or emotional tiredness, as well as a sense of diminished achievability and self-worth. Moreover, literature has briefly attempted to integrate personality factors into understanding how it affects the relationship between workplace bullying and burnout. To further extend the research to Lebanon, the study at hand investigated personality as a moderator between workplace bullying and burnout, specifically the personality traits of neuroticism and extraversion. In a form that combined three questionnaires - Maslach Burnout Inventory, Negative Acts Questionnaire, and Big Five inventory – data was collected from 115 employees in diverse Lebanese corporations. Using hierarchal multiple regression, the results found that workplace bullying was directly related to burnout. However, neuroticism and extraversion were not found to be moderators between workplace bullying and burnout. Nevertheless, an interesting finding highlighted how neuroticism had a significant effect on burnout and extraversion had a significant negative relationship with workplace bullying. Despite the limitations accompanied with the small sample size, this is the first study to discuss this complicated relationship in Lebanon. Further research should focus on the relationship between workplace bullying and personality factors.
Career Counselling: A New Concept in Lebanon
(2005) Costa, Nabil
This study provides an overview of WAZNAT, a recently established Lebanese career counseling firm. The Founders had perceived the dilemma of graduating high school students in relation to their career options. They sought to address this need through the provision of relevant information and career guidance services at the school level. The study provides a qualitative analysis in relation to Waznat's in-formal educational role in terms of providing career guidance and academic orientation services in schools. The survey included 200 high school students from Grade 11 and another 100 from Grade 12.
Casual Beliefs of Mental Illness and Psychiatric Skepticism as Predictors of Help Seeking Behavior and Mental Health Literacy in Lebanon
(2020) El Zein, Christine
Previous research has shown that there is a high prevalence of mental disorders and low treatment seeking behavior prevailing globally and more noticeably in the Arab region including Lebanon, and Causal beliefs of mental illness were reported to influence help-seeking behavior. Also, research has shown that psychiatric skepticism is existing in Lebanon and it is associated with lower levels of mental health literacy and more negative attitudes towards professional help seeking behavior and a considerable number of patients suffering from a mental illness choose to seek treatment from the general health sector (i.e. physicians and general practitioners) instead of seeking help from the mental health sector. As such, the purpose of this study is to examine the psychosocial, biological and supernatural including religious causal beliefs of mental illness and their effect on the attitudes held towards professional help seeking behavior, to investigate the relationship between psychiatric skepticism and level of mental health literacy as well as attitudes held towards help seeking behavior among the Lebanese participants and to examine the level of health literacy prevalent among the Lebanese participants and compare it to their level of mental health literacy. This is a quantitative survey study design. Six hypothesis were tested using a sample of 206 participants with the majority of participants’ age ranging between 20 and 30 years old; participants were recruited through convenience and snowball sampling. Data was collected through the administration of five questionnaires, The Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS)(2015), Attitudes Toward Seeking Psychological Help – Short Form (ATSPPH-SF) (1995), Mental Distress Explanatory Model Questionnaire (MDEMQ) (1990), Psychiatric Skepticism Scale (PSS) (2011) and All Aspects of Health Literacy Scale (AAHLS)(2013). The results yielded no significant correlation between each of the causal beliefs of mental illness (biological, psychosocial and spiritual/religious causal beliefs) and attitudes towards psychological help. Also, no significant correlation was obtained between psychiatric skepticism and each of mental health literacy and attitudes towards psychological help. A statistically significant difference was obtained between mental health literacy and biological health literacy in the sample. Findings, limitations and implications were discussed at the end of the study.
“Changing Hearts and Minds”: The Effects of Self-affirmation and Mediated Intergroup Contact on Transgender Prejudice among Lebanese Cisgender Individuals
(2021) Abou Samra, Isabel
Transgender people across the world experience widespread prejudice, discrimination and violence because of the way in which they express their gender identity (James et al., 2016; FRA, 2014, 2020; Wang et al., 2020). In Lebanon, transgender women report substantial discrimination and exclusion across multiple sectors of life such as education, employment, housing, and healthcare (HRW, 2019). Despite the severity of transgender prejudice and its harmful impact on transwomen’s lives, no research thus far has examined interventions targeting this type of prejudice in Lebanon. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of five interventions informed by “intergroup contact” (Allport, 1954) and “self-affirmation” (Steele, 1988) theories to reduce prejudice toward transgender women in Lebanon. The study employed an experimental 3 x 2 between-subjects factorial design with three self-affirmation manipulations (values-affirmation vs. mastery recall affirmation vs. no affirmation) and two mediated contact manipulations (mediated contact vs. no contact). The experiment was administered online via Qualtrics with a sample of 219 heterosexual cisgender Lebanese men and women. Results indicated that mediated intergroup contact had a significant main effect on behavioral tendencies and to a lesser extent, perceived threat. Values-affirmation had a significant main effect on behavioral tendencies. Mastery recall affirmation had a significant main effect on behavioral tendencies, and to a lesser extent outgroup feelings. There was no clear interaction effect between self-affirmation and mediated contact. The present study was the first to experimentally assess a number of interventions targeting transgender prejudice in Lebanon, if not the Middle East region. By assessing the efficacy of theory-based interventions to reduce prejudice against transgender women, it addresses some of the existing gaps in transgender prejudice research literature. Moreover, the findings may potentially help design better programs to combat transgender prejudice across various societal domains, such as healthcare, employment, and education.
Citizenship Education in Syrian Private Schools: Conceptions of Science and Language Teachers
(2021) Koul Sahagian, Dzaghig Zohrab
The aim of the study was to examine the conceptions of science and language teachers at Syrian private schools about citizenship education, and to explore their views regarding (a) the sources and the origin of their conceptions of citizenship education; (b) the representation of citizenship education in pedagogical planning and practices, and the challenges associated with this representation; and (c) the academic and professional support they need to enhance citizenship education in their schools. Previous studies suggest that context is particularly important in reviewing citizenship education, since the complex and contested nature of the concept of citizenship leads to a broad range of interpretations. Taking into consideration the particularities of the context of Syrian private schools, as well as the distinctive characteristics of science and language teachers as idiosyncratic individuals on one hand and as experts in their respective disciplines on the other, a qualitative multiple-case study was conducted using focus group interviews. Twenty-nine science and language teachers teaching different grade levels from five private schools participated in the study. The teachers in each school were categorized into focus groups based on the subjects that they teach as the following: (a) Languages (Armenian, Arabic, English); and (b) sciences (physics, biology, chemistry), and the teachers of each category of subjects deemed as one case. A total of 8 focus groups were formed. Data was collected through Teacher Profile Questionnaires, focus group interviews, and content review. The results revealed many similarities between the conceptions of science and language teachers. Moreover, the analysis of the teachers’ views from both cases indicated similar factors affecting their conceptualization of citizenship education, as well as very similar views regarding the challenges they face while they integrate citizenship education in their instructional plans and practices, and the support they need to enhance citizenship education in their schools. Few different themes have emerged regarding the instructional practices that the teachers implement to emphasize citizenship education in their classrooms. The overall analysis of the teachers’ conceptions and views revealed that the teachers are more inclined towards the minimal interpretations of citizenship education, promoting value transmission, and transmitting knowledge and fixed values such as discipline, obedience, hard work, integrity, respect and responsibility. Moreover, the teachers’ lack of pedagogical content knowledge and expertise was evident as they used certain terminologies interchangeably, such as curriculum and textbook, and they could not provide thorough elaborations on some of their responses, especially concerning some teaching methods they use like cooperative learning. Based upon the gathered data and literature recommendations, implications for practice are suggested.
Contributions of Perceived Parental Religiosity, Perceived Positive Parenting Practices and Religiosity to Psychological Well-being of Emerging Lebanese Adults
(2019) Najjar, Grace
Little is known in research on how parental religiosity affects parenting practices, children’s religiosity and their well-being. Many studies have examined the relation between parents’ religiosity and parenting in emerging adults, however they neither included the child’s religiosity as a possible factor affecting well-being nor have used samples representing different religious affiliations: Christians, Muslims, Druze and Non-Religious. The present study explored the contributions of perceived parental religiosity, perceived positive parenting practices and emerging adults’ religiosity to emerging Lebanese adults’ psychological well-being. A potential mediating role of perceived positive parenting practices was predicted. An empirical quantitative survey design was conducted using a sample of 198 emerging adults distributed between Christians, Muslims, Druze and Non-Religious. Correlational and multi-linear regression analyses were done. No mediation was found between perceived positive parenting practices, perceived parents’ religiosity, emerging adults’ religiosity and their well-being. Maternal parenting practices were the only contributors to emerging adults’ well-being. Perceived Maternal and Paternal religiosity were positively correlated to emerging adults’ religiosity but negatively correlated to perceived positive parenting practices. Religiosity was not found to relate to well-being. The results were explained in terms of how religiosity was transmitted to emerging adults, the symbolic versus literal interpretation of religion and cultural factors affecting parents’ openness to change and flexibility.
Coping Strategies against Burnout in School Leaders: A Comparative Study of School Leaders in Lebanon and Uganda
(2019) Casimiro, Lokwang Koryang
This study explores, compares and contrasts coping strategies used by school leaders in Lebanon and Uganda against risks of burnout. Typically, school leaders’ work is stressful as it is characterised by multiple, undefined and often conflicting roles and expectations despite time, funding and staffing constraints; insufficient preparation; institutional interference; and lack of supports systems. These lead to emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and job dissatisfaction. Yet there are hardly any empirical and theoretical studies in Lebanon and Uganda that address burnout in school leaders. This study adopted a grounded theory approach to gauge coping strategies used by 16 school leaders selected using purposive and theoretical sampling. Data collection and analysis were simultaneously conducted, with data analysis determining what data to collect next until saturation was reached. Findings revealed few differences in coping strategies at the national context. However, personal and school contexts contributed to variations in coping strategies. Common coping strategies used by school leaders in both Lebanon and Uganda included: sharing leadership responsibilities, understanding school culture, adaptability, balancing work and personal life, building support and collaboration, time management, expertise and professional development. A coping strategy unique to few participants in Lebanon was building a culture of trust, and operating with a leadership team. In Uganda, schools had a leadership structure in which the school leader had two deputies. The leadership structure also gave some responsibilities to student leaders. The study recommends that school leaders adopt leadership styles and school culture that promote shared responsibility to offset stress, strain and possible burnout.
Courtship Length, Communication Patterns and, Religiosity as Predictors of Marital Satisfaction among a Sample of Adults in Lebanon
(2020) Pasha, Ayla
Although many studies have sought to investigate predictors of marital satisfaction, a majority of these studies have been done in the Western context (Alder, 2010; Marks, 2005; Rois, 2010). Therefore, the aim of the current study was to evaluate whether certain premarital and concurrent variables act as predictors of marital satisfaction in Lebanon. The predictor variables to be studied are: courtship length, communication patterns (the 4 Horseman of the Apocalypse theory) and, religiosity. The study was a quantitative survey design using a purposeful convenient sample consisting of 318 participants in heterosexual marriages lasting for more than one year and under 10 years. The questionnaire administered consisted of a demographic section, consent form, modified 4 Horseman of the Apocalypse questionnaire, Revised Intrinsic/Extrinsic Religious Orientation Scale (ROS) and the Quality Marital Index. It was hypothesized that religiosity and courtship length are positively correlated with marital satisfaction whereas negative communication patterns are negatively correlated with marital satisfaction. Results of the study showed that length of courtship, presence of the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse and religiosity were predictors of marital satisfaction.
Critical Thinking, Mathematics Classrooms, and School Culture: Views of Principals, Heads of Mathematics Departments, and Secondary Mathematics Teachers in Lebanon
(2019) Hawatian, Taline Yerssaye
The purpose of this study was to explore the views of principals, heads of mathematics departments (HOD), and mathematics teachers of grades 9 to 12 in secondary schools in Lebanon about the role of critical thinking in mathematics classrooms. The study also investigated how principals and heads of mathematics departments viewed their role in creating a school culture conducive to critical thinking. Both constructs of critical thinking and school culture have been investigated at length by researchers, but the interplay between the two constructs has been rarely addressed. School culture was investigated based on Schein’s three levels of cultural analysis: artifacts, espoused beliefs and values, and basic assumptions. The study adopted a qualitative research design, with multiple-case study approach. Questionnaires were administered to the participants and semi-structured interviews were conducted with them. In addition, several mathematics classrooms were observed. Data was coded, patterns were derived from the codes, and themes were emerged. The study identified three themes, namely: the Lebanese mathematics curriculum and official examinations do not foster critical thinking; an epistemological orientation based on student-centered exploration of knowledge and debating controversies create a school culture conducive to critical thinking; a shared vision of critical thinking as an educational goal, teachers’ strong knowledge in critical thinking and its instructional strategies, professional development and training in teaching for critical thinking create a culture conducive to critical thinking. This study contributes to the literature by studying the relationship between two important educational constructs: critical thinking and school culture and showing how a school culture characterized by shared vision, collaborative leadership, and an epistemological orientation based on divergent thinking foster students’ critical thinking. Moreover, this study makes recommendations to stakeholders and school leaders on how to create a school culture conducive to critical thinking by empowering teachers and providing them professional development in teaching for critical thinking.

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