Psychological Stress and Its Relationship to Psychological Adjustment and Quality of Life Among Divorced Women in Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governorate

Abstract

This study aims to explore the relationship between psychological stress, psychological adjustment, and quality of life among divorced women in Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governorate, from their own perspective. It also examines how these variables differ according to age, educational level, place of residence, number of children, employment status, and who initiated the divorce. The study adopts a quantitative descriptive-analytical approach and uses a simple random sample consisting of 210 divorced women in the governorate, who responded to a structured questionnaire. The findings indicate that the level of psychological stress among divorced women is high, with an overall mean score of 3.81 (76.2%). Stress levels range from moderate to high, with social factors causing the highest levels of stress, while personal emotional stress ranks lower. The level of quality of life is found to be moderate, with a mean score of 2.90 (57.9%). Certain aspects, such as social support, score relatively high, whereas economic opportunities and income are at the lowest levels. The study finds no statistically significant differences in psychological stress, psychological adjustment, and quality of life based on demographic variables. There is a statistically significant correlation between psychological stress and psychological adjustment, between psychological stress and quality of life, and between psychological adjustment and quality of life among divorced women. In light of the findings, the study recommends enhancing psychological, social, and economic support for divorced women by providing counseling programs, training and employment opportunities, and increasing community awareness to reduce social stigma. It also emphasizes the importance of family support in improving their quality of life and facilitating their integration into society.