Psychological and physical symptoms among Palestinian ex-Prisoners released from Israeli Prisons

Abstract

This study aimed to reveal the level of psychological and physical symptoms and the nature of the Differences between them considering some variables among Palestinian ex-Prisoners released from Israeli Prisons, the study sample consisted of (517) males and females ex-Prisoners who were selected in the available way. To achieve the aim of the study, the psychological symptoms scale and the physical symptoms scale were used after finding the appropriate validity and reliability indications for them. The results of the study showed that the level of psychological symptoms among ex-Prisoners released was moderate, while the physical symptoms came low. The results of the study also indicated that there were differences in the level of psychological symptoms attributable to place of residence, in the dimension of phobia. While The results of the study showed that there were no differences in the level of psychological symptoms attributable to the variables, gender, and period of prison. The results of the study also showed that there were no differences in the level of physical symptoms among ex-Prisoners released attributed to all variables in the study. Considering the findings of the study, it is recommended to take care of the mental health of the ex-Prisoners upon their release from captivity.

Keywords:  Psychological and physical symptoms, Palestinian ex-Prisoners, Prisons.