Psychosocial Adjustment and its Relationship to Psychological and Social Disorders Among Released Palestinian Detainees from Israeli Prisons: A Perspective of Released Palestinian Detainees in in Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governorate

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the level of psychological and social adjustment and its relationship with psychological and social disorders among Palestinian detainees released from Israeli prisons in Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governorate. The study sought to explore these phenomena from the perspectives of the released detainees themselves and to identify the extent to which psychosocial adjustment is associated with post-release psychological and social difficulties. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher employed a descriptive-correlational research design, which was deemed appropriate for investigating the relationships among the study variables. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire specifically developed for this purpose. The instrument was distributed both electronically and manually to a purposive sample consisting of 330 Palestinian detainees released from Israeli prisons and residing in Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governorate. The findings revealed that the overall level of psychological adjustment among the participants was high, with a mean score of 3.92, indicating a satisfactory degree of psychological stability and adaptation following release. The highest-rated item was related to self-satisfaction after release from prison, which obtained a mean score of 4.53, reflecting a strong sense of self-worth and personal fulfillment. In contrast, the lowest-rated item was associated with freedom from persistent anxiety and excessive stress, with a mean score of 3.48, suggesting that some participants continue to experience residual psychological distress. The results further demonstrated that the level of social adjustment was also high, with an overall mean score of 3.73, indicating that the participants generally possessed a strong capacity for social reintegration and rebuilding interpersonal relationships following their release. Despite these positive indicators, the findings showed that the overall level of psychological and social disorders remained relatively high, with a mean score of 3.44. This finding suggests the continued presence of psychological difficulties and social challenges associated with the experience of imprisonment, particularly those related to future-oriented anxiety, concentration difficulties, and certain aspects of social adaptation. Moreover, the study identified a statistically significant relationship between psychological and social adjustment and psychological and social disorders among Palestinian detainees released from Israeli prisons. The findings indicate that higher levels of psychological and social adjustment are associated with lower levels of psychological and social disorders, highlighting the protective role of successful psychosocial adaptation in mitigating the negative consequences of imprisonment and facilitating post-release recovery. Based on the findings of the study, several recommendations were proposed. First, sustainable psychological support programs should be established for Palestinian detainees released from Israeli prisons, including counseling services, psychological interventions, and training workshops aimed at reducing the long-term effects of imprisonment, such as chronic stress and persistent anxiety. Second, specialized programs should be developed to strengthen social communication skills, enhance interpersonal relationships, and encourage active participation in community activities and social events to facilitate successful social reintegration. Third, vocational rehabilitation and professional training opportunities should be provided to improve the ability of released detainees to adapt to contemporary labor market requirements, enhance their economic independence, and support their successful transition into post-release life.