Article info

Keywords

• self-deceiving.
• irrational thoughts

Abstract

The study aims at identifying level of irrational concepts and their connection to self-deceiving for a sample from Hebron University and Al-Quds Open University (Tulkarem Branch). It also aims at investigating the significant differences in the level of responses of subjects of the study with respect to irrational concepts due to gender, teaching system, place of residence, specialization and academic level. For this purpose, the study was implemented on a sample of 235 male and female students from both universities. Results of the study showed that the total level of irrational concepts and self – conceiving was medium. The three dominant dimensions of irrational concepts were respectively- being annoyed by others problems, past events, anticipating disasters and calamities. However, the least common dimensions were exaggerated excitement, searching for perfect solutions, self and others repentance. On the other hand, the dimensions of self-deceiving were in the following order: emotional, cognitive and finally the behavioral. Findings revealed positive significant correlation relationship between the students’ irrational thoughts and self-deceiving. Results also showed statistical significant differences due to the university system in favor of the traditional system. There were statistically significant differences in the level of self-deceiving among the subjects of the sample attributed to gender and level of education in favor of first year students. There were no significant differences due the rest of variables. In light of these results the researchers suggested some recommendations was the most important comparative studies dealing with irrational thoughts and self-deception among different categories of the Palestinian community in the light of various educational and personal psychological variables.