Migrant workers face many migration-related stressors that may affect their mental health. This s... more Migrant workers face many migration-related stressors that may affect their mental health. This study examines workplace discrimination in relation to psychological distress, and the role of coping among unskilled Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia. In a sample of 119 workers (39 males and 80 females), results of a hierarchical regression analysis showed that workplace discrimination was positively related to psychological distress. Both problem-oriented coping and emotion/avoidance coping were predictive of distress. While problem-oriented coping was associated with lower distress, emotional/avoidance coping was related with higher distress levels. In addition, low emotion/avoidance coping was found to buffer the adverse effect of discrimination on distress. These results are discussed in relation to the literature on coping as well as the social-cultural context of the migrants and the host country.
The present study, using a health empowerment approach, developed a community-based intervention ... more The present study, using a health empowerment approach, developed a community-based intervention program for elderly women, and evaluated its effectiveness. The program covered five areas—physical health, cognitive functioning, affect and control, social functioning, and religion—and ran for 10 weeks, 90 minutes per week. Using an experimental design, a group of 18 elderly women were placed in the intervention group while another 18 served as controls (Group). Four well-being measures (memory and attention, religiosity, social engagement, and anxiety and depression) were used to assess the effectiveness of the program, before and after the program (Time). Qualitative interview data from participants and family members were also gathered to provide additional input on the effectiveness of the program. Results showed significant main effects of Time for religiosity and memory and attention. More importantly, results indicated significant Group x Time interactions for religiosity as well as memory and attention, with the intervention group reporting more changes in their mean scores over time compared to the control group. These quantitative findings were generally supported by the qualitative interviews. These findings are deemed beneficial in building women's personal and social resources. Similar to other developing countries, Malaysians too are increasingly living longer. The number of elderly or senior citizens, i.e., those 60 years and above is rapidly increasing. The country is likely to reach an ageing nation status, where the elderly will comprise of at least 15% of the population by 2035 (Ganesan, 2010). But, like most developing countries, Malaysia lacks policies to address the needs of the elderly such as income, health care and housing (Global study, 2013). The country's social institutions have been slow to respond to these changes in demography, thus the present study aimed to empower elderly women who are functionally independent to continue being engaged within the community. Promoting this behaviour would not only extend their life span, but would also allow the women to experience better quality and more meaningful life over the years (Allender & Spradly, 2001). To do so, we developed and carried out a community-based empowerment intervention program focusing on developing their psycho-social skills, and evaluated the effectiveness of the program. Such a program is sorely needed in the country due to a lack of available intervention programs that go beyond physical health needs. In the next several sections, we provide relevant background to the study. We first present studies of intervention programs on the elderly, followed by a rationale for the development of an intervention program that combines multiple components. Finally, we present a health empowerment model that was used to guide the development of the study's intervention program.
This study examined the effects of an Islamic-based expressive
gratitude strategy in comparison t... more This study examined the effects of an Islamic-based expressive gratitude strategy in comparison to a secular-based expressive gratitude strategy and a control group in enhancing Muslims’ level of happiness. It was hypothesised that practising the Islamicbased gratitude exercise (by associating blessings with Allah) would result in higher happiness level over time, compared to the happiness level of Muslim participants practising the secularbased gratitude exercise (without specific association) or the control group (attending to details of daily life). Sixty students were randomly assigned into one of three groups and over a period of 16 days were asked to practise the respective exercises daily. They were assessed for pre- and post-happiness measures. Results generally supported the hypothesis, and suggested that the Islamic-based gratitude is beneficial in raising participants’ happiness level, as it fits with their beliefs and values. Implications of the results for including Islamic-oriented intervention to promote Muslim happiness are discussed.
The origin of contemporary ethnic divisions in Malaysian society can be traced to Britain's impos... more The origin of contemporary ethnic divisions in Malaysian society can be traced to Britain's imposition of a divide and rule policy that lasted until independence in 1957. Malaysians continue to grapple with inter-ethnic tensions and conflicts among ethnic groups and especially between Malays and Chinese Malaysians. While inter-ethnic divisions have structural roots that we will discuss, our emphasis is on the use of symbols in the form of statements by leaders of ethnic groups as a means of building political capital but at the cost of deepening ethnic divisions within the society. Specifically, we focus on the use of humanising and dehumanising rhetoric by political elite. We begin by discussing the geohistorical context of Malaysia and government interventions and policies designed to prevent inter-ethnic violence. Then we turn to a consideration of the current state of inter-group relations and perceptions of the Other. The structural problem posed by the politicisation of education is raised and the prospect of improving relations through a reduction of politically motivated dehumanising rhetoric among political elite and the promotion of humanising rhetoric is proposed. To these ends, in the current research we undertake four interrelated activities: We (1) develop and use a coding guide derived from previous conceptual and exploratory work on the twin processes of humanisation and dehumanisation; (2) delineate the semantic space occupied by humanisation and dehumanisation processes in the rhetoric of political elite; (3) test the degree to which the semantic
In this chapter we examine work, family and women’s wellbeing
in Malaysia. We begin by briefly po... more In this chapter we examine work, family and women’s wellbeing in Malaysia. We begin by briefly positioning education as a prerequisite to women’s labor force participation and highlighting this development over the last few decades. We then discuss studies in the work-family literature from two fronts: one focusing on work and family life in relation to women’s well-being, and another examining work-life balance policies and practice. On the basis of these studies, we highlight the gap between reality and available policies and practice. We conclude with some suggestions taking into account the changing realities of the family and the workforce. These include addressing work-family (work-life) issues as societal issues rather than individual problems, providing better support for the implementation of work-life policies, and reframing the worklife framework by going beyond the family to include other aspects of life as well as other strands of diversity besides gender.
Http Dx Doi Org 10 1080 1366880032000143474, Jun 3, 2010
The present study was carried out to test an exploratory model consisting of three sets of variab... more The present study was carried out to test an exploratory model consisting of three sets of variables (demographic, personality and work-and family-related variables) in the prediction of well-being. The model also provided a test of the indirect effect of these variables on well-being, via perceptions of work-family conflict. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were used. In a sample of 147 employed British women with children, the results showed that these three sets of variables had both direct and indirect influence on well-being. Although work-related variables explained the most variance in the prediction of workinterfering-with-family conflict and job satisfaction, personality variables accounted for the most variance in the prediction of family-interfering-with-work conflict. Similarly, in the prediction of distress symptoms, demographic variables accounted for the most variance. The qualitative responses provided by the women complemented these findings. The proposed model appears to provide a better fit of the complex relationships that may exist between the many variables encompassing women's work and family lives than previous ones that have considered only one set of variables.
Http Dx Doi Org 10 1080 03630240903495897, Feb 12, 2010
... Meriam Omar Din PhD a & Noraini M. Noor DPhil a pages 573-591. ... Psycho... more ... Meriam Omar Din PhD a & Noraini M. Noor DPhil a pages 573-591. ... Psychol Med , 22: 46586. [CrossRef], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®], [CSA] View all references; Subramaniam et al., 200645. Subramaniam, K., Krishnaswamy, S., Jemain, AA, Hamid, A. and Patel, V. 2006. ...
Migrant workers face many migration-related stressors that may affect their mental health. This s... more Migrant workers face many migration-related stressors that may affect their mental health. This study examines workplace discrimination in relation to psychological distress, and the role of coping among unskilled Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia. In a sample of 119 workers (39 males and 80 females), results of a hierarchical regression analysis showed that workplace discrimination was positively related to psychological distress. Both problem-oriented coping and emotion/avoidance coping were predictive of distress. While problem-oriented coping was associated with lower distress, emotional/avoidance coping was related with higher distress levels. In addition, low emotion/avoidance coping was found to buffer the adverse effect of discrimination on distress. These results are discussed in relation to the literature on coping as well as the social-cultural context of the migrants and the host country.
The present study, using a health empowerment approach, developed a community-based intervention ... more The present study, using a health empowerment approach, developed a community-based intervention program for elderly women, and evaluated its effectiveness. The program covered five areas—physical health, cognitive functioning, affect and control, social functioning, and religion—and ran for 10 weeks, 90 minutes per week. Using an experimental design, a group of 18 elderly women were placed in the intervention group while another 18 served as controls (Group). Four well-being measures (memory and attention, religiosity, social engagement, and anxiety and depression) were used to assess the effectiveness of the program, before and after the program (Time). Qualitative interview data from participants and family members were also gathered to provide additional input on the effectiveness of the program. Results showed significant main effects of Time for religiosity and memory and attention. More importantly, results indicated significant Group x Time interactions for religiosity as well as memory and attention, with the intervention group reporting more changes in their mean scores over time compared to the control group. These quantitative findings were generally supported by the qualitative interviews. These findings are deemed beneficial in building women's personal and social resources. Similar to other developing countries, Malaysians too are increasingly living longer. The number of elderly or senior citizens, i.e., those 60 years and above is rapidly increasing. The country is likely to reach an ageing nation status, where the elderly will comprise of at least 15% of the population by 2035 (Ganesan, 2010). But, like most developing countries, Malaysia lacks policies to address the needs of the elderly such as income, health care and housing (Global study, 2013). The country's social institutions have been slow to respond to these changes in demography, thus the present study aimed to empower elderly women who are functionally independent to continue being engaged within the community. Promoting this behaviour would not only extend their life span, but would also allow the women to experience better quality and more meaningful life over the years (Allender & Spradly, 2001). To do so, we developed and carried out a community-based empowerment intervention program focusing on developing their psycho-social skills, and evaluated the effectiveness of the program. Such a program is sorely needed in the country due to a lack of available intervention programs that go beyond physical health needs. In the next several sections, we provide relevant background to the study. We first present studies of intervention programs on the elderly, followed by a rationale for the development of an intervention program that combines multiple components. Finally, we present a health empowerment model that was used to guide the development of the study's intervention program.
This study examined the effects of an Islamic-based expressive
gratitude strategy in comparison t... more This study examined the effects of an Islamic-based expressive gratitude strategy in comparison to a secular-based expressive gratitude strategy and a control group in enhancing Muslims’ level of happiness. It was hypothesised that practising the Islamicbased gratitude exercise (by associating blessings with Allah) would result in higher happiness level over time, compared to the happiness level of Muslim participants practising the secularbased gratitude exercise (without specific association) or the control group (attending to details of daily life). Sixty students were randomly assigned into one of three groups and over a period of 16 days were asked to practise the respective exercises daily. They were assessed for pre- and post-happiness measures. Results generally supported the hypothesis, and suggested that the Islamic-based gratitude is beneficial in raising participants’ happiness level, as it fits with their beliefs and values. Implications of the results for including Islamic-oriented intervention to promote Muslim happiness are discussed.
The origin of contemporary ethnic divisions in Malaysian society can be traced to Britain's impos... more The origin of contemporary ethnic divisions in Malaysian society can be traced to Britain's imposition of a divide and rule policy that lasted until independence in 1957. Malaysians continue to grapple with inter-ethnic tensions and conflicts among ethnic groups and especially between Malays and Chinese Malaysians. While inter-ethnic divisions have structural roots that we will discuss, our emphasis is on the use of symbols in the form of statements by leaders of ethnic groups as a means of building political capital but at the cost of deepening ethnic divisions within the society. Specifically, we focus on the use of humanising and dehumanising rhetoric by political elite. We begin by discussing the geohistorical context of Malaysia and government interventions and policies designed to prevent inter-ethnic violence. Then we turn to a consideration of the current state of inter-group relations and perceptions of the Other. The structural problem posed by the politicisation of education is raised and the prospect of improving relations through a reduction of politically motivated dehumanising rhetoric among political elite and the promotion of humanising rhetoric is proposed. To these ends, in the current research we undertake four interrelated activities: We (1) develop and use a coding guide derived from previous conceptual and exploratory work on the twin processes of humanisation and dehumanisation; (2) delineate the semantic space occupied by humanisation and dehumanisation processes in the rhetoric of political elite; (3) test the degree to which the semantic
In this chapter we examine work, family and women’s wellbeing
in Malaysia. We begin by briefly po... more In this chapter we examine work, family and women’s wellbeing in Malaysia. We begin by briefly positioning education as a prerequisite to women’s labor force participation and highlighting this development over the last few decades. We then discuss studies in the work-family literature from two fronts: one focusing on work and family life in relation to women’s well-being, and another examining work-life balance policies and practice. On the basis of these studies, we highlight the gap between reality and available policies and practice. We conclude with some suggestions taking into account the changing realities of the family and the workforce. These include addressing work-family (work-life) issues as societal issues rather than individual problems, providing better support for the implementation of work-life policies, and reframing the worklife framework by going beyond the family to include other aspects of life as well as other strands of diversity besides gender.
Http Dx Doi Org 10 1080 1366880032000143474, Jun 3, 2010
The present study was carried out to test an exploratory model consisting of three sets of variab... more The present study was carried out to test an exploratory model consisting of three sets of variables (demographic, personality and work-and family-related variables) in the prediction of well-being. The model also provided a test of the indirect effect of these variables on well-being, via perceptions of work-family conflict. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were used. In a sample of 147 employed British women with children, the results showed that these three sets of variables had both direct and indirect influence on well-being. Although work-related variables explained the most variance in the prediction of workinterfering-with-family conflict and job satisfaction, personality variables accounted for the most variance in the prediction of family-interfering-with-work conflict. Similarly, in the prediction of distress symptoms, demographic variables accounted for the most variance. The qualitative responses provided by the women complemented these findings. The proposed model appears to provide a better fit of the complex relationships that may exist between the many variables encompassing women's work and family lives than previous ones that have considered only one set of variables.
Http Dx Doi Org 10 1080 03630240903495897, Feb 12, 2010
... Meriam Omar Din PhD a & Noraini M. Noor DPhil a pages 573-591. ... Psycho... more ... Meriam Omar Din PhD a & Noraini M. Noor DPhil a pages 573-591. ... Psychol Med , 22: 46586. [CrossRef], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®], [CSA] View all references; Subramaniam et al., 200645. Subramaniam, K., Krishnaswamy, S., Jemain, AA, Hamid, A. and Patel, V. 2006. ...
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Papers by Noraini Noor
gratitude strategy in comparison to a secular-based expressive
gratitude strategy and a control group in enhancing Muslims’
level of happiness. It was hypothesised that practising the Islamicbased
gratitude exercise (by associating blessings with Allah)
would result in higher happiness level over time, compared to the
happiness level of Muslim participants practising the secularbased
gratitude exercise (without specific association) or the
control group (attending to details of daily life). Sixty students
were randomly assigned into one of three groups and over a
period of 16 days were asked to practise the respective exercises
daily. They were assessed for pre- and post-happiness measures.
Results generally supported the hypothesis, and suggested that
the Islamic-based gratitude is beneficial in raising participants’
happiness level, as it fits with their beliefs and values. Implications
of the results for including Islamic-oriented intervention to
promote Muslim happiness are discussed.
in Malaysia. We begin by briefly positioning education as a
prerequisite to women’s labor force participation and highlighting
this development over the last few decades. We then discuss studies
in the work-family literature from two fronts: one focusing on work
and family life in relation to women’s well-being, and another
examining work-life balance policies and practice. On the basis of
these studies, we highlight the gap between reality and available
policies and practice. We conclude with some suggestions taking
into account the changing realities of the family and the workforce.
These include addressing work-family (work-life) issues as societal
issues rather than individual problems, providing better support for
the implementation of work-life policies, and reframing the worklife
framework by going beyond the family to include other aspects
of life as well as other strands of diversity besides gender.
gratitude strategy in comparison to a secular-based expressive
gratitude strategy and a control group in enhancing Muslims’
level of happiness. It was hypothesised that practising the Islamicbased
gratitude exercise (by associating blessings with Allah)
would result in higher happiness level over time, compared to the
happiness level of Muslim participants practising the secularbased
gratitude exercise (without specific association) or the
control group (attending to details of daily life). Sixty students
were randomly assigned into one of three groups and over a
period of 16 days were asked to practise the respective exercises
daily. They were assessed for pre- and post-happiness measures.
Results generally supported the hypothesis, and suggested that
the Islamic-based gratitude is beneficial in raising participants’
happiness level, as it fits with their beliefs and values. Implications
of the results for including Islamic-oriented intervention to
promote Muslim happiness are discussed.
in Malaysia. We begin by briefly positioning education as a
prerequisite to women’s labor force participation and highlighting
this development over the last few decades. We then discuss studies
in the work-family literature from two fronts: one focusing on work
and family life in relation to women’s well-being, and another
examining work-life balance policies and practice. On the basis of
these studies, we highlight the gap between reality and available
policies and practice. We conclude with some suggestions taking
into account the changing realities of the family and the workforce.
These include addressing work-family (work-life) issues as societal
issues rather than individual problems, providing better support for
the implementation of work-life policies, and reframing the worklife
framework by going beyond the family to include other aspects
of life as well as other strands of diversity besides gender.