@article{hbkup:/content/journals/10.5339/difi.2023.4, author = "Abdelmoneium, Azza. O. and Asay, Sylvia M. and DeFrain, John", title = "The strengths and challenges of Arab families: a qualitative analysis", journal= "Doha International Family Institute Journal", year = "2023", volume = "2023", number = "1", pages = "", doi = "https://doi.org/10.5339/difi.2023.4", url = "https://www.qscience.com/content/journals/10.5339/difi.2023.4", publisher = "Hamad bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press)", issn = "2309-3927", type = "Journal Article", keywords = "family", keywords = "strengths", keywords = "challenges", keywords = "qualities", eid = "4", abstract = "Families remain the most essential unit in every community. Previous studies have found similarities among research with families globally that identify the characteristics of strong families. This article aims to characterize the strengths and challenges of families in three Arab countries (Qatar, Jordan, and Tunisia). The research will also help to identify implications for policy in the Arab region. Data were collected using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. The use of a thematic approach helped in the analysis of the data across the three countries. The themes that emerged as strengths included respect, love, responsibility, support, good communication, conveying traditions, and resilience. Family challenges included financial concerns, negative outside influences, change in traditions and values, absent/disengaged fathers, and poor communication and conflict. Implications for policy and future research are discussed.", }