Examining the Relationship between Achenbach Scales (YSR/11-18) and Sleep Quality in Arab Adolescents: A Comparative Study of Those with and Without Eating.

This study aimed to investigate the differences between Arabadolescents with and without eating disorders, focusing on self-reportedmeasures from the Achenbach Youth Self-Report (YSR) and sleep qualityassessments. A total of 364 Arab students from northern Israel, aged 11-18,participated in the study. The research employed a demographicbackground questionnaire, an eating disorder questionnaire, a sleep qualityquestionnaire, and the YSR to assess emotional and behavioral problems.The findings revealed significant gender differences, with girls displayinghigher levels of eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and somaticcomplaints compared to boys. Boys, on the other hand, exhibited higherlevels of rule-breaking behavior, though no significant differences werefound in other behavioral dimensions. The study also identified a strongcorrelation between academic track and eating disorders, with high schoolstudents being the most affected. Furthermore, significant differencesemerged between students with and without eating disorders in mostAchenbach measures, except for withdrawal/depression, thought problems,and attention problems. Positive correlations were observed between eatingdisorders and psychological difficulties such as social problems, somaticcomplaints, and aggressive behavior. Additionally, a significant positivecorrelation was found between eating disorders and poor sleep quality,further highlighting the psychological burden of these disorders. Thesefindings suggest a strong link between eating disorders, emotional andbehavioral difficulties, and sleep disturbances, particularly among girls andhigh school students. The study emphasizes the need for culturallysensitive, targeted interventions that address both the emotional andphysical health challenges faced by Arab adolescents.