Normative systems and medical metaethics Part I: Value kinematics,health, and disease

On the basis of a ten-place comparative value relation, artificially reduced to a binary relation, some human value structures are studied and a concept of value kinematics is proposed. A miniature value logic is outlined, making it possible with precision to handle several explicated value notions and to analyze interrelations between them. Finally, the question is discussed whether health can be said to be an absolute and an intrinsic value.     

Depression symptoms among Omani children: age and sex differences

The present study explored the existence of depressive symptoms among Omani children according to sex and age. The Arabic translated version of the Multidimensional Child and Adolescent Depression Scale was administered to 1,749 children (828 boys, 921 girls) ranging in age from 10 to 18 years old (M= 13.9, SD = 2.3) from 10 schools representing different areas of Muscat, Oman. The results showed no differences in the total mean scores on depression between boys and girls, although differences were observed on 4 of the 8 subscales. Boys had significantly higher scores on Weak concentration and Loneliness, while girls scored higher for Sleep problems and Anhedonia. Significant differences across ages also were exhibited for the total score as well as four subscales (Pessimism, Weak concentration, Anhedonia, and Fatigue), suggesting higher rates of depression among 15- to 18-year-olds.     

Foundations of clinical praxiology part I: The relativity of medical diagnosis

The question is raised whether it would be beneficial to establish a clinical praxiology for the sake of a multi-focused inquiry into the foundations of clinical pratice. Beginning with the concept of medical diagnosis, a framework is presented which makes it possible to view diagnosis as an element of a complex structure whose adequate analysis requires at least comparative diagnostic methodology and epistemology.     

The role of educational counsellors in Kuwaiti secondary schools

Previous studies of educational counselling in Kuwaiti secondary schools have identified several concerns including inadequate facilities, a lack of clear role definition, and possible difficulties arising from the attempt to combine Western counselling models with Islamic values. To obtain information about the current state of educational counselling all 32 educational counsellors from Kuwait's credit course secondary schools were interviewed and were asked to complete checklists and time‐scale questionnaires. Analysis of the results suggest that development of the service has been uneven, and that role ambiguity, inadequate training and poor accommodation remain problematic. Recommendations for the remediation of these problems are made.