American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) ISSN (Print) 2313-4410, ISSN (Online) 2313-4402 1. © Global Society of Scientific Research and Researchers 2. http://asrjetsjournal.org/ 3. Irrational Beliefs and Symptoms of General Anxiety Disorder among the General Population in Debrezeit, Ethiopia Henok Legesse Ayele* Lecturer at Adigrat University College of Social Science and Humanity Department of Psychology, Adigrat, P.O. Box 50, Ethiopia Email: heni_16@yahoo.com Abstract The aim of the presented study was primarily to evaluate the relationship between total as well as specific types of irrational beliefs with respect to total and specific symptoms of General Anxiety disorder among the general population in Debrezeit town, Ethiopia. In collecting data, other than demographic profile, two instruments were used. The first is Irrational Beliefs Inventory (IBI) [1] that measures overall irrational beliefs as well as five types of irrational beliefs such as; worrying, rigidity, problem avoidance, need for approval, and emotional irresponsibility. The second instruments which was developed based on [2], tested for validity and reliability by the researcher were a structured questionnaire that can screen and rate symptoms of General Anxiety Disorder (i.e. total as well as characteristic symptoms of GAD). The study found out that there are significant and positive correlations between irrational beliefs and GAD symptoms. More specifically, the result of the presented study indicated that, the relationship between overall irrational beliefs (Total irrationality) and Total GAD symptoms is positive and significant. The findings of the study also indicated that the relationship between Total irrationality and the characteristics types of GAD symptoms such as (GAD-Apprehensive Expectation, GAD- Inability to control the worry, GAD-Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms, GAD-Impairment in daily activities) were all significant and in positive directions. Worrying and Problem Avoidance had significant positive correlation with Total-GAD Symptom as well as with all other characteristic types of GAD symptoms (i.e. GAD- Apprehensive Expectation, GAD-Inability to control the worry, GAD-Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms, GAD- Impairment in daily activities. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * Corresponding author. 293 http://asrjetsjournal.org/ American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2016) Volume 16, No 1, pp 293-309 Moreover, Rigidity (IBI-Rigidity) had significant positive correlations with majorities of GAD Symptoms such as GAD-Total symptom, GAD-Inability to control the worry, and GAD-Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms. However, Rigidity had no significant correlation with GAD-Apprehensive Expectation, and GAD-Impairment in daily activities. On the other hand, Need for Approval and Emotional Irresponsibility had no significant correlation with Total-GAD Symptom as well as with all other characteristic types of GAD symptoms (i.e. GAD-Apprehensive Expectation, GAD-Inability to control the worry, GAD-Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms, GAD-Impairment in daily activities. Keywords: Irrational Beliefs; Types of Irrational Beliefs; General Anxiety Disorder; GAD; IBI . 1. Introduction The presented study was part of previously conducted study that was aimed at assessing the types and level of irrational beliefs in Ethiopian contest. The former study was conducted for the completion of my master’s degree in psychology and was published as [3]. Hence, all data was collected during the time I was doing my master’s degree. However, to minimize few variables so that my thesis would become more focused, I completely removed data related with General Anxiety disorder and only focused on assessing types and level of irrational beliefs with respect to some demographic variables. Hence, The main purpose of the previous study from which the presented study continued was to evaluate the types and level of irrational beliefs and their association with respondent’s socio-demographic variable (like: age, sex, marital status, occupation like Students Vs. workers, educational attainment, income level and substance abuse as in: Khat chewing, cigarette, and alcohol) [3]. The presented study hence, analyses the relationship between irrational beliefs (total or overall and specific types irrational beliefs) with respect to symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The part of the presented study specifically Generalized Anxiety Disorder and its relations with Irrational Beliefs were not included in the previous study. However, both data were collected at the same time. Hence the present study only focused on analyzing the correlation between total irrational beliefs as well as specific types of irrational beliefs (i.e. Worry, Rigidity, Problem avoidance, Need for approval, and Emotional irresponsibility) and total as well as characteristics types of GAD symptoms (i.e. Apprehensive Expectation, Inability to control the worry, Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms, Impairment in daily activities). 1.1. Background to the Study The prominent cognitive behavioral approaches as in Albert Ellis’s rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), Aaron T. Beck’s cognitive therapy (CT) or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and Donald Meichenbaum’s cognitive behavior modification (CBM) all indicated that the very core of our emotional disturbance are rooted to our Irrational belief, cognitive distortion and maladaptive self-statements respectively [4]. When we see such thoughts or cognitive distortions, and self-statements, they all are related with our daily experience. Moreover, it is indicated in [5] that through time, these every day thoughts that had similar content for so long will eventually sinks down to the sub unconscious mind and remain there as Beliefs. It is of course these core beliefs that are 294 American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2016) Volume 16, No 1, pp 293-309 believed by many psychologies to be the triggers of our emotional responses. Hence, working on such beliefs is one of the pillars among the cognitive behavioral therapists. Based on the above brief background information and the researcher’s curiosity on the issue, this study was designed aiming to assess the relationship between irrational beliefs and symptoms of General Anxiety disorder. Irrational beliefs according to Albert Ellis as indicated in [4] are; rigid, dogmatic, unhealthy, maladaptive, mostly comprised of demands, musts, and shoulds. To mention some examples: Everybody should be good; I must do well and win approval for all my preferences; others must treat me considerably and kindly, Conditions under which I live must be arranged so that I get practically everything I want comfortably, quickly, and easily [4]. In this study, total or overall irrational beliefs and the specific types of irrational beliefs (as in Worry, Rigidity, Problem avoidance, Need for approval and Emotional irresponsibility) were measured by Irrational Beliefs Inventory (IBI) [1]. REBT suggests that human beings defeat or ‘disturb’ themselves in two main ways: (1) by holding irrational beliefs about their ‘self’ i.e. Ego disturbance or (2) by holding irrational beliefs about their emotional or physical comfort i.e. Discomfort disturbance [6]. Ego disturbance according to [6] represents an upset to the self-image. It results from holding demands about one’s ‘self’, e.g. ‘I must … do well / not fail / get approval from others’; followed by negative self-evaluation such as: ‘When I fail / get disapproval/ etc. this proves I am no good’ and so on and hence these beliefs create ‘ego anxiety’. Moreover, Discomfort disturbance results from demands about others (e.g. ‘People must treat me right’) and about the world (e.g. ‘The circumstances under which I live must be the way I want’) [6]. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a consistency of prolonged, vague, unexplained, but intense fears that do not seems to be attached to any particular object [2]. This includes (1) excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation) over a number of events or activities, (2) inability to control the worry, (3) the anxiety and worry is associated with three of the following six symptoms (these are; restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge, being easily fatigued, difficulty in concentrating or mind going blank, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbance), (4 )the focus of the anxiety and worry is not confined to feature of other Axis I disorders (E.g., panic attack, being embarrassed in public, being contaminated (as in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), being away from home or close relatives, gaining weight, having multiple physical complain or having a serious illness, and the anxiety and worry do not occur exclusively during Posttraumatic Stress Disorder), the anxiety, (5) worry or physical symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning, and finally (6) the disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effect of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication or a general medical condition) [2]. 1.2. Justification to the Study As we can see in the above section, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a consistency of prolonged, vague, unexplained, but intense fears that do not seems to be attached to any particular object or the disturbance is not 295 American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2016) Volume 16, No 1, pp 293-309 due to the direct physiological effect of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication or a general medical condition [2]. On the other hand, anxiety and over concern are unhealthy emotions, since they are based on irrational thinking or insane beliefs [4]. Likewise, it is also indicated in [7] that, person suffering from anxiety disorder; intrusive thoughts often takes the form of worry about possible future events and outcomes, or catastrophic interpretations of pasts events that emphasize the negative, especially with regard to mistakes an individual might have made. These findings implied that irrational beliefs are related with various symptoms of GAD. Based on this, the presented study was designed to assess, the correlation that implied to be existed between irrational beliefs (i.e. total as well as specific types of irrational beliefs) with GAD symptoms (i.e. total as well as characteristics types of GAD symptoms) among the general population in Debrezeit town, Ethiopia. 1.3. Objectives of the Study 1.3.1. General Objective Generally the presented study aimed in assessing the relationship between irrational beliefs and GAD symptoms 1.3.2. Specific Objective Specifically the study assessed; • The relationship between Total irrationality (IBI-total score) and Total GAD symptoms • The relationship between Total irrationality and the characteristics types of GAD symptoms. • The relationship between Specific types of irrational beliefs (i.e. Worry, Rigidity, Problem avoidance, Need for approval, and Emotional irresponsibility) and characteristics types of GAD symptoms (i.e. Apprehensive Expectation, Inability to Control the Worry, Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms, Impairment in Daily Activities). 1.4. Hypothesis The study formulated the following hypothesizes. • There is significant correlation (relationship) between Total irrationality and Total GAD symptoms • There are significant correlations (relationships) between Total irrationality and the characteristics types of GAD symptoms. • There are significant correlations (relationships) between Specific types of irrational beliefs (i.e. Worry, Rigidity, Problem avoidance, Need for approval, and Emotional irresponsibility) and characteristics types of GAD symptoms (i.e. Apprehensive Expectation, Inability to control the worry, Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms, Impairment in daily activities). 1.5. Delimitation of the study The scope of the presented study is only delimited as follows. 296 American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2016) Volume 16, No 1, pp 293-309 • The study is a correlational study so that it is only delimited to assess the correlations between total as well as specific types of irrational beliefs with total as well as characteristic types of GAD symptoms • The respondents of the study were students, teachers, and other workers of two government institution in Debrezeit, Ethiopia 1.6. Operational definition to the study 1.6.1. Worrying According to [1], Worry in this study reflects thoughts or beliefs comprising of worry over possible misfortune and possible future accidents. 1.6.2. Rigidity Rigidity in this study according to [1] indicates rigid thoughts and norms people hold for themselves and for others [1]. Based on this, a high score on rigidity (IBI-rigidity) reveals feelings of guilt and attribution of guilt, punishment and blame for mistakes, sins or deviations from strict values and norms. 1.6.3. Demand (Need) for approval In this study demand for approval indicates thoughts about being in need for approval of others and reflects fear of not being accepted and respected by others or fear of failing in front of other people [1]. 1.6.4. Problem avoidance In this study problem avoidance based on [1] reflects irrational cognitions concerning making decisions, taking risks and taking responsibilities. Based on this, people who have a high score on this factor hold that it is easier to avoid difficulties and problems than to face them. These people hold that they are dependent on others with regard to taking decisions and risks. 1.6.5. Emotional Irresponsibility In this study emotional irresponsibility based on [1] indicates assigning or ascribing emotions to external causes instead of to oneself or external attribution of emotion and feeling. 1.6.6. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) as indicated in [2] is a consistency of prolonged, vague, unexplained, but intense fears that do not seems to be attached to any particular object. Based on this, here below are the operational definitions (descriptions) of the Amharic version of Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms Screening Scale and Subscales which was constructed based on [2] by the researched. 297 American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2016) Volume 16, No 1, pp 293-309 1.6.7. Apprehensive expectations (Criteria A) Apprehensive expectations in this study (Based on [2] in diagnosing GAD) refers to items measuring the individual’s excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at list 6 months about a number of events or activities (such as work or school performance). 1.6.8. Inability to control the worry (Criteria B) Inability to control the worry in this study (Based on [2] in diagnosing GAD) refers to items measuring the individual’s difficulty to control the worry. Criteria B in [2] for GAD indicate that the person finds it difficult to control the worry. 1.6.9. Diagnostic symptoms (Criteria C) Diagnostic symptoms in this study (Based on [2] in diagnosing GAD) refers to items measuring the individual’s anxiety and worry with respect to the six major anxiety symptoms as listed in criteria C [2] for Generalized Anxiety Symptoms. Based on this, the anxiety and worry are associated with three (or more) of the following six symptoms (with at list some symptoms present for more days than not for the past 6 months) [2]. These are; • Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge • Being easily fatigued • Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank • Irritability • Muscle tension • Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep. Or restless unsatisfied sleep) judge 1.6.10. Impairment in daily activity (Criteria E) Impairment in daily activities in this study (Based on [2] in diagnosing GAD) refers to items measuring how much the individual is bothered by these symptoms in his/her social, occupational functioning. According to this, the anxiety, worry, or physical symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. 2. Materials and Method 2.1. Study Design Correlational study was employed. 2.2. Study Area The study was conducted in two government institutions (Addis Ababa University Faculty of Veterinary 298 American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2016) Volume 16, No 1, pp 293-309 Medicine and National Veterinary Institution) in Debrezeit town, Ethiopia. 2.3. Target Population and Study Participants The respondents of the presented study from which samples were drawn were students, teachers, and nonacademic workers of two government institutions (Addis Ababa University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and National Veterinary Institution) in Debrezeit town, Ethiopia. 2.4. Sampling Techniques The study used stratified random sampling. 2.5. Sample Size From the total of 482 students, 65 teachers, and 282 workers, 182 students, 23 teachers, and 115 workers were randomly selected. 2.6. Tools (Instruments) 2.6.1. Irrational Beliefs Inventory (IBI) Irrational Beliefs Inventory (IBI) was developed by Petra C. Koopmans, Robbert Sanderman, Irma Timmerman and Paul M.G. Emmelkamp from the University of Groningen, the Netherlands [1]. Irrational Beliefs Inventory (IBI) is a 50 items instrument that measures irrationality and identifies five factors related with irrational beliefs [1]. These are Worrying, Rigidity, Need for approval, Problem avoidance, and Emotional Irresponsibility. The reliability of IBI subscales (range α = .70 - .85) and the total IBI-50 scale (α = .85) was reported as satisfactory [1]. Based on this, high scorer in IBI indicates irrationality. Translation and pilot testing of the English version of IBI instrument were made by [3]. According to this, the reliability of the Amharic translated version of IBI found to be 0.783 [3]. Moreover, This alpha value obtained on this pilot study were close to the original value suggested by [1] which ranges from α = .70 to .85 for IBI subscales and for α = .85 the total IBI-50 scale [3]. The respondent evaluates each of the 50 items in the Amharic translated version of IBI on a five-point (1–5) Likert-type scale, with 1 _ strongly disagree to 5 _ strongly agree [3]. The raw item scores were used in the statistical analyses. 2.6.2. GAD symptoms screening scale Amharic version of structured questionnaire that can screen and rate GAD symptoms among the general population in Debrezeit town, Ethiopia was constructed based on [2] by the researcher. In testing the validity of the Amharic version of GAD symptoms screening questionnaires, construct validity were checked. In this particular Amharic version of GAD symptoms screening scale/questionnaires all the six criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder as indicated in [2] have been included as subscales. However, four of the sub scales were measuring symptoms as Diagnostic Criteria A, B, C, and E for GAD in [2] and the other two sub scales i.e. criteria D and F were to differentiate these symptoms form other Axis I disorders (Criteria D) and from the 299 American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2016) Volume 16, No 1, pp 293-309 physiological effect of substance as well as general medical condition (i.e. criteria F) for GAD [2]. Hence, only the first four criteria indicated in [2] for GAD i.e. Criteria A, B, C, and E in were used in this Amharic version of GAD symptom screening scale. In this scale the 4 point Likert scaling were employed. In pilot testing the reliability of the total GAD symptoms scale had (α = .779). The following table summarizes the reliability statistics of the Amharic version of GAD symptoms screening scale. Table 1: Reliability Statistics of GAD Symptoms screening Scale Cronbach's Alpha Cronbach's Alpha Based on Standardized Items N of Items .779 .816 13 2.7. Data Collection Procedure Informed consents were obtained from all participants. Participants were voluntary and no compensations were given. To collect the responded questionnaire, boxes were placed in the stuff cafeteria in both institutions and respondents were kindly told to drop their responded questioner in those boxes. This helped respondents to feel that their response will not be evaluated in person. For students group, questionnaires were administered in class room time at the beginning of the lecture hour and responded questionnaires were collected at the same time. 3. Result 3.1. Demographic characteristics of respondents Table 2: Gender composition Sex Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent Valid Female 92 28.8 31.0 31.0 Male 205 64.1 69.0 100.0 Total 297 92.8 100.0 Missing 23 7.2 Total 320 100.0 As indicated in table 2, among the total 320 samples, 205 (63.1%) were male, 92 (28.8%), and the rest 23, (7.2%) were found to be missing for their gender. 300 American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2016) Volume 16, No 1, pp 293-309 Table 3: Age of respondents Mean age of the study participants were 28.12 with standard deviation 9.536. The minimum and maximum ages were 18 and 58 respectively. Table 4: Educational statuses of respondents Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent Valid Below High School 15 4.7 4.8 4.8 High School Completed 41 12.8 13.0 17.8 Diploma 43 13.4 13.7 31.4 1st Year Student 38 11.9 12.1 43.5 2nd Year Student 37 11.6 11.7 55.2 3rd Year Student 40 12.5 12.7 67.9 5th Year Student 28 8.8 8.9 76.8 6th Year Student 11 3.4 3.5 80.3 Bachelor Degree Holders 24 7.5 7.6 87.9 Msc Student 23 7.2 7.3 95.2 Master’s Degree Holder 2 .6 .6 95.9 PHD Student 9 2.8 2.9 98.7 PHD Holder 4 1.2 1.3 100.0 Total 315 98.4 100.0 Missing 5 1.6 Total 320 100.0 Age Age N Valid 308 Missing 12 Mean 28.23 Median 25.00 Std. Deviation 9.536 Minimum 18 Maximum 58 301 American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2016) Volume 16, No 1, pp 293-309 As one can see from table 4, the educational status of the study participants rages from below high school to PhD holders. More specifically, 15 (4.7%) were Below high school, 41 (12.8%) were only high school graduate, 43 (13.4%) were diploma holders, 38 (11.9%) 1st year students, 37 (11.6%) 2nd year students, 40 (12.5%), 3rd year students, 28 (8.8%) 5th year students, 11 (3.4%) 6th year students, 23 (7.5%) Master’s degree students, 9 (2.8%) PhD Students, 24 (7.5%) Bachelor degree holders, 2 (0.6%) Masters degree holders, and finally 4 (1.2%) were PhD Holders. 3.2. Correlations between overall irrationality (Total irrational beliefs Inventory (IBI) score) and total as well as characteristic types of GAD symptoms Table 5: Correlation between Total Irrational Beliefs (IBI-Total scores) and GAD Symptoms Total GAD symptom Score Characteristics GAD Symptoms Apprehensive Expectation Inability to control the worry Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms Impairment in daily activities Total Irrational Beliefs Score Pearson Correlation .347** .266** .324** .291** .184** Sig. (2-tailed) .000 .000 .000 .000 .001 N 320 320 320 320 320 **. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). *. Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed). As table 5 depicted, the correlations of IBI-total score with total as well as characteristic symptoms of General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) were in the positive direction. Moreover, all correlations were significant at 0.01 level. More specifically, the correlations between IBI-Total score with Total GAD symptoms as well as other characteristic GAD symptoms such as IBI-Total vs. Total GAD Symptom (r = .347 p = .000), IBI-Total vs. Apprehensive Expectation (r = .266 p = .000), IBI-Total vs. Inability to control the worry (r = .324 p = .000), IBI-Total vs. Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms (r = .291 p = .000), IBI-Total vs. Impairment in daily activities (r = .184 p = .001) were all significant and in the positive directions. This indicates that as total irrationality increases, the overall symptoms of GAD symptoms as well as specific GAD symptoms were found to be increasing. This implies that irrational beliefs positively contributed for the development and/or maintenance of GAD symptoms. 3.3. Correlation between types of irrational beliefs and total as well as specific types of GAD symptoms 3.3.1. IBI-Worrying and GAD Symptoms Table 6 shows that Worrying thought (IBI-Worrying) had positive and significant positive correlation with Total as well as characteristic types of GAD symptoms. More specifically, the correlations between IBI-Worrying vs. 302 American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2016) Volume 16, No 1, pp 293-309 Total GAD Symptom (r = .412 p = .000), IBI-Worrying vs. GAD-Apprehensive Expectation (r = .327 p = .000), IBI-Worrying vs. Table 6: Correlations between specific types of irrational beliefs and GAD symptoms Total and Characteristics GAD Symptoms Types of Irrational Beliefs Apprehensive Expectation Inability to control the worry Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms Impairment in daily activities Total GAD symptom IBI-Worrying Pearson Correlation .327** .362** .336** .283** .412** Sig. (2- tailed) .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 N 320 320 320 320 320 IBI-Rigidity Pearson Correlation .106 .146** .115* .062 .139* Sig. (2- tailed) .058 .009 .040 .270 .013 N 320 320 320 320 320 IBI-Problem Avoidance Pearson Correlation .238** .283** .201** .113* .264** Sig. (2- tailed) .000 .000 .000 .044 .000 N 320 320 320 320 320 IBI-Demand for Approval Pearson Correlation .059 .105 .079 .070 .096 Sig. (2- tailed) .291 .060 .157 .209 .086 N 320 320 320 320 320 IBI-Emotional Irresponsibility Pearson Correlation -.022 -.031 .074 -.043 .030 Sig. (2- tailed) .699 .586 .189 .444 .589 N 320 320 320 320 320 **. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). *. Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed). 303 American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2016) Volume 16, No 1, pp 293-309 GAD-Inability to control the worry (r = .362 p = .000), IBI-Worrying vs. GAD-Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms (r = .336 p = .000), IBI-Worrying vs. GAD-Impairment in daily activities (r = .283 p = .001) were all significant and in the positive direction. This indicates that worrying thought positively contributed for all types of GAD symptoms. 3.3.2. IBI-Rigidity and GAD Symptoms When we see the relation between Rigidity (IBI-Rigidity) with GAD Symptoms, except IBI-Rigidity vs. GAD- Apprehensive Expectation (r = .106 p = .058), and IBI-Rigidity vs. GAD-Impairment in daily activities (r = .062 p = .270), the rest correlations such as IBI-Rigidity vs. GAD-Inability to control the worry (r = .146 p = .009), IBI-Rigidity vs. GAD-Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms (r = .115 p = .040), and IBI-Rigidity vs. GAD-Total symptom (r = .139 p = .013), had significant positive correlations with Total GAD symptom, Inability to control the worry, .and Major (Diagnostic) GAD Symptoms. 3.3.3. IBI-Problem Avoidance and GAD Symptoms Table 6 also indicated that Problem Avoidance thought (IBI-Problem Avoidance) had significant positive correlation with Total as well as all other characteristic types of GAD symptoms. More specifically, the correlations between IBI-Problem Avoidance vs. GAD-Total Symptom (r = .264 p = .000), IBI-Problem Avoidance vs. GAD-Apprehensive Expectation (r = .238 p = .000), IBI-Problem Avoidance vs. GAD-Inability to control the worry (r = .283 p = .000), IBI-Problem Avoidance vs. GAD-Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms (r = .201 p = .000), IBI-Problem Avoidance vs. GAD-Impairment in daily activities (r = .113 p = .044) were also significant and in the positive direction. This indicates that IBI-Problem Avoidance type of irrational beliefs positively contributed for all types of GAD symptoms. 3.3.4. IBI-Need for Approval and GAD Symptoms IBI-Need for Approval had positive correlations but the correlations were not significant with Total as well as all other characteristic types of symptoms of GAD (IBI-Need for Approval vs. GAD-Total Symptom (r = .096 p = .086), IBI-Need for Approval vs. GAD-Apprehensive Expectation (r = .059 p = .291), IBI-Need for Approval vs. GAD-Inability to control the worry (r = .105 p = .060), IBI-Need for Approval vs. GAD-Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms (r = .079 p = .157), IBI-Need for Approval vs. GAD-Impairment in daily activities (r = .070 p = .209)). 3.3.5. IBI-Emotional Irresponsibility and GAD Symptoms Similarly, IBI-Emotional Irresponsibility had no significant correlations with Total as well as all other characteristic types of GAD symptoms (IBI-Emotional Irresponsibility vs. GAD-Total Symptom (r = .030 p = .589), IBI-Emotional Irresponsibility vs. GAD-Apprehensive Expectation (r = .-022 p = .699), IBI-Emotional Irresponsibility vs. GAD-Inability to control the worry (r = .-031 p = .568), IBI-Emotional Irresponsibility vs. GAD-Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms (r = .074 p = .189), IBI-Emotional Irresponsibility vs. GAD-Impairment in daily activities (r = .-043 p = .444)). 304 American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2016) Volume 16, No 1, pp 293-309 4. Conclusion (Summary, Discussions, Conclusion, Recommendations) 4.1. Summary The aim of the present study was primarily to evaluate the relationship between total as well as specific types of irrational beliefs with total and specific symptoms of General Anxiety disorder among the general population in Debrezeit town, Ethiopia. In order to see the relationship between total as well as specific types of irrational beliefs with total and specific symptoms of General Anxiety disorder, from the total population (N=829) (i.e. 482 students, 65 teachers, and 282 other workers), 182 students, 23 teachers, and 115 workers (n=320 sample) were randomly drawn and participated in the study. In collecting data, other than demographic profile, two instruments were used. The first is Irrational Beliefs Inventory (IBI) which measures overall irrational beliefs as well as five types of irrational beliefs such as; IBI- worrying, IBI-rigidity, IBI-problem avoidance, IBI-need for approval, and IBI-emotional irresponsibility. The second instruments which was developed based on [2], tested for validity and reliability by the researcher were a structured questionnaire that can screen and rate GAD symptoms (i.e. total as well as characteristic) GAD symptoms. The result of the presented study indicated that, IBI-Total (irrationality as a whole) had significant positive correlation with overall GAD Symptoms (i.e. GAD-Total Symptom (r = .347 p = .000), as well as with the other specific and characteristic types of GAD symptoms such as GAD-Apprehensive Expectation (r = .266 p = .000), GAD-Inability to control the worry (r = .324 p = .000), GAD-Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms (r = .291 p = .000), GAD-Impairment in daily activities (r = .184 p = .001). 4.1.1. Worrying and GAD symptoms Worrying thoughts (IBI-Worrying) had significant positive correlation with Total-GAD Symptom (r = .412 p = .000)) as well as with all other characteristic types of GAD symptoms (i.e. GAD-Apprehensive Expectation (r = .327 p = .000), GAD-Inability to control the worry (r = .362 p = .000), GAD-Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms (r = .336 p = .000), GAD-Impairment in daily activities (r = .283 p = .001). 4.1.2. Problem Avoidance and GAD symptoms IBI-Problem Avoidance had significant positive correlation with the total as well as all other characteristic types of GAD symptoms (i.e. GAD-Total Symptom (r = .264 p = .000), GAD-Apprehensive Expectation (r = .238 p = .000), GAD-Inability to control the worry (r = .283 p = .000), GAD-Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms (r = .201 p = .000), GAD-Impairment in daily activities (r = .113 p = .044). 4.1.3. Rigidity and GAD symptoms IBI-Rigidity had significant positive correlations with majorities of GAD Symptoms such as GAD-Total 305 American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2016) Volume 16, No 1, pp 293-309 symptom (r = .139 p = .013), GAD-Inability to control the worry (r = .146 p = .009), and GAD-Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms (r = .115 p = .040). This shows that correlation between GAD-Apprehensive Expectation (r = .106 p = .058), and GAD-Impairment in daily activities (r = .062 p = .270) were not significant with IBI-Rigidity. 4.1.4. Need for Approval and GAD symptoms IBI-Need for Approval had no significant correlation with the total as well as with all other characteristic types of GAD symptoms (i.e. GAD-Total Symptom (r = .096 p = .086), GAD-Apprehensive Expectation (r = .059 p = .291), GAD-Inability to control the worry (r = .105 p = .060), GAD-Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms (r = .079 p = .157), GAD-Impairment in daily activities (r = .070 p = .209)). However, the correlations were in positive direction. 4.1.5. Emotional Irresponsibility and GAD symptoms IBI-Emotional Irresponsibility Similarly with need for approval had no significant correlations with the total (GAD-Total Symptom (r = .030 p = .589)) as well as with all other characteristic types of GAD symptoms (i.e., GAD-Apprehensive Expectation (r = .-022 p = .699), GAD-Inability to control the worry (r = .-031 p = .568), GAD-Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms (r = .074 p = .189), GAD-Impairment in daily activities (r = .-043 p = .444)). 4.2. Discussions 4.2.1. Total/Overall irrational beliefs (IBI-Total) and Total as well as specific GAD Symptoms The result of the presented study indicated that, IBI-Total (overall irrationality) had significant positive correlation with total or overall GAD Symptoms (GAD-Total Symptom (r = .347 p = .000), as well as with the other specific and characteristic types of GAD symptoms such as with; GAD-Apprehensive Expectation (r = .266 p = .000), GAD-Inability to control the worry (r = .324 p = .000), GAD-Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms (r = .291 p = .000), GAD-Impairment in daily activities (r = .184 p = .001). This indicates that the cumulative effect of the five types of irrational beliefs (i.e. Worrying, Rigidity, Problem avoidance, Need for approval, and emotional irresponsibility) which is considered in this study as total irrational belief (irrationality) were contributing positively for all GAD symptoms to increase. This implies that irrational beliefs could enhance Anxiety symptoms. This implication was supported and indicates by [4] that, anxiety and over concern are unhealthy emotions, since they are based on irrational thinking or insane beliefs. Moreover, it is also indicated in [6] that, human beings defeat or ‘disturb’ themselves in two main ways: (1) by holding irrational beliefs about their ‘self’ or (2) by holding irrational beliefs about their emotional or physical comfort. 4.2.2. Types of irrational beliefs and GAD symptoms 4.2.2.1. Worrying and GAD symptoms Worrying type of irrational beliefs had significant positive correlation with Total-GAD Symptom (r = .412 p = 306 American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2016) Volume 16, No 1, pp 293-309 .000)) as well as all other characteristic types of GAD symptoms (i.e. GAD-Apprehensive Expectation (r = .327 p = .000), GAD-Inability to control the worry (r = .362 p = .000), GAD-Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms (r = .336 p = .000), GAD-Impairment in daily activities (r = .283 p = .001). this indicates that people who are worrying over possible misfortune and possible future accidents are likely to experience; Excessive anxiety and worry, difficulty to control their worry, other anxiety symptoms such as; Restlessness, Being easily fatigued, Difficulty concentrating or Irritability, Muscle tension, Sleep disturbance, and finally being bothered by these symptoms in his/her social, occupational functioning. 4.2.2.2. Problem Avoidance and GAD symptoms IBI-Problem Avoidance had significant positive correlation with the total as well as all other characteristic types of GAD symptoms (i.e. GAD-Total Symptom (r = .264 p = .000), GAD-Apprehensive Expectation (r = .238 p = .000), GAD-Inability to control the worry (r = .283 p = .000), GAD-Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms (r = .201 p = .000), GAD-Impairment in daily activities (r = .113 p = .044). This indicates that, Problem avoidant people ‘i.e. those who have difficulty in making decisions, taking risks and taking responsibilities and based on this who avoid difficulties and problems than to face them’ have very high tendency to experience Excessive anxiety and worry, difficulty to control the these worries, other anxiety symptoms such as; Restlessness, Being easily fatigued, Difficulty concentrating or Irritability, Muscle tension, Sleep disturbance, and finally being bothered by these symptoms in his/her social, occupational functioning. 4.2.2.3. Rigidity and GAD symptoms IBI-Rigidity had significant positive correlations with GAD-Total symptom (r = .139 p = .013), GAD-Inability to control the worry (r = .146 p = .009), and GAD-Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms (r = .115 p = .040). Based on this, it can be implied that people who hold rigid thoughts and norms for themselves and for others had strong tendency to contract difficulty in controlling worries, and other anxiety symptoms such as; Restlessness, Being easily fatigued, Difficulty concentrating or Irritability, Muscle tension, Sleep disturbance. 4.2.2.4. Need for Approval, Emotional Irresponsibility and GAD symptoms People with Need for approval or thoughts about being in need for approval of others or those reflects fear of not being accepted or respected by others or those who usually had fear of failing in front of other people, and People with Emotional Irresponsibility i.e. those who usually are assigning or ascribing emotions to external causes instead of to oneself had no significant correlation with the total as well as with all other characteristic types of GAD symptoms. This may tell that such types of irrational beliefs might not contribute significantly for the development or maintenance of GAD symptoms. However, the researcher recommends further and in-depth study. 4.3. Conclusions The general objective of the study was to assess the relationship between irrational beliefs and GAD symptoms. Moreover, the study also had the following specific objectives. This includes assessing: 307 American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2016) Volume 16, No 1, pp 293-309 • The relationship between Total irrationality and Total GAD symptoms • The relationship between Total irrationality and the characteristics types of GAD symptoms. • The relationship between Specific types of irrational beliefs (i.e. Worry, Rigidity, Problem avoidance, Need for approval, and Emotional irresponsibility) and characteristics types of GAD symptoms (i.e. Apprehensive Expectation, Inability to control the worry, Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms, Impairment in daily activities). Based on this, the study found out that there are significant and positive correlations between irrational beliefs and GAD symptoms. More specifically, the result of the presented study indicated that, the relationship between Total irrational beliefs (Total irrationality) and Total GAD symptoms is positive and significant. The findings also indicated that the relationship between Total irrationality and the characteristics types of GAD symptoms such as (GAD-Apprehensive Expectation, GAD-Inability to control the worry, GAD-Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms, GAD-Impairment in daily activities) were all significant and in positive directions. When we come to relationship between Specific types of irrational beliefs (i.e. Worry, Rigidity, Problem avoidance, Need for approval, and Emotional irresponsibility) and characteristics types of GAD symptoms (i.e. Apprehensive Expectation, Inability to control the worry, Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms, Impairment in daily activities), the presented study concluded the findings as follows. Worrying and Problem Avoidance had significant positive correlation with Total-GAD Symptom as well as with all other characteristic types of GAD symptoms (i.e. GAD-Apprehensive Expectation, GAD-Inability to control the worry, GAD-Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms, GAD-Impairment in daily activities. Moreover, Rigidity (IBI-Rigidity) had significant positive correlations with majorities of GAD Symptoms such as GAD-Total symptom, GAD-Inability to control the worry, and GAD- Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms. However, Rigidity had no significant correlation with GAD-Apprehensive Expectation, and GAD-Impairment in daily activities. On the other hand, Need for Approval and Emotional Irresponsibility had no significant correlation with Total-GAD Symptom as well as with all other characteristic types of GAD symptoms (i.e. GAD-Apprehensive Expectation, GAD-Inability to control the worry, GAD- Major (Diagnostic) Symptoms, GAD-Impairment in daily activities. 4.4. Recommendations Based on the conclusions given above the study recommend the following • Briefs psycho-education program should be designed at school or institutional levels aiming to teach students and workers regarding how beliefs system and emotional responses would influence to each other! • Cognitive restructuring training in a way that people could identify and challenge their irrational beliefs should be designed and implemented either in academic as well as at work institutional levels! • School and work place administrators should consider how irrationality affects emotional health so that they should facilitate and advocates the above recommended psycho-education and training program. • Finally, the researcher recommend further research to be conducted in either validating, elaborating, as well as criticizing the current study findings in more controlled environment so that the effect of irrational beliefs on people’s psychological health as well as academic as well as work related performances would 308 American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2016) Volume 16, No 1, pp 293-309 be elaborated more! Acknowledgements I would like to express my deepest gratefulness to the authors of IBI for allowing me to use their instrument (Irrational Beliefs Inventory (IBI)). My greatest thanks also extend to my uncle (Ambassador Kassahun Ayele Tessema and his wife Haregewoyn Abebe). I want to say to you both “I love, respect and thank you for what you both did for me and my siblings grownup!” Reference [1]. Koopmans, P.C., Sanderman, R., Timmerman, I., & Emmelkamp, P.M.G. (1994). The Irrational Beliefs Inventory (IBI): Development and psychometric evaluation. [2]. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association,1994. [3]. Henok . L Ayele, (2012), Irrational Beliefs. Germany: Lambert Academic Publishing [4]. Richard, N. John., (2001). Theory and Practice of Counseling & Therapy, London, Tate gallery, Great Britain. Routledge, London [5]. Joseph Murphy, (1963). The Power of your Subconscious mind. Prentice-Hall, Inc. Englewood [6]. Wayne Froggatt, Third Ed. (Feb 2005) Brief Introduction To Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy. [7]. Irwin, G. S., & Barbara, R. S. (2005). Abnormal Psychology: The problem of Maladaptive Behavior. New Delhi, India: Prentice-Hall. 309 Abstract 1.1. Background to the Study 1.2. Justification to the Study 1.3. Objectives of the Study 1.3.1. General Objective 1.3.2. Specific Objective 1.4. Hypothesis 1.5. Delimitation of the study 1.6. Operational definition to the study 2. Materials and Method 2.1. Study Design 2.3. Target Population and Study Participants 2.4. Sampling Techniques 2.5. Sample Size 2.6. Tools (Instruments) 2.7. Data Collection Procedure 3. Result 3.1. Demographic characteristics of respondents 3.2. Correlations between overall irrationality (Total irrational beliefs Inventory (IBI) score) and total as well as characteristic types of GAD symptoms 3.3. Correlation between types of irrational beliefs and total as well as specific types of GAD symptoms 4. Conclusion (Summary, Discussions, Conclusion, Recommendations) 4.1. Summary 4.2. Discussions 4.3. Conclusions 4.4. Recommendations