Theses and Dissertations (Psychology)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.iou.edu.gm/handle/123456789/23

Browse

Recent Submissions

Now showing 1 - 12 of 12
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Psychological Benefit from Quranic Reading in Morning and Evening Dhikr on Mental Health
    (International Open University (IOU), 2025) Sagita, Ivon; Ikram, Sobia
    This research is about psychological benefit from Quranic reading from morning and evening Dhikr for mental health. It is purposed to explore the benefits of practicing dhikr generally, and specifically for morning and evening Dhikr, in affecting mental health of human beings. Dhikr is part of Islamic practical worship that encourages to implement as part of daily Muslims' activity, especially in morning and evening time as mentioned in Quran Al-Ahzab 41-42. As library research, this study used relevant sources to gain data including the Quran verses, Hadiths, literatures, books, and publications. From this research it can be concluded that reading morning and evening Dhikr has a very good effect in maintaining humanâ s mental health. It has many psychological benefits such as protection from satan disturbances and evil, producing inner peace and tranquility, reducing and overcoming feeling of stress, anxiety, fear, depression. sadness, phobia, restlessness and muscle tension. Dhikr also has an impact in controlling emotional disturbance and reducing negative emotions. It also can increase personal concentration and focus, and influence personal character discipline, mental resilience, patience and sincerity in improving morals and ethics. Dhikr produces optimistic attitude, emotional development, social support and becomes part of Islamic psychotherapy and counseling in providing a holistic approach for mental health.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    The Role of Aromatherapy on Mental Well-Being in Islamic Healing Traditions
    (International Open University (IOU), 2025) Puspapandari, Nimas Permei; Ikram, Sobia
    The well-being of Muslims encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions, with a strong emphasis on finding a meaningful life. Aromatherapy, a complementary therapy that utilizes natural ingredients typically formulated into essential oils, can offer both physical and psychological benefits that enhance mental wellness. However, some aromatherapy practices may not align with Islamic principles. Islam has a rich historical tradition of using fragrance that dates back over 1,400 years. Despite this, there is a lack of literature addressing the intersection of aromatherapy, Islamic healing traditions, and the enhancement of mental well-being for Muslims. This study aims to investigate the role of aromatherapy in promoting mental well-being within the context of Islamic healing traditions. Employing a conceptual review methodology, the research synthesizes qualitative findings from Qurâ anic verses, Hadiths, Islamic texts, and contemporary psychological studies related to aromatherapy, Islamic healing, and mental well-being. The thematic analysis reveals the significance of fragrance in this spiritual context, highlighting its connection to Jannah (heaven), its use in ritual practices within the Sunnah, and its relevance in Islamic healing traditions. Scents plays a vital role in the spiritual uplifted of Muslims, supported by revelations that highlight its importance. The connections between fragrance, paradise, ritual practices in the Sunnah, and its utility in Islamic healing tradition texts illustrate its role in promoting mental well-being. Thus, the use of aromatherapy in Islam, which is consistent with Islamic principles, serves as a means to improve spirituality and mental wellness within the framework of Islamic healing traditions.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Screen Addiction Among Adolescents: Assessing Cognitive, Emotional, and Social Development
    (International Open University (IOU), 2025) Naveed, Kanza Mohammad Babar; Khalid, Muhammad Talha
    The prevalence of screen addiction among adolescents increasingly poses several cognitive, emotional, and social challenges. This is especially notable within the Islamic communities that are constantly developing and modernizing (particularly KSA). This cross-sectional and mixed-methods study examines how excessive screen use impacts adolescents aged 12 18, through both qualitative insights and quantitative assessments. 287 adolescents and 304 adults participated through surveys. Standardized and validated psychological scales were integrated into adolescent surveys, which include the Digital Addiction Scale for Teenagers (DAST), the PROMIS cognitive functioning scale, and the emotional and peer problems subscales of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Additional data included a brief account of academic performance and religiosity. Further subjective and detailed experiences were captured using semi-structured interviews and open-ended questions. Quantitative findings highlight a significant relationship between higher screen addiction and diminished attention, executive function, emotional regulation, and peer relations. Descriptive variables analysis pointed out that poor academic performance is somewhat associated with higher screen addiction. Thematic analysis also revealed the adverse effects of screen addiction on religious engagements. This research bridges several gaps and contributes positively to the existing corpus of literature by offering a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted effects of screen addiction on the core developmental areas among adolescents in a culturally sensitive approach. It also highlights the major role of parents, guardians, and teachers in guiding and supporting their children in Muslim societies. The findings from this study lay the foundation for developing effective culturally relevant interventions.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Spirituality for Muslims with Depression and Anxiety: Comparing Outcomes from Muslim and non-Muslim Therapists
    (International Open University (IOU), 2025) Chaudhry, Farah; Ikram, Sobia
    American Muslims may be the most vulnerable and underserved population in regards to mental health issues. What often prevents Muslims from utilizing mental health services are misconceptions surrounding the alignment of therapy with their religious values (Basit & Hamid, 2010; Tanhan & Young, 2022). To help bring awareness of this alignment, the present study aims to investigate the relationship between CBT and spirituality based on the experiences of American Muslims. This study explores the impact of CBT on the spirituality of Muslims with depression or anxiety and assesses whether religious congruence with the therapist plays any role on this impact. Eighteen American Muslims of various ages and backgrounds were individually interviewed using a semi-structured interview protocol. Half of the participants received CBT from a Muslim therapist while half received CBT from a non-Muslim. Seventeen out of 18 participants (95%) claimed to experience positive changes to their internal spirituality after receiving CBT despite nine participants receiving CBT from a non-Muslim therapist. Eight common reasons for these spiritual benefits were extracted through analysis of responses to open-ended questions. Of the most common reasons expressed by 11 out of 18 participants (61%) was CBT boosting self-confidence and motivation to identify as a Muslim. Eleven out of 18 participants (61%) also credited CBT as uncovering the root cause behind spiritual barriers. The findings of this study can incentivize Muslims to seek appropriate mental health services and provide valuable insight to clinicians, community leaders, and mental health advocates.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    A Thematic Analysis of Ibn al-Qayyim s Treatise: The Excellence of Patience and Gratitude
    (International Open University (IOU), 2025) Zulfeqar, Sayema; Hussain, Mujahid
    Psychology has long remained curious about the mysterious world of human emotions. Questions like what emotions are, how they influence our health and reality, and why we feel the way we do have drawn significant attention across centuries. Before the birth of psychology as a formal discipline, the topic of human emotions was extensively discussed and written about, including in the works of early Muslim philosophers and theologians such as Ibn al-Qayyim, a celebrated 14th-century Muslim jurist. Ibn al-Qayyim offered profound insights on self-control, emotional regulation, patience, and resilience reminiscent of modern therapeutic interventions. This paper attempts to thematically analyze Ibn al-Qayyimâ s twenty recommendations for acquiring emotional self-regulation, drawing from his work, The Excellence of Patience and Gratitude. The discovery of this manuscript reveals that Ibn al-Qayyimâ s twenty recommendations parallel modern-day cognitive behavioral techniques, such as cognitive appraisal, visualization, and behavioral modification. Moreover, this research also highlights Ibn al-Qayyimâ s pivotal role in developing a unique psycho-spiritual model of emotional regulation grounded in faith.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Effects of Psychosocial Intervention on Families with Individuals Facing Chronic Mental Health Issues
    (International Open University (IOU), 2025) Bah, Lamarana; Tajuddeen, Saad
    The thesis focuses on effect of psychosocial interventions on families with individuals facing chronic mental health issues especially in The Gambia. Taking care of patients with mental disorders is stressful, and people who take care of these patients need to receive enough support and training to overcome this challenging situation. Therefore, including a close family member in psychosocial interventions for chronic mental illnesses is a logical treatment approach that can boost the effects of the intervention on the patient and benefit the family member. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants for this study. Data was collected in two phases that include qualitative and quantative. Qualitative approach that includes in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). Qualitative inductive thematic analysis was used for this study. The qualitative data was then organised, and this process includes open coding, creating categories and abstraction. The quantitative review includes 84 participants from Kanifing General Hospital,mental health unit and demonstrated a beneficial effect of psycho social interventions for carers. Psychoeducation was widely used and the most evaluated intervention for carrers. 54.7% of the respondents strongly agree that psychosocial interventions make them better understand their patient conditions, 53.5 % strongly agree that it make them sociable, 35.7% strongly agree that it increases their quality of life, 50% strongly agree that it increase their coping strategies,59.5%Strongly agree that it increases their patient recovery, 40.4%Strongly agree that it help in control of patient symptoms. Psycho social interventions for carers are beneficial in helping to reduce negative outcomes and enhance positive outcomes. Future research could focus on exploring the impact of interventions on less evaluated outcomes such as depression and anxiety disorders. Integration of mental health and psychosocial support into the general health system.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Resilience and Coping Strategies Among War-Affected Adolescents in the Middle East: A Systematic Literature Review
    (International Open University (IOU), 2025) Hirzalla, Nada Nael; Ikram, Sobia
    Adolescents in war-affected regions of the Levant face extreme psychological and social challenges due to prolonged exposure to violence. This systematic literature review of 20 studies identifies coping strategies such as emotional expression, spiritual practices, and education-focused problem-solving. Resilience is supported by family, religion, and community structures. The study emphasizes culturally grounded mental health interventions.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    The Effect of Salah on Anxiety and Self-Control Levels Among Muslim Women: A Comparative Study of Regular and Irregular Salah Performers
    (International Open University (IOU), 2025) Mokamjiwala, Yaseera Ismail; Khalid, Muhammad Talha
    This study examines the impact of salah frequency on anxiety and self-control among Muslim women aged 18â 45. Using a quantitative design with 110 participants, results showed no significant differences between regular and irregular performers, though regular performers had slightly better outcomes. The study highlights the importance of intention and quality of prayer.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Psychological Well-Being Among Distance Learning University Students in Nigeria
    (International Open University (IOU), 2025) Ademola, Adesina Yusuff; Tajuddeen, Saad
    This study examined the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and psychological well-being (PWB) among distance learning university students in Nigeria, with a focus on students of the International Open University (IOU). A cross-sectional, correlational research design was adopted, and a sample of 372 students, comprising 210 females and 162 males, with a mean age of 32.12 ± 8.71 years, was selected using a simple random probability technique. Data was collected using a structured online questionnaire, comprising the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS) and the Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale (RPWBS), with reported Cronbach's Alpha values of .84 and .78, respectively. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 27. The findings revealed that both emotional intelligence and psychological well-being levels were significantly high among the participants. No statistically significant differences were observed in EI and PWB scores based on gender or educational level. However, a significant difference was found in PWB across age groups, with older students scoring higher. Correlational analysis revealed a weak but statistically significant positive relationship between EI and PWB (r = .17, p = .001). Additionally, emotional intelligence was found to be a significant predictor of psychological well-being, accounting for 2.8% of its variance. This study concludes that emotional intelligence plays a modest yet important role in enhancing psychological well-being among university students. It highlights the need for interventions that foster emotional competence to promote mental health and academic success. This study recommends that university administrators should invest in professional mental health support services and prioritise developing programs aimed at improving students well-bein
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Gender Differences in Coping Strategies Among Muslim Adolescents â An Exploration of Culture and Religious Influences on Mental Health
    (International Open University (IOU), 2025) Ibrahim, Amamatu; Ikram, Sobia
    This study examined gender differences in coping strategies among Muslim adolescents, focusing on cultural norms and religious teachings. Using a mixed-methods design, 200 adolescents (100 males, 100 females) completed the Brief COPE Inventory, and 20 participated in semi-structured interviews. Quantitative findings showed females preferred emotion-focused and religious coping, while males favoured problem-focused and avoidant strategies. Qualitative data revealed cultural expectations reinforced these patterns: girls were encouraged to seek support and express emotions, while boys faced pressure to appear strong and hide vulnerability. Both genders practiced religious copingâ through prayer, á¹£abr (patience), and tawakkul (trust in God)â though in different ways. These findings underscore how gender, religion, and culture shape adolescent coping behaviours. The study calls for culturally sensitive and gender-responsive mental health interventions that integrate religious practices and cultural values into therapeutic approaches for Muslim youth. This study examines gendered coping strategies among Muslim adolescents, focusing on cultural norms and religious teachings. A mixed-methods approach integrates surveys and interviews. Results show significant gender differences: females use more emotion-focused and religious coping, while males prefer problem-focused and avoidant strategies. Cultural expectations strongly shape emotional expression. The findings stress the need for culturally and religiously responsive interventions tailored to gender-specific coping. This research investigates gender-based coping among Muslim adolescents by examining cultural and religious influences on their mental well-being. Adolescence is marked by various stressors: identity, academics, social ties, and family expectations. Muslim adolescents face extra challenges as religious beliefs and cultural norms shape daily life and emotional responses. The study employs both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to examine how men and women manage stress and emotional distress.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Self-Control as a Moderator Between Smartphone Use, Screen Time, and Sleep Quality in Young Adults
    (International Open University (IOU), 2025) Tahir, Amanj Ismael; Khalid, M. Talha
    This research investigates how self-control moderates the link between addiction to smartphone, screen time, and quality of sleep among young adults. The global rise in smartphone dependency has been linked to increased sleep disturbances, particularly among younger demographics. This research employed a cross-sectional survey design involving 205 participants mostly within the Kurdish subpopulation, a context that is largely absent from the literature, thereby contributing a culruraly grounded perspective. This study employed established instruments to measure the main constructs: smartphone use was assessed using the SAS-SV, sleep quality through selected components of the PSQI, and trait self-control via a shortened version of the Self-Control Scale Statistical analyses, including Spearman s correlations and hierarchical multiple regression, revealed that higher smartphone use and greater screen time were significantly associated with poorer sleep outcomes. Notably, self-control both directly enhanced sleep quality and moderated the effects of smartphone use and screen time. Participants with higher self-control experienced less pronounced negative outcomes. The findings emphasize how self-control serves as a safeguard against the adverse psychological and behavioral consequences of technology overconsumption. The study offers valuable insights for designing behavioral interventions and digital wellness programs tailored for young adults in emerging digital societies. Keywords: smartphone addiction, sleep quality, self-control, screen time, digital behavior, Kurdish population, digital wellness, behavioral psychology
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Behind the Filters: Social Media, Narcissism, and Body Image Pressure in the Instagram-TikTok Era
    (International Open University (IOU), 2025) Bashir, Saba; Khalid, Muhammad Talha
    For many young adults, platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become woven into daily life, shaping not only their social interactions but also their self-perception. This study aimed to examine how the use of these platforms among young adults (aged 18â 30) relates to three key aspects of psychological well-being: narcissism, self-esteem, and body image satisfaction. To explore these relationships, a quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted using validated instruments, including the Social Media Addiction Scale (adapted for Instagram and TikTok), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Body Image Satisfaction Questionnaire, and the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI-19). Data were gathered from 84 participants through an online questionnaire. Findings indicated that higher engagement with Instagram and TikTok was linked to increased narcissistic traits and reduced satisfaction with body image. The association between platform use and self-esteem was weaker, though it trended in a negative direction.