Finding Spiritual Balance: A Study of the Effectiveness of Islamic Counseling in Improving College Students' Well-Being

Abstract

The study explored Islamic counseling's effectiveness in enhancing college students' well-being by attaining spiritual equilibrium. With students' well-being as the primary focus, recognizing that academic and personal challenges can disrupt their spiritual harmony is crucial. Islamic counseling emerges as a pertinent method in aiding students to attain the holistic well-being necessitated by spiritual equilibrium. Employing a qualitative approach, the study conducted in-depth interviews with university students who had experienced Islamic counseling, selected based on Islamic religious backgrounds and counseling engagement levels. Thematic analysis of collected data unveiled patterns illustrating Islamic counseling's efficacy in enhancing student well-being. Results indicated heightened religious comprehension, increased self-awareness, reinforced social bonds and spiritual connectivity, and integration of spiritual practices into daily life. Students reported enhanced self-confidence, motivation, and interpersonal relationship quality post-counseling. Discussion emphasized the significance of spiritual balance in fostering student well-being, highlighting Islamic counseling's benefits in higher education. The findings underscored improved quality of life, fulfillment of spiritual needs, and enhanced adaptability to challenges. Ultimately, the study underscores Islamic counseling's potential in enhancing student well-being through spiritual equilibrium.