What is it about?

This study tested a new therapy approach that combines Islamic teachings with psychological techniques to help women in Pakistan struggling with depression and anxiety. Over 10 weeks, participants learned how to find meaning in life while drawing on their faith. The results showed significant improvements in mental health, with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety and a stronger sense of purpose. This approach shows how faith and therapy can work together to improve mental well-being, especially in religious communities.

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Why is it important?

This is one of the first studies to integrate Islamic principles with Logotherapy, offering a spiritually sensitive approach to mental health care. It addresses a critical gap in therapy by aligning treatment with the religious beliefs of patients, making it more accessible and effective for Muslim communities. With rising mental health challenges globally, especially in underserved populations, this research offers a timely and innovative solution. It shows how faith-based therapies can bridge the gap between spirituality and mental health care, providing a model that can be adapted for other religious contexts.

Perspectives

As there is a dire need to bridge the gap between faith and mental health, this study is a meaningful step toward addressing the mental health needs of religious communities. Seeing how integrating Islamic principles with therapy helped women find hope and healing has been incredibly inspiring. It reaffirms my belief that spiritually sensitive approaches can transform mental health care, especially for those who feel underserved by traditional methods. I hope this work encourages more research and dialogue on the role of spirituality in therapy, paving the way for inclusive and effective mental health solutions.

Bela Khan
Lincoln University College

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Integrating faith and therapy: Assessing an Islamically Integrated Logotherapeutic approach to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety., Spirituality in Clinical Practice, February 2025, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/scp0000392.
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