Positive psychology from Islamic perspective (original) (raw)

Toward Developing a Conceptual Framework to explain Positive Thinking Based on Islamic View

International Journal of Psychotherapy, Counselling and Psychiatry: Theory Research & Clinical Practice

The aim of the present study was to critically review theories and approaches related to positive thinking and to develop a theoretical model based on Islamic view, which is compatible with cultural values in Iran. To fulfill the stated aim, philosophical and historical foundations of positive thinking in different schools of thought including Leibnitz, Sadra, Kant, Freud and James were critically reviewed. In addition, the theoretical constructs associated with positive thinking including hope, positive automatic thoughts and paradigms of Seligman, Scheier and Carver in this regard were critically studied. Finally, based on the attachment theory of Bowlby, positive thinking was established on and its applications were explained for individuals' thinking styles about past events, present interpretations of events and future expectations. Since the attachment theory is a relational theory, positive thinking in this paradigm was discussed in a way that included individuals' re...

Gratitude in Islam and Positive Psychology

International Conference on Islamic Psychology 2022

The incredible significance of gratitude (shukr) that Islam advocates and the one that positive psychology showcases are very similar in nature. This paper is a representation of an endeavor of deeply studying this topic both from the perspective of Islam and Positive Psychology, analyzing the conceptualization of gratitude that both sides espouse and establishing a link between the two. Content and textual analysis methods were used to scrutinize the data related to the study. The literature from the Holy Quran and Sunnah (Prophet’s practices) suggests that gratitude can be a source of abundance, well-being, and life satisfaction. Positive psychology endorses gratitude as a source that can guide people towards meaning and a higher level of selfesteem and happiness. This analysis can potentially serve as a tool to examine the level of contentment, better interpersonal relationships, wellbeing, and overall happiness both at individual and collective levels

Positive Psychology and the Qur'an: A Comparative Study of the Constructs of Hope, Resilience, and Forgiveness

Iranian Evolutionary Educational Psychology Journal, 2020

Hope, resilience and forgiveness are among the topics that have been considered both in the field of psychology and in the field of religion. All moral religions have sought to create and strengthen hope, resilience and forgiveness in human beings. In this article, an attempt has been made to examine the commonalities and differences between these constructs from the perspective of the Quran and positive psychology. Therefore, using library resources and descriptive-analytical method, the statements obtained from Quranic verses on the subject of hope, resilience and forgiveness have been examined. Identifying the foundations, effects and consequences of these structures, as well as the solutions offered to create and increase these features from the perspective of positive psychology and the Quran an have been among the objectives of this article. One of the most important findings of the research is that the basis of these characteristics in the Quran an is belief in God, resurrection and the nature of human perfectionism and in positive psychology, materialism, semantics and generally the issues of this world and individual. Achieving the desired perfection that is the goal of both views in the Quran is to achieve the nearness of God and the status of the expected divine caliphate and in positive psychology, success in life and having positive emotions. It seems that when a person suffers from a lack of meaning in life and does not satisfy the affairs of his material life, only believing in the origin of existence and hope for his infinite mercy and meeting.

Happiness in Islam The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Muslims' Well-Being

chapter of springer book, 2022

Positive Psychology has emerged as a movement proposing the study of the elements related to human well-being and happiness. Spirituality is one of these elements that can stimulate positive behaviors. It plays a large role in Muslims' daily life, sometimes being inseparable from secular life. This research seeks to understand the influence and impact of spirituality and religiosity on Muslims' well-being by identifying orientations present in Qur'anic verses. In this study, six representatives of Brazil's Muslim community were interviewed individually, using open-ended questions regarding the attitudes and behaviors addressed in the Qur'an that could lead to happiness and well-being. Analysis was based on comparisons between the data collected and recent research in positive psychology, happiness, and well-being, from both secular and religious perspectives. Preliminary results show that many quotes in the Qur'an recommend positive behaviors and attitudes and bring a concept of happiness that intrinsically connects well-being, religious beliefs, and spirituality.

Gratitude in Islam and Positive Psychology: Establishing a Connection

ICONIPSY, 2022

The incredible significance of gratitude (shukr) that Islam advocates and the one that positive psychology showcases are very similar in nature. This paper is a representation of an endeavor of deeply studying this topic both from the perspective of Islam and Positive Psychology, analyzing the conceptualization of gratitude that both sides espouse and establishing a link between the two. Content and textual analysis methods were used to scrutinize the data related to the study. The literature from the Holy Quran and Sunnah (Prophet's practices) suggests that gratitude can be a source of abundance, well-being, and life satisfaction. Positive psychology endorses gratitude as a source that can guide people towards meaning and a higher level of selfesteem and happiness. This analysis can potentially serve as a tool to examine the level of contentment, better interpersonal relationships, wellbeing, and overall happiness both at individual and collective levels.

Blending Psychological and Religious Therapeutic Methods for the Achievement of Positive Mental Health

Journal of Educational Foundations and Development. Vol. 08, November 2018. ISSN 2476-8375., 2018

Mental health does not mean health of the mind or brain; rather it refers to an individual"s state of psychological wellbeing, that is, a situation of quietness in the psyche of a person, being un-worrisome most of the time. For individual psyche to be quite and un-worrisome in almost all the given or measured situations, there are some blended conceptual issues that sometimes interplay their effects in the treatment and achievement of positive mental health. Therefore, this paper identifies and discusses spot issues in the psychology of mental health. It explores the interplay and roles of individual"s nature of emotions, adjustment and its associated problems. It also examines the adoption of defence mechanisms as a mode of individual adjustment and mental health from psychological and religious perspective which are gaining attention among Muslim clients. The paper thereby, recommended psychotherapies blended with Islamic therapies (values and beliefs) for Muslim clients and other interested clients toward integrating client"s religious expectations.

Handbook of Positive Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality

This handbook aims to bridge the gap between the fields of positive psychology and the psychology of religion and spirituality. It is the authoritative guide to the intersections among religion, spirituality, and positive psychology and includes the following sections: (1) historical and theoretical considerations, (2) methodological considerations, (3) cultural considerations, (4) developmental considerations, (5) empirical research on happiness and well-being in relation to religion and spirituality, (6) empirical research on character strengths and virtues in relation to religion and spirituality, (7) clinical and applied considerations, and (8) field unification and advancement. Leading positive psychologists and psychologists of religion/spirituality have coauthored the chapters, drawing on expertise from their respective fields. The handbook is useful for social and clinical scientists, practitioners in helping professions, practitioners in religious and spiritual fields, and ...