Health Problems among Students at the University of Science Al-Qur’an, Central Java: A Case Study

This study evaluated the effectiveness of Islamic guidance and spirituality-based counseling in addressing mental health challenges among students at Al-Qur’an Science University (UNSIQ) in Central Java, Indonesia. In response to increasing levels of anxiety, stress, and depression, the intervention integrates Qur’anic teachings with evidence-based psychological principles to strengthen spiritual resilience and promote holistic well-being. A quasi-experimental design was employed, utilizing pre- and post-test assessments with a sample of 60 students reporting mental health concerns, who were assigned to either the counseling program or a control group. Statistical analyses (paired t-tests and ANOVA) revealed significant improvements in mental health outcomes for participants in the intervention group compared to controls. Specifically, spirituality-based counseling was associated with reduced symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression, as well as increased emotional stability. These findings highlight the value of faith-congruent counseling within Islamic higher education and support its integration into campus mental health services. The study underscores the potential of spiritually integrated approaches as culturally responsive interventions and calls for future research with extended follow-up periods and multi-site samples to assess the durability and generalizability of these effects. Keywords: Islamic counseling; spirituality-based counseling; student mental health; mental health intervention; quasi-experimental design.