The Effect of Mindful Prayer on Perceived Stress and Psychological Well-Being Among Adults

Perceived stress adversely impacts psychological well-being and daily functioning among adults. While secular mindfulness and traditional prayer independently serve as emotional regulation mechanisms, limited research explores their integrative efficacy. This study evaluated the effect of a 10-day mindful prayer intervention- incorporating attentional mindfulness into Islamic Namaz-on perceived stress and psychological well-being among adults ($N = 100$, aged 25-45 years). Utilizing a mixed-method pre-test-post-test design, quantitative changes were measured via the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWB-18), complemented by qualitative semi-structured interviews. Paired-samples $t$-tests revealed a statistically significant reduction in perceived stress, $t(99) = 37.08$, $p < .001$, Cohen's $d_z = 3.71$, and a significant increase in psychological well-being, $t(99) = 32.16$, $p < .001$, Cohen's $d_z = 3.22$. No significant baseline or outcome gender differences were observed. Qualitative thematic analysis identified key mechanisms including present-moment somatic grounding, enhanced non-judgmental awareness of cognitive chatter, emotional regulation, and spiritual meaning-making. Findings suggest that mindful prayer represents a feasible, culturally integrated psychospiritual intervention for stress management.