PSYCHOTHERAPY WITH ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVES IN ADDRESSING DEPRESSION: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

Depression is one of the most common mental health problems worldwide, including in Muslim-majority countries. This study aimed to map the application of Islamic Psychotherapy in the management of depression. A scoping review methodology was employed, following the framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005). A total of 31 empirical studies met the inclusion criteria. The results revealed that most studies were conducted in Indonesia (n = 29), with smaller contributions from Pakistan and Algeria. The populations studied included adults, adolescents, older adults, postpartum mothers, and patients with chronic illnesses. The majority of studies employed quasi-experimental designs (n = 18) and used validated instruments such as the Beck Depression Inventory (n = 15) and DASS (n = 6). Interventions varied widely, with dzikir and Qur’anic recitation being the most common, followed by Islamic counseling, SEFT/SREFT, and Islamic mindfulness. Overall, most interventions showed positive effects (n = 27), with only a few yielding mixed or non-significant results. These findings indicate that Islamic Psychotherapy is a promising approach for reducing depression across diverse populations and settings. The study underscores the potential of integrating spiritual practices into therapeutic frameworks, with implications for counselors and mental health practitioners in culturally relevant mental health care