Islamic Education Management and Mental Health Guidance as Treatment for Patients With a Mild Disorder: Supporting and Inhibiting Factors

Abstract

This phenomenological study describes the supporting and inhibiting factors of Islamic educational management and mental health guidance rendered to patients with a mild disorder at two Indonesian social rehabilitation centres. Data were collected from semi-structured individual interviews with 10 participants (seven men and three women aged between 23 and 61 years) who comprised managers, social workers, assistants, kiayis or ustads (religious teachers), and patients with mild mental health disorders at the two centres. Data were analysed for recurring patterns, themes and subthemes using Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis (CAQDAS) and N-Vivo. The findings highlight two categories of support and inhibition, i.e., internal and external factors. Internal support factors include client engagement, the roles of companions and social workers, adequate funding and proper infrastructure. External support factors include stakeholders, cooperation, clients’ families, and available funding. On the other hand, a major internal factor that inhibits the implementation of Islamic education and mental health guidance is the clients themselves with all their issues, while external inhibitors stem from the government, bad weather conditions, the lack of funds, and the absence of family to support ODGJs. The findings underscore the importance of improving current practices in Islamic social rehabilitation as these practices will increase the likelihood of patients’ recovery from mental health disorder. Further research should consider developing a holistic Islamic approach to rehabilitation and spiritual healing that integrates solat, dhikir, Qur’an reading and God-centred conversations to help ODGJs return to normal life.