“Between spirituality and stress”: exploring factors contributing to mental health issues among IIUM students

Jamaludin, Khairul Fahmi and Mohd Noor, Nor Athiah and Ahmad Dani, Mar'Ain and Megat Laksana, Nan Noorhidayu (2026) “Between spirituality and stress”: exploring factors contributing to mental health issues among IIUM students. International Journal of Education, Psychology and Counselling, 11 (64). pp. 992-1006. E-ISSN 0128-164X

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Abstract

A number of studies have examined student mental health in general higher education settings, but only a few have focused specifically on students in Islamic higher education institutions (IHEIs). In addition to academic demands, students in Islamic universities may also face religious and cultural expectations that influence their perceptions of well-being and their responses to mental health challenges. Therefore, this study investigates the factors contributing to mental health issues among undergraduate students at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). This study employed a qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews with undergraduate students. The interview data were analysed thematically, revealing four major themes related to the factors influencing students’ mental health experiences. The first factor affecting students’ emotional well-being involves family and relationship problems, which include conflicts, childhood trauma, toxic parenting, and strained personal relationships. Second, financial difficulties such as household hardship, work-study conflicts, and family financial burdens contributed to stress and uncertainty among th ese stu d en ts. Th e th ird factor id en tified to n eg ativ ely affect stu d en ts’ mental health was academic and social challenges, such as difficulties coping with fast-paced instruction, poor concentration, stigmatization by lecturers, and peer conflicts. Finally, environmental and social pressures such as loneliness, social isolation, and pandemic-related restrictions further intensified students’ psychological distress. Overall, the findings suggest that students’ mental health is influenced by interconnected factors of personal, familial, social, academic, and economic. The study highlights the importance of providing culturally and religiously sensitive support systems to effectively address students’ psychological, academic, financial, and spiritual needs in Islamic higher education institutions.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Contributing Factors, Islamic University, IIUM, Mental Health, Student Well-Being
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc BPL Islamic education
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Psychiatry
Depositing User:	Dr. Khairul Fahmi Jamaludin
Date Deposited:	22 Oct 2026 15:30
Last Update:	22 Oct 2026 15:32
Queue Number:	2026-10-Q5787
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/132191
Indexed In:	MyCite

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