Exploring the Psycho-Spiritual Experiences of IPG Students through an Integrated REBT–Tazkiyah Al-Nafs Module: A Qualitative Exploratory Study

HRMARS - This study explored the psycho-spiritual experiences of Institute of Teacher Education (IPG) students who participated in the e-MOBIT module, an integrative intervention based on Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) and Tazkiyah Al-Nafs principles. The increasing prevalence of emotional distress, psychological instability and spiritual disconnection among university students highlights the need for counselling interventions that are psychologically effective, culturally responsive and spiritually meaningful. A qualitative exploratory design was employed involving seven IPG students aged between 19 and 21 years. Data were collected through reflective worksheets embedded within six psycho-spiritual intervention activities and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The findings generated five overarching themes: emotional awareness and irrational belief systems, spiritual self-reflection and purification of the heart, resilience through internal strengths and social support, balanced living and holistic well-being, and rational restructuring with positive behavioural transformation. Participants demonstrated greater emotional awareness, improved spiritual coping strategies, enhanced self-acceptance and healthier interpretations of stressful experiences. The integration of REBT and Tazkiyah Al-Nafs facilitated emotional healing through simultaneous cognitive restructuring and spiritual meaning-making processes. The findings suggest that the e-MOBIT module offers a culturally meaningful psycho-spiritual framework capable of strengthening emotional regulation, resilience and holistic well-being among Muslim teacher trainees in higher education contexts.