ISLAMIC GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING FOR ENHANCING RELIGIOUS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG OLDER ADULTS: A COMMUNITY-BASED INTERVENTION AT MUHAMMADIYAH SENIOR CARE, PROBOLINGGO, INDONESIA

Abstract

This study aims to examine the implementation of Islamic Guidance and Counseling to enhance the religious and psychological well-being of older adults at Muhammadiyah Senior Care (MSC), Probolinggo, Indonesia. The study employed a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach combined with a one-group pretest-posttest evaluation. All 17 MSC residents participated through total sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, an Islamic-context religious well-being questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, participant observation, reflection sessions, and facilitator field notes. The intervention followed four PAR stages: participatory assessment, action planning, implementation, and reflection and evaluation. Activities included Islamic guidance, reflective religious discussions, individual and group counseling, Qur’anic learning, guided dhikr and prayer reflection, discussions of meaning in life and ageing, coping with loss and loneliness, interpersonal support, and preparation for later life. The findings indicate positive changes in religious engagement, enthusiasm for activities, Qur’anic learning, participation in worship, emotional expression, interpersonal reflection, and perceptions of ageing. The participatory approach and individualized attention made the counseling more contextual and responsive to participants’ needs. The study concludes that Islamic Guidance and Counseling has potential as a culturally embedded psychosocial intervention integrating religious, psychological, social, and existential dimensions of well-being among older adults in institutional care.