The Integration of Islamic Psychology in the PAI Curriculum for Strengthening Student Character and Mental Health

Abstract

This study explores the integration of Islamic Psychology into the Islamic Religious Education (PAI) curriculum as a strategic framework for strengthening students’ character and psychological well-being. In the face of globalization, digitalization, and social pressure, many students experience emotional instability and moral decline, highlighting the need for a holistic educational approach. The objective of this paper is to analyze the theoretical foundation and practical implications of integrating Islamic Psychology within PAI to develop a balanced educational paradigm encompassing cognitive, affective, and spiritual dimensions. Using a descriptive qualitative method through library research, this study reviews books, journal articles, and other relevant literature discussing Islamic education and character formation. The findings reveal four key insights: (1) Islamic Psychology provides a philosophical foundation for PAI to cultivate insan kamil, individuals who are intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually balanced; (2) PAI learning based on Islamic Psychology enhances students’ mental health through internalizing spiritual values such as sabr, syukr, tawakkal, and ikhlas; (3) integrative curriculum models reinforce character formation by uniting cognitive, affective, and psychomotor aspects; and (4) integration of Islamic Psychology fosters a holistic educational paradigm that restores the unity of knowledge, morality, and spirituality. In conclusion, integrating Islamic Psychology into the PAI curriculum serves as a transformative step toward building an education system that nurtures well-rounded, morally grounded, and mentally healthy individuals capable of facing modern challenges with spiritual resilience.