Quran and Medicine

Quran and Medicine

GOD Oriented Spiritual Multidimensional Psychotherapy: Concepts and Applications

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 PhD Student of Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
2 Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology, Department of Islamic Education, Institute for Islamic Studies in Humanities, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
3 Professor of Psychology, Research Institute of Hawzah & University, Qom, Iran
Abstract
Introduction and Aim: God-Oriented Multidimensional Spiritual Psychotherapy (G-O-SMP) is a novel psychotherapeutic approach with a central focus on the spiritual dimension. Numerous studies have supported its effectiveness across a range of psychological disorders; however, no comprehensive review has yet systematically integrated its concepts, applications, and research gaps. The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive review of the literature on G-O-SMP in order to describe its theoretical foundations and therapeutic applications and to identify future research directions.
Methods: This study was conducted as a narrative review. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest using relevant keywords including “multidimensional spiritual therapy,” “God-oriented,” and “Janbozorgi.” All relevant studies were retrieved without time restrictions. After removing duplicates, the full texts of the selected articles were reviewed and analyzed.
Results: Considerable evidence supports the effectiveness of G-O-SMP in both clinical and non-clinical domains. This therapeutic approach is grounded in key concepts such as “God-concept,” “dual-dimensional human nature (material and spiritual),” and “four domains of cognition (origin, self, existence, and afterlife).” Findings indicate that this approach is effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders, while improving quality of life and psychological-spiritual well-being. The main mechanisms of action include monotheistic feedback processing, activation of natural reasoning, and internal self-regulation.
Conclusion: G-O-SMP is a comprehensive and culturally adapted therapeutic approach emphasizing a correct God-concept, which can be applied as either a primary or complementary intervention across a wide range of psychological disorders. However, further rigorous research, including randomized controlled trials and longitudinal studies, is needed to examine its long-term effects and to compare its efficacy with other spiritual-based therapies.
Keywords

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