Neurocognitive-Spiritual Based Psychopedagogy in Improving Working Memory and Emotional Intelligence in Muslim Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18196/jiee.v3i2.86Keywords:
Psychopedagogy, Emotional intelligence, Spiritual, Islamic education, Working memoryAbstract
The current study addresses the limitations of contemporary educational frameworks that often compartmentalize cognitive, emotional, and spiritual domains, thereby hindering holistic student development. This study employed a qualitative methodology using a systematic literature review approach. Data were sourced from scholarly articles, neuroscience textbooks, and educational policy documents published between 2020–2025. Document analysis matrices and content analysis protocols were utilized to extract and synthesize conceptual frameworks. The validity of findings was ensured through triangulation, peer reviews, reflexive journaling, and audit trails, implemented across six systematic research stages. Findings reveal that integrating neurocognitive strategies with spiritual practices fosters synergistic brain changes. These include neuroplastic modifications in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, improving executive functions and emotion regulation. Integrating transcendental meaning-making and attentional control significantly boosts information processing and emotional resilience in learning environments. The implications of this research extend to educational policy, curriculum design, and teacher training, offering a scientific and spiritual synthesis that enriches both pedagogical theory and practice. This model proposes a developmental framework for implementing tailored interventions from early childhood through adulthood, supporting lifelong cognitive-emotional growth grounded in spiritual values.
Downloads
References
Au, J., Katz, B., Moon, A., Talati, S., Abagis, T. R., Jonides, J., & Jaeggi, S. M. (2021). Post‐training stimulation of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex impairs working memory training performance. Journal of Neuroscience Research, 99(10), 2351–2363. https://doi.org/10.1002/jnr.24784
Baddeley, A. (2020). Working memory. Memory, 71–110. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429449642-4/WORKING-MEMORY-ALAN-BADDELEY
Cai, B., Chen, Y., & Ayub, A. (2023). “Quiet the Mind, and the Soul Will Speak”! Exploring the Boundary Effects of Green Mindfulness and Spiritual Intelligence on University Students’ Green Entrepreneurial Intention–Behavior Link. Sustainability 2023, Vol. 15, Page 3895, 15(5), 3895. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15053895
Casado-Aranda, L. A., Sánchez-Fernández, J., Montoro-Ríos, F. J., & Horcajadas, M. I. A. (2021). Evaluation of the Work-Integrated Learning Methodology: Teaching Marketing through Practitioner Experience in the Classroom. Mathematics 2021, Vol. 9, Page 2164, 9(17), 2164. https://doi.org/10.3390/math9172164
Chen, P. C., Zhang, J., Thayer, J. F., & Mednick, S. C. (2022). Understanding the roles of central and autonomic activity during sleep in the improvement of working memory and episodic memory. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 119(44), e2123417119. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2123417119/suppl_file/pnas.2123417119.sapp.pdf
Chung, S. R., Cichocki, M. N., & Chung, K. C. (2023). Building Emotional Intelligence. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 151(1), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000009756
Church, D., Yang, A., Fannin, J., & Blickheuser, K. (2022). The biological dimensions of transcendent states: A randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 928123. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.928123/bibtex
Dixon, M. L., & Dweck, C. S. (2021). The Amygdala and the Prefrontal Cortex: The Co-construction of Intelligent Decision-Making. Psychological Review, 129(6), 1414–1441. https://doi.org/10.1037/rev0000339
Frankenhuis, W. E., & Walasek, N. (2020). Modeling the evolution of sensitive periods. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 41, 100715. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcn.2019.100715
Gkintoni, E., Vassilopoulos, S. P., & Nikolaou, G. (2025). Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review of Neurocognitive Outcomes and Applications for Mental Health and Well-Being. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025, Vol. 14, Page 1703, 14(5), 1703. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14051703
Hell, J. G. van. (2023). The Neurocognitive Underpinnings of Second Language Processing: Knowledge Gains From the Past and Future Outlook. Language Learning, 73(S2), 95–138. https://doi.org/10.1111/lang.12601
Heuschkel, K., & Kuypers, K. P. C. (2020). Depression, Mindfulness, and Psilocybin: Possible Complementary Effects of Mindfulness Meditation and Psilocybin in the Treatment of Depression. A Review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00224
Hosseini, S. A. H. (2023). The well-living paradigm: reimagining quality of life in our turbulent world. Discover Global Society, 1(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44282-023-00022-8/metrics
Hulett, J. M., Armer, J. M., Leary, E., Stewart, B. R., McDaniel, R., Smith, K., Millspaugh, R., & Millspaugh, J. (2018). Religiousness, Spirituality, and Salivary Cortisol in Breast Cancer Survivorship: A Pilot Study. Cancer Nursing, 41(2), 166–175. https://doi.org/10.1097/ncc.0000000000000471
Ibrahim, N., Mohd Burhan, N., Mohamed, A., Mahmud, M., & Abdullah, S. R. (2022). Emotional intelligence, spiritual intelligence and psychological well-being: Impact on society. Malaysian Journal of Society and Space, 18(3), 90–103. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.17576/geo-2022-1803-06
Jones, J. S., Milton, F., Mostazir, M., & Adlam, A. R. (2020). The academic outcomes of working memory and metacognitive strategy training in children: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Developmental Science, 23(4), e12870. https://doi.org/10.1111/desc.12870
Joshua, A. M. (2022). Physiotherapy for Adult Neurological Conditions. Physiotherapy for Adult Neurological Conditions, 1–900. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-0209-3/cover
Kay, S. A., & Merlo, K. L. (2020). Emotion regulation as a process to foster resilience. Research Handbook on Organizational Resilience, 86–101. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781788112215.00014
Kibtiyah, M., & Suud, F. M. (2024). Relationship Between Big Five Personalities and Habit of Memorizing The Qur’an on Mathematics Learning Achievement through Mediator of Self-Regulated Learning. Islamic Guidance and Counseling Journal, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.25217/0020247453900
Li, C., Qiao, K., Mu, Y., & Jiang, L. (2021). Large-Scale Morphological Network Efficiency of Human Brain: Cognitive Intelligence and Emotional Intelligence. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 13, 605158. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2021.605158/xml
M. Suud, F., & Na’imah, T. (2023). The effect of positive thinking training on academic stress of Muslim students in thesis writing: a quasi-experimental study. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 28(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/02673843.2023.2270051
Madej, K. (2016). Physical Play and Children’s Digital Games. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42875-8
Mirawati, Tjahjono, H. K., Hamami, T., & Suud, F. M. (2025). Self-Management Strategy of Students in Facing Fomo Challenges and Increasing Social Media Involvement in Islamic Boarding School. Nazhruna: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 8(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v8i1.129
MR, A. (2024). An Exploration Of Spirituality And Human Values In Relation To Psychology Through A Theoretical Lens. Library of Progress-Library Science, Information Technology & Computer, 44(3).
Mrisho, D. H., & Mseti, S. (2024). Emotional Intelligence: Concept, Theoretical Perspectives and Its Relevance on Job Performance. East African Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 7(1), 28–37. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajis.7.1.1817
Munsoor, M. S., & Munsoor, H. S. (2017). Well-being and the worshipper: a scientific perspective of selected contemplative practices in Islam. Humanomics, 33(2), 163–188. https://doi.org/10.1108/h-08-2016-0056
Naor, L., & Mayseless, O. (2020). The Wilderness Solo Experience: A Unique Practice of Silence and Solitude for Personal Growth. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 547067. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.547067/bibtex
Newman, B. M., & Newman, P. R. (2022). Theories of human development. Theories of Human Development, 1–568. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003014980
Nguyen, S. A., Oughli, H. A., & Lavretsky, H. (2022). Complementary and Integrative Medicine for Neurocognitive Disorders and Caregiver Health. Current Psychiatry Reports, 24(9), 469–480. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-022-01355-y
Pluck, G., Cerone, A., & Villagomez-Pacheco, D. (2023). Executive Function and Intelligent Goal-Directed Behavior: Perspectives from Psychology, Neurology, and Computer Science. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (Including Subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics), 13765 LNCS, 324–350. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-26236-4_27
Rathore, M., Verma, M., Nirwan, M., Trivedi, S., & Pai, V. (2022). Functional Connectivity of Prefrontal Cortex in Various Meditation Techniques – A Mini-Review. International Journal of Yoga, 15(3), 187–194. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_88_22
Rezapour, T., Barzegari, M., Sharifi, E., Malmir, N., Ghiasvand, H., Salehi, M., Noroozi, A., & Ekhtiari, H. (2021). Neuroscience-Informed Psychoeducation for Recovery: A Program to Promote Metacognition in People With Substance Use Disorders. Basic and Clinical Neuroscience Journal, 12(5), 597–606. https://doi.org/10.32598/bcn.2021.809.3
Rodrigues, M. A. C., Barbosa, F. C., Lopes, G. C. D., Santacroce, L., & Lopes, P. C. P. (2023). Intersection Between Spirituality and Neuroscience: Biological Bases of Transcendental Experiences. Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental, 17(9), 1–8.
Rosmarin, D. H., Kaufman, C. C., Ford, S. F., Keshava, P., Drury, M., Minns, S., Marmarosh, C., Chowdhury, A., & Sacchet, M. D. (2022). The neuroscience of spirituality, religion, and mental health: A systematic review and synthesis. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 156, 100–113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.10.003
Schwartz, K. , G. F. M. , V. M. , & T. U. S. (2025). Mindfulness and Objective Measures of Body Awareness: A Preregistered Systematic Review and Multilevel Meta-Analysis. Biopsychosocial Science and Medicine, 87(4), 235–248.
Sezer, I., Pizzagalli, D. A., & Sacchet, M. D. (2022). Resting-state fMRI functional connectivity and mindfulness in clinical and non-clinical contexts: A review and synthesis. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 135, 104583. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104583
Singleton, O., Newlon, M., Fossas, A., Sharma, B., Cook-Greuter, S. R., & Lazar, S. W. (2021). Brain Structure and Functional Connectivity Correlate with Psychosocial Development in Contemplative Practitioners and Controls. Brain Sciences 2021, Vol. 11, Page 728, 11(6), 728. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11060728
Skrzypińska, K. (2021). Does Spiritual Intelligence (SI) Exist? A Theoretical Investigation of a Tool Useful for Finding the Meaning of Life. Journal of Religion and Health, 60(1), 500–516. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-020-01005-8/figures/1
Šoková, B., Greškovičová, K., Halamová, J., & Baránková, M. (2025). Breaking the vicious cycles of self-criticism: a qualitative study on the best practices of overcoming one’s inner critic. BMC Psychology, 13(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-02250-2/figures/1
Steć, M., & Kulik, M. M. (2021). The Psycho-Didactic Approach in Religious and Moral Education. Towards Personal Growth and Positive Mental Health of Students. Religions 2021, Vol. 12, Page 424, 12(6), 424. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel12060424
Syafii, H., & Purnomo, H. (2024). Analisis Komparatif Pendekatan Behavioristik dan Konstruktivisme Sosial dalam Pembentukan Akhlak: Perspektif Neurosains Kognitif Islam. TARBIYAH: Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pembelajaran , 1(2), 155–167. https://litera-academica.com/ojs/tarbiyah/article/view/33
syafii, H., Purnomo, H., & Azhari, H. (2024). A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) dalam mengurangi Academic Anxiety pada Mahasiswa. Jurnal Studi Islam Dan Kemuhammadiyahan (JASIKA), 4(2), 162–177. https://doi.org/10.18196/jasika.v4i2.129
Syafii, M. H. (2024). Integration of Islamic Psychotherapy and Self-Disclosure Methods for Mitigating Adolescent Suicidal Ideation: A Madrasah Study. Educational Insights, 2(2), 148–159. https://doi.org/10.58557/eduinsights.v2i2.88
Syafii, M. H., & Azhari, H. (2025). Interaction Between Spiritual Development and Psychological Growth: Implications for Islamic Educational Psychology in Islamic Students. Journal of Islamic Education and Ethics, 3(1), 29–48. https://doi.org/10.18196/jiee.v3i1.69
Thien Nhan, T., Widigdo, M. S. A., & Suud, F. M. (2025). The compassion of Thich Nhat Hanh and the divine love of Jalaluddin Rumi: a religious philosophy contribution to psychological intervention? Journal of Poetry Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1080/08893675.2025.2500457
Tsai, C. G. (2023). The Structure and Function of Mind-Wandering in Chinese Regulated Verse. Humanities 2023, Vol. 12, Page 87, 12(4), 87. https://doi.org/10.3390/h12040087
Urrila, L. I., & Mäkelä, L. (2024). Be(com)ing other-oriented: Mindfulness-trained leaders’ experiences of their enhanced social awareness. Management Learning, 55(2), 273–304. https://doi.org/10.1177/13505076221136923/asset/bc10e32e-61e9-4dc8-aa07-ab453e80cb2f/assets/images/large/10.1177_13505076221136923-fig2.jpg
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Islamic Education and Ethics

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.