Auditorium Prof. Dr. Suwito, MA SPs UIN Jakarta, SPs NEWS - The Graduate School of Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta held the 2785th Thesis Examination at the Auditorium Prof. Dr. Suwito, MA SPs UIN Jakarta, on Thursday, 11 September 2025 with candidate Annisa Nurul Chaerani.

Annisa is a student of the Master of Islamic Studies programme with a concentration in Islamic Psychology. She wrote her thesis entitled "Path Analysis of Suicidal Ideation in Early Adult Muslims: The Influence of Social Support and Tawakal through the Mediation of Marriage Satisfaction and Insomnia".

This research not only strengthens scientific understanding of sensitive mental health issues, but also opens up new perspectives in the treatment of suicidal ideation (SI) in the married Muslim population.

The phenomenon of SI in married early adult Muslims is a complex issue that is rarely discussed in depth. Annisa explains that SI is not a uniform phenomenon, but rather a manifestation of complex interactions between biopsychosocial and spiritual factors. Her thesis successfully outlines how mental distress, sleep health and marital relationship quality are interconnected, forming a fabric that influences suicidal thoughts.

Using mixed methods research with a sequential explanatory design, Annisa analysed data from 350 early adult Muslim respondents in the Greater Jakarta area. The theoretical path analysis at the core of this research shows how complex the pathways of SI are. It not only looks at the factors in isolation, but also how one variable affects another in a cascading manner, an approach that is much needed to understand this multidimensional issue.

One of the most surprising findings was the role of social support. Although often considered a major shield, this study found that social support did not have a significant direct influence on SI decline. Instead, its support worked indirectly through mediating marital satisfaction and insomnia. This challenges long-held assumptions and suggests that social support should be interpreted as a foundation that strengthens relationships and sleep quality, not as an instant solution.

In contrast to social support, tawakal or surrender to God, showed significant direct and indirect effects on reducing SI. This finding confirms the crucial role of the spiritual dimension in maintaining one's psychological resilience. Tawakal serves as an internal fortress, providing inner strength that helps individuals to cope with life's difficulties and stresses, suggesting that spirituality is an integral part of mental health.

This study underscores the importance of marital satisfaction and sleep quality as key indicators. Both reflect inner distress and emotional closeness in relationships. A harmonious marital relationship and quality sleep are not only outcomes of wellbeing, but also vital protective factors against SI, as they are directly related to an individual's mental and emotional health.

To measure these variables, Annisa used validity-tested instruments, such as the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Tawakkul Scale, Enrich Marital Satisfaction Scale (EMS), Suicidal Ideation Scale (SIS), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Validity testing with Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) ensures data accuracy, while path analysis with Lisrel 8.8 provides a strong statistical basis for all conclusions.

In addition to quantitative analysis, Annisa also conducted qualitative research through a thematic approach. In-depth interviews with several respondents provided depth and nuance that could not be captured by numbers. This approach enriched the quantitative findings, providing a fuller understanding of how married Muslim individuals internalise and manage their inner distress.

The study concludes that interventions to address SI should be holistic and person-centred. Interventions should not only focus on social support, but should also include spiritual aspects, marital relationship quality, and sleep health. This holistic approach will provide more effective and sustainable protection for those at risk.

These findings align with relevant global studies, such as those by Chu (2021), Maruf (2022), and Jung (2017), which also emphasise the importance of a combination of social support, spiritual resilience, and sleep quality. However, Annisa's thesis specifically challenges Bi's (2020) assumption of the direct influence of social support, offering a more nuanced perspective relevant to the context of the Muslim population.

This thesis could be a bridge that connects modern science with the values of spirituality. The results of this study are expected to serve as a reference for mental health professionals, religious leaders, and the general public to create more effective and empathetic intervention programmes, and raise awareness of the importance of mental health as an integral part of spiritual well-being.

Annisa Nurul Chaerani successfully defended her thesis under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Rena Latifa, M.Psi, Psychologist, and was tested before a board of examiners consisting of Prof. Dr. Yusuf Rahman, MA, Prof. Dr. Rena Latifa, M.Psi, Psychologist, Prof. Bambang Suryadi, Ph.D and Dr. Gazi, M.Si and achieved a Very Satisfactory predicate.

After paying attention to the writing of the thesis, the comments of the examining team and the candidate's answers, the examining team determined that Annisa Nurul Chaerani graduated with a Very Satisfactory predicate. Annisa Nurul Chaerani is the 2785th Doctor in the field of Islamic Studies, at the master programme of the Graduate School of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta.(JA)