Exploration of Islamic Religious Coping Strategies among University Students Following Flood Disasters at Malikussaleh University

Abstract

Flood disasters not only cause physical and material losses but also have significant psychological impacts on survivors, including university students. This study aimed to explore Islamic religious coping strategies among students following flood disasters at Malikussaleh University. The study employed a qualitative approach using a phenomenological research design. Five university students were selected through purposive sampling as participants. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews adapted from the Religious Coping Scale (RCOPE), observations, and document analysis, and were subsequently analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that students employed five interrelated forms of religious coping strategies: (1) Meaning-making, by interpreting the flood as a test and divine decree from Allah; (2) Gaining control, through an active partnership between maximum personal effort (ikhtiar) and tawakkal (trust in Allah); (3) Seeking comfort, by engaging in religious practices such as shalat (prayer), dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and personal supplication (dua); (4) Developing intimacy, by utilizing both spiritual and practical support from the university's religious community; and (5) Life transformation, characterized by increased patience, gratitude, and emotional regulation. The use of these coping strategies was influenced by the participants' level of faith and the availability of socio-religious support. The study concludes that Islamic religious coping functions as a multifaceted psychological coping mechanism by providing meaning, regulating emotions, strengthening social support, and fostering personal growth, thereby enhancing resilience and facilitating the psychological recovery of university students following flood disasters.