Effect of Fasting on Spiritual Health, Mental Health, and Control of Aggression

Abstract

Introduction: Fasting is one of the religious duties of Muslims; it has many benefits. However, this study aimed to investigate the effect of fasting on students' spiritual and mental health and control of aggression. Methods: Using a convenience sampling method, 300 students (150 girls and 150 boys) were selected as a sample from Azad University, Khoy branch in 2019. One week before the holy month of Ramadan (pre-test), the subjects completed the GHQ Mental Health Questionnaire, Palutzian-Elison Spiritual Health Questionnaire, and AAI Aggression Control Questionnaire; one week after the end of Ramadan (post-test), they completed the same questionnaires again. One-way analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference in students' spiritual health, mental health, and control of aggression post-test scores. The effect of fasting on students' spiritual health, mental health, and aggression control post-test scores were 0.86, 0.89, and 0.88, respectively. Conclusion: The religious duties, especially fasting, impact on spiritual health, mental health, and aggression control of people in society. Therefore, the youth should be encouraged to perform these religious duties.