The Effectiveness of Religious-cognitive Training Based on Quran Verses on Reducing Pensioner's Anxiety and Hopelessness

Background and Currently, the main objectives of psychology are alleviating anxiety and hopelessness and evaluating the role of spirituality in promoting life expectancy and reducing anxiety. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a Quran-based religious-cognitive training program on reducing pensioners’ anxiety and hopelessness in Torbat-e Jam.
This was a quasi-experimental study with pretest-posttest design and a control group. The statistical population included 102 army retirees in Torbate-e-jam, who were selected using the convenience sampling method. Both groups filled out the anxiety and hopelessness subscales of the Identity Crisis Questionnaire (ICQ). Then, 40 subjects obtaining the highest scores were randomly selected and assigned to two groups of 20 (experimental and control). The experimental group received ten 90-minute sessions of religious-cognitive training based on Quran verses. After the intervention, a post-test was taken from both groups. To analyze the data, covariance analysis was used in SPSS 20.
The research hypothesis was confirmed and religious-cognitive training based on Quran verses was influential on the pensioners’ hopelessness and anxiety.
Quran-based religious-cognitive training (verses related to purpose and finding meaning in life) enhanced hopefulness and assuaged anxiety in the experimental group.