Bulletin of Counseling and Psychotherapy

Friendship Support and Academic Motivation in First-Generation University Students: Academic Anxiety as a Moderator and Sense of Belonging as a Mediator

Bongani V Mtshweni — 2025-05-05

In this study, the influence of friendship support on academic motivation with academic anxiety as a moderator and sense of belonging as a mediator was investigated. A cross-sectional quantitative research design was used, with a convenient sample of 240 undergraduate first-generation students (FGS) from a South African university. Data were collected using an online questionnaire comprising four instruments: The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Psychological Sense of School Membership (PSSM), Anxiety Scale for Undergraduate Students (ASUS) and Academic Motivation Scale (AMS). The simple linear regression analysis results showed that friendship support significantly predicted academic motivation. In addition, the moderation analysis results revealed that academic anxiety did not significantly moderate the relationship between friendship support and sense of belonging. Moreover, the mediation analysis results demonstrated that sense of belonging did not significantly mediate the relationship between friendship support and academic motivation. The findings of the study highlight that FGS should strive to cultivate supportive friendships and enhance feelings of belonging towards their institution to mitigate the adverse effects of academic anxiety and bolster their academic motivation for study success.

Stanning and Stalling: The Mediating Effect of Fear of Missing out in the Association Between Celebrity Worship to Academic Procrastination

Moondore Madalina Ali — 2025-05-20

Many Indonesian teenagers identify themselves as avid fans of Korean pop (K-Pop) idols, displaying remarkable loyalty and dedication to their idols. This deep devotion often manifests as celebrity worship, characterized by a parasocial bond between fans and their beloved celebrities. This intense parasocial relationship can pose distractions and detrimentally impact academic performance, potentially fostering academic procrastination. Moreover, this phenomenon is compounded by the pervasive fear of missing out (FOMO), further amplifying distractions and negative effects on academic activities. This research aimed to explore the associations between celebrity worship and academic procrastination, with a particular focus on the potential mediating role of FOMO. Employing a predictive correlational design, the research delves into the experiences of 534 Indonesian teenagers entrenched involvement in the K-pop fandom. The analysis revealed a significant correlation between celebrity worship and academic procrastination, further nuanced by FOMO's partial mediation. The results indicate how celebrity worship affects academic performance and highlight the need for intervention to reduce the impact of celebrity worship on academic performance.

Indonesian Version of the Risk-Taking and Self-Harm Inventory for Adolescents: Validation and Psychometric Testing

Munisa Munisa — 2025-05-05

Self-harm in adolescents is becoming an issue of increasing concern, especially due to increased exposure to content on social media that can influence their behaviour. Adolescents who are experiencing emotional distress often use self-harm as a coping mechanism to deal with stress, anxiety, or feelings of helplessness. The development of an Indonesian version of this instrument is necessary to provide a valid and reliable measurement tool appropriate to the local cultural context in identifying tendencies towards self-harm and risk-taking behavior in the adolescent population in Indonesia. The aim of this research is to develop an Indonesian of the risk-taking and self-harm inventory for adolescents (SHIA). A sample of N = 446 participants was approached through an online survey created using google forms, a free online survey tool. Data were collected from various universities in Indonesia, 84 male students (18.8%) and 362 female students (81.2%). SHIA-18, with four aspects, namely: 1) mutilation, (2) self-harm, (3) overdose, and (4) suicide attempts. Data were analysed using a Rasch model approach. The findings of this research produced the SHIA-18 which has satisfactory psychometric properties as a valid and consistent tool for assessing the level of self-harm in adolescent, consisting of 18 items. The tool demonstrated strong internal consistency and measurement properties, and its performance was found to be invariant across gender.

Training Of Trainers (ToT) for Peer Counselors to Enhance Emotional Regulation and Self-Efficacy

Sahila Aurellia Widyadhari — 2025-05-05

Adolescent mental health is a growing concern, with increasing cases of mental disorders among teenagers. Peer counseling has proven effective in emotional support, highlighting the need for well-trained peer counselor trainers. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a Training of Trainers (ToT) program in enhancing future peer counselor trainers' self-efficacy and emotional regulation skills. The two-day training consisted of five interactive sessions covering peer counseling theory, active listening techniques, emotional regulation strategies, and practical counseling exercises. A total of 10 psychology students from Universitas Indonesia participated. Evaluation using the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) showed a significant increase in self-efficacy, cognitive reappraisal strategies, and a reduction in expressive suppression. Qualitative analysis also indicated that participants felt more confident and better managed emotions in group dynamics. These findings suggest that the ToT program effectively equips future peer counselor trainers. Further research is recommended to expand the program’s implementation and assess its long-term impact in school settings

Neuroinflammation in the Pathogenesis of Psychiatric Disorder

Eric Herlambang Sutantio — 2025-05-05

The mechanism of psychiatric disorders biologically has not been fully explained. The development of the pathogenesis of various diseases lately can be explained through the theory of inflammation. The theory of inflammation that may be related to the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders is the kynurenine theory. From this kynurenine theory, the author tries to construct the mechanism of psychiatric disorders such as those that occur in cases of anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, insomnia to psychosomatic cases and epilepsy. From the various courses of psychiatric disorders, the author concludes that the mechanism of the occurrence of various psychiatric disorders is actually the same, but in the end, what distinguishes the occurrence of certain types of psychiatric disorders is the genetic factor of each individual who experiences it. It is essential to understand the mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders from a biological perspective, as this knowledge serves as a foundation for managing such conditions, particularly through the use of psychopharmacological treatments and other adjunctive therapies.

Sapiosexual as the Intelligence-Oriented Fetish: Is This Just a Popular Term or Does it Need to be Formalized?

Dominikus David Biondi Situmorang — 2025-05-09

The author discussed sapiosexuality as a phenomenon that needs to be studied further in the context of sex education. This topic is very current and needs to be discussed more scientifically. The author hopes that through this paper, it can give special consideration to being able to include the discussion of sapiosexuals in the context of formal, informal, and non-formal education. In addition, further researchers are expected to be able to link sapiosexuality with the well-established theory of multiple intelligences. In conclusion, it can be concluded that sapiosexuality is one of the most interesting discussions to be discussed further in the implementation of sexual education in various education sectors, because it is very relevant to the current situation and developments. Despite the controversy and criticism that still occurs in the field, the topic of sapiosexuality will continue to grow stronger by the day. It is evident that currently psychological instruments have been developed to measure this, and there have been quite several scientific studies targeting it. So hopefully, this theory about sapiosexuality can be more scientifically trusted in the future.

Psychology-Based Empathic Communication Model in Nursing: A Model to Enhance Patient Trust and Satisfaction

Kresna Agung Yudhianto — 2025-05-09

Effective communication between nurses and patients is essential in building therapeutic relationships, increasing patient trust, and enhancing satisfaction with healthcare services. This study employs a cross-sectional design to evaluate the impact of a psychology-based model of empathic communication in nursing on patient trust and satisfaction. The model, which emphasizes understanding, active listening, and emotional presence, is grounded in psychological principles that support patient-centered care. Data were collected through a structured survey administered to patients in healthcare settings in Indonesia and Malaysia. The study analyzes how empathic communication influences patient trust, reduces anxiety, and improves satisfaction with care. Findings indicate that implementing a structured empathic communication model significantly enhances nurse-patient interactions and contributes to better health outcomes. The results underscore the importance of integrating psychological principles into nursing communication practices to improve patient care quality.

Workplace Anxiety as a Bridge Between Job Insecurity and Work-Life Conflict: Insights from Healthcare Employees

Rohmawan Adi Pratama — 2025-05-10

This research intends to examine the effect of role stress and job insecurity on job burnout and nurses' performance in hospitals. Apart from this, this research also explores the mediating role of workplace anxiety in the context of the bond between job insecurity and work-life conflict. Using a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design, information was gathered by means of a survey of 160 nurses at One of the private hospitals in Surakarta. The analysis was conducted using the SEM-PLS method. The results showed that role stress had a positive effect on job burnout, while job burnout had a negative impact on nurses' performance. In addition, role stress also had a significant direct negative effect on nurses' performance. Job insecurity was found to have a positive contribution to job burnout and a negative effect on nurses' performance. Workplace anxiety was shown to be a significant mediator in the the correlation between employment insecurity and work-life conflict. These findings confirm that job stress and job uncertainty are the main factors that negatively impact nurses' well-being and performance. Therefore, an effective managerial strategy is needed to reduce work pressure, increase job security, and provide psychological support for health workers in order to improve the quality of health services.

Contribution of Intensity of Participation in Psychoeducational Group Guidance to Academic Emotions

Weni Kurnia Rahmawati — 2025-06-01

This study aims to determine the contribution of the intensity of participation in psychoeducational group guidance to the academic emotions of students in Jember Islamic boarding schools. Academic emotions play an important role in determining the quality of students' learning, while psychoeducational group guidance provides space for students to recognize, express, and manage their emotions positively in the context of learning. This study uses a quantitative approach with a simple linear regression design. The population in this study were students who actively participated in group guidance activities in several Islamic boarding schools in Jember, with samples selected purposively. The instruments used were a questionnaire on the intensity of participation and an academic emotion scale that had been tested for validity and reliability. The results of the regression analysis showed that the intensity of participation in psychoeducational group guidance contributed significantly to students' academic emotions (p <0.05), with a contribution of 30% (R² = 0.30). This finding indicates that the more intense the participation of students in group guidance activities, the more positive the academic emotions they have. This study recommends that Islamic boarding schools integrate psychoeducational programs more systematically in student guidance activities.

Sex and Ethnic Differences in Career Decision Self-Efficacy: The Comparison between Mentawai, Kutai, Lombok, Palu, and Papua Youths

Dominikus David Biondi Situmorang — 2025-06-01

Career Decision Self-Efficacy (CDSE), which reflects an individual's confidence in making effective career decisions, is influenced by various factors, particularly sex and ethnicity. This quantitative, non-experimental cross-sectional study aims to compare CDSE levels among young men and women from five ethnic groups in Indonesia: Mentawai, Kutai, Lombok, Palu, and Papua. The study involved 75 participants, 38 males and 37 females—who completed the Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale–Short Form (CDSES-SF), which demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.901). The results revealed gender-based differences in CDSE dimensions. Male participants scored highest in goal selection (M = 4.79, SD = 0.66) and lowest in planning for the future (M = 4.48, SD = 0.67). In contrast, female participants showed the highest score in occupational information (M = 4.74, SD = 0.61) and the lowest in problem solving (M = 4.43, SD = 0.82). Ethnic differences were also observed. The lowest scoring CDSE dimensions varied: occupational information for Mentawai (M = 4.32, SD = 0.61) and Palu (M = 4.24, SD = 0.43); planning for the future for Kutai (M = 3.70, SD = 0.81) and Papua (M = 3.37, SD = 0.56); and goal selection for Lombok (M = 3.57, SD = 0.88). Based on these findings, it is recommended that counselors provide group or classical guidance and career-focused counseling/psychotherapy to help students strengthen CDSE dimensions where scores remain low, thereby supporting informed and confident career decision-making.

Islamic Guidance and Counseling to Foster Gratitude in Boarding High School Students

Muhammad Ivan Dwi Saputra — 2025-06-21

This study investigates the application of Islamic guidance and counseling to foster gratitude among students at Madrasah Aliyah (Islamic senior high school) Syekh Abdul Qodir Al-Jailani, Probolinggo. Using a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest approach, the study assessed gratitude levels before and after intervention. The gratitude scale, developed based on aspects of personal and transpersonal gratitude, was administered to a purposive sample of 229 students. Data analysis using a paired sample t-test revealed a significant increase in students' gratitude scores post-intervention (Sig. < 0.05). The intervention involved delivering materials on gratitude, positive perspective (khusnudzon), and appreciation, aligning with Islamic principles to promote emotional resilience, spiritual growth, and prosocial behavior. The findings suggest that integrating gratitude into Islamic counseling not only enhances emotional stability but also strengthens students' social relationships and spiritual well-being. For counselors, the study underscores the importance of culturally and spiritually sensitive approaches, particularly in Islamic settings, to address students' psychosocial and spiritual needs. The results imply that incorporating practices like reflection, prayer, and empathy into counseling can create a supportive framework for fostering gratitude as a sustainable habit, contributing to students' holistic development. This approach provides a model for counselors to align therapeutic interventions with clients' cultural and spiritual values, promoting resilience and overall mental health.

The Role of Pastoral Care and Self-Efficacy in Student’s Self-Regulated Learning

Tomas Lastari Hatmoko — 2025-06-21

Education, as a strategic investment in the development of high-quality human resources, was expected to serve as the primary means of fostering students’ self-regulated learning (SRL) abilities. However, various challenges within Indonesia’s educational system had, in fact, hindered the development of SRL among students – an essential foundation for effective learning. This study aimed to examine the influence of pastoral care and self-efficacy on the SRL of students at Frateran Catholic Senior High School, Malang. Employing a quantitative approach, data were collected from a random sample of 140 students. The data collection instruments consisted of questionnaires representing the three scales, each of which had been previously validated. Statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS program with multiple regression techniques. The results indicated that the correlation coefficient between the independent variables and the dependent variable was 0.722, which was interpreted as strong. Regarding causality, simultaneous regression analysis yielded a Sig.F value of 0.001, which was lower than 0.05, indicating that the regression model could be used to predict students’ SRL. Furthermore, on a partial basis, both pastoral care and self-efficacy were shown to significantly influence students’ SRL (each with a p-value = 0.001). It was therefore concluded that, both simultaneously and partially, all predictor variables had a significant influence on students' SRL, with self-efficacy exerting a greater effect than pastoral care.

The Effectiveness of Emotional Intelligence Psychoeducation on Learning Motivation, Self-Regulated Learning, and Procrastination in Students

Agnes Angi Dian Winei — 2025-07-20

This research aims to determine the effectiveness of psychoeducation on emotional intelligence about changes in learning motivation, self-regulated learning, and academic procrastination. Providing Emotional Intelligence psychoeducation is hoped to increase learning motivation, self-regulated learning, and reduce academic procrastination. The research method used is a quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design. The participants in this study are 63 students from STIPAS Tahasak Danum Pambelum, Palangkaraya Diocese. Participants were given an intervention in the form of emotional intelligence psychoeducation. The evaluation of the intervention used the Kirkpatrick criteria levels, namely the reaction level measured using a reaction test, the knowledge level measured with an emotional intelligence knowledge test, and the behavior level with a learning motivation scale, self-regulation scale, and procrastination scale. The results of the data analysis using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test show a significant difference between before and after the psychoeducation was provided, with a learning motivation value of z = -5.848 with p = 0.00 (p<0.05), self-regulated learning value of z = -5.773 with p = 0.00 (p<0.05), and procrastination value of z = -5.440 with p = 0.00 (p<0.05). Psychoeducation on emotional intelligence is effective in increasing learning motivation, self-regulated learning, and reducing procrastination.

Meta-Analysis of Music Therapy Efficacy as Intervention for Sleep Disorders

Jonathan Sasmita — 2025-07-20

Sleep is a fundamental biological process critical for cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical health. Despite its importance, sleep disorders have become increasingly prevalent globally, contributing to reduced quality of life, impaired daily functioning, and elevated risks for chronic illnesses, for example cardiovascular disease and depression. Current treatments, such as pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, also have limitations such as limited accessibility, side effects, and costs, therefore there is a need for alternative, low-risk, and accessible intervention to improve sleep quality. Music therapy, as a non-invasive and cost-effective approach, appears as a promising candidate, but requires systematic evaluation to establish its efficacy. This meta-analysis investigates the effectiveness of music therapy for individuals experiencing sleep disorders. A systematic review of prior studies was conducted; Egger’s regression test confirmed the absence of publication bias (p >0.05). Results demonstrated a large effect size (Hedge’s g =1.29), indicating that music therapy substantially enhances sleep quality. Future research should incorporate objective sleep measurements such as electroencephalography (EEG) and actigraphy, alongside subjective self-reports. Utilizing objective sleep monitoring technologies should further our knowledge regarding the mechanisms underlying music’s effects on sleep. Overall, this study reinforces viability of music therapy as an accessible and effective tool for managing sleep disorders and emphasizes the need for continued rigorous research.

Technology Compatibility and Social Support: Determinants of Students' Self-Regulated Learning in the Digital Era

Laurensius Laka — 2025-07-22

Education was regarded as a long-term investment to develop superior human resources. Unfortunately, the education system in Indonesia remained overshadowed by inequality and systemic obsolescence, making the reinforcement of self-regulated learning (SRL) as the foundation of students’ learning autonomy urgently necessary. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of Technology Compatibility and Social Support on the SRL of students at Catholic Senior High School Bhakti Luhur Malang, Indonesia. Employing a quantitative approach, data were collected from 144 students selected through a stratified random sampling technique. The research instrument consisted of questionnaires for the three measured constructs, all of which had been validated in advance. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted using SPSS software. The results revealed that the correlation coefficient between the independent and dependent variables was r = 0.786, indicating a strong relationship. In terms of causality, the simultaneous regression analysis yielded p = 0.001 < 0.05, suggesting that the regression model was appropriate for predicting students' SRL. Furthermore, the variables of Technology Compatibility and Social Support were found to significantly affect SRL individually, with each showing a p = 0.001. Therefore, both simultaneously and individually, the two independent variables significantly influenced students’ SRL, with Social Support contributing more than Technology Compatibility.

Playing to Focus: A Systematic Review of Reveal-and-React Board and Card Games for Executive Function Development in Children

Prisyafandiafif Charifa — 2025-07-22

Analog board and card games featuring reveal-and-react mechanics, characterized by immediate player responses to newly disclosed game elements, have emerged as promising tools for enhancing executive functions (EF), attention, memory, and problem-solving skills in children. This systematic review synthesizes findings from 13 studies, assessing the cognitive impact of reveal-and-react gameplay in participants aged 3–18, with particular emphasis on children aged ≤12 years. Results consistently indicate improvements across core EF domains such as inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. Notable games identified include Ghost Blitz, Dobble, Bee Alert, and Speed Cups, which provide structured yet engaging environments for cognitive training. The review underscores reveal-and-react mechanics as potent catalysts for developing rapid decision-making, attention control, and working memory updating. Moreover, these games hold significant educational and clinical potential, offering scalable, cost-effective interventions adaptable across diverse settings, including classrooms and therapeutic contexts. Despite limitations in study heterogeneity and longitudinal data scarcity, the collective evidence supports integrating these games into child-focused cognitive enhancement programs.

Psychometric Analysis of Student Social Skill Instruments (S3I) with the Rasch Model

Siti Fatimah — 2025-07-22

Social skills are an important aspect in developing the character of 21st century students, especially in facing the challenges of communication, collaboration, and cross-cultural interaction. However, there is no measurement instrument specifically designed to assess students' social skills in the context of higher education in Indonesia. This study aims to develop and evaluate a valid, reliable, and gender- and department-free Student Social Skills Instrument (S3I). The research sample consisted of 575 responses collected from various departments at IKIP Siliwangi, consisting of 113 male students (19.7%; SD = -0.79) and 462 female students (80.3%; SD = 0.69). The S3I instrument consists of 204 items arranged on a 5-point Likert scale. Data analysis was conducted using the Rasch model approach, including analysis of item validity, reliability, unidimensionality, and Differential Item Functioning (DIF) based on gender and department. The results showed that the S3I instrument had very high reliability (α = 0.98), met the criteria of unidimensionality (explained variance 29.8%), and most of the items showed conformity with the Rasch model. However, some items were found to be inappropriate and biased towards certain genders or majors, so they needed to be revised further. Overall, the S3I was stated as an appropriate and accurate measuring instrument to assess students' social skills in the context of higher education.

Mapping the Scientific Landscape of Psychological Crisis Affecting Child Sexual Abuse Victims: A Bibliometric Analysis

Ellya Rakhmawati — 2025-07-26

This study explores the intellectual overview of psychological crisis in child sexual abuse (CSA) victims. Bibliometric analysis was performed to identify three primary terms “psychological crisis”, “child sexual abuse”, and “victims” between 2014 and 2024 which yielded 2,058 documents from WoS and Scopus databases after applying filtration criteria. The results were generated through VOSviewer and Biblioshiny. The study identified CSA as predominated keyword (11%), while psychological crises denoted with terms like trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD (1%). The psychological crisis marked as prevalence provides major impacts in recent research, while CSA remains an emerging topic that is evolving into specific areas such as punishment, emotions, victim blaming, and decision-making. The co-citation and authorship identified Finkelhor and Cohen J as fundamental researchers on CSA and child trauma, while Lyon TD as an influential author on CSA. The findings suggest that the research on CSA and its emotional effect on victims offers significant opportunities for further exploration in developing countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, alongside contributions from pioneer countries and established authors. The study concludes the need to advance research across several thematic areas in order to address existing knowledge gaps and advance scientific knowledge.

The Contribution of Emotion Regulation and Family Resilience Among Earthquake Survivors

Veronica Kristiyani — 2025-08-06

Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, often lead to severe crises and adversity in family life due to significant psychological, economic, and social pressures. This situation has been experienced by families who survived the earthquake in Cianjur Regency, Indonesia. These families face profound challenges and crises that have left them in vulnerable conditions. In such circumstances, the ability of families to adapt and recover, referred to as family resilience becomes crucial to ensuring the ongoing well-being of all family members. One important factor that can influence the development of family resilience is the ability of family members to manage and regulate their emotions adaptively in the face of post-disaster stress and uncertainty. Emotion regulation strategies have been shown to play a significant role in coping and adaptation processes within families during various crisis situations. Understanding how the implementation of specific emotion regulation strategies influences the development of family resilience is essential for providing appropriate support to help families overcome adversity and recover more effectively. However, research specifically examining the role of these emotion regulation strategies on family resilience among populations affected by natural disasters in Indonesia remains limited. This quantitative, non-experimental study investigates the role of two emotion regulation strategies cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression in predicting family resilience among 100 survivors. Participants completed standardized measures of emotional regulation and family resilience. Data were analysed using multiple linear regression. Results showed that both cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression significantly and independently predicted family resilience, with expressive suppression contributing more strongly to the model. These findings challenge the conventional view that suppression is universally maladaptive and suggest that, in high-stress contexts such as post-disaster recovery, suppression may serve as a short-term stabilizing mechanism. The study contributes to disaster psychology literature by highlighting the contextual function of emotion regulation strategies in fostering family adaptation. Implications include the need for culturally sensitive resilience interventions that integrate flexible emotion regulation training for affected families.

A Humanistic-Based Peer Support Model to Promote Subjective Well-Being in Senior High School Students: Design and Development Study

Humairah Azzahrah — 2025-08-07

This study aims to design and develop a peer-based intervention model grounded in humanistic principles to enhance the subjective well-being of senior high school adolescent in Indonesia. Employing a convergent mixed-methods design, qualitative data were obtained through focus group discussions and interviews to explore students’ needs related to peer-based support, while quantitative data on subjective well-being profiles were collected from 133 students using the Subjective Well-being Inventory for High School Students (Azzahrah et al., 2024). The developed model underwent acceptability testing by four guidance and counseling teachers and was validated by four experts in the field of guidance and counseling. The model was pilot-tested on 13 students, and the results revealed a significant increase in subjective well-being scores from the pre-test (M= 80,250) to the post-test (M= 88,875), with a p-value of 0,022 (p<0,05). These findings suggest the the model demonstrates contextual relevance and a meaningful impact in supporting adolescents’ subjective well-being. This study contributes to the field of guidance and counseling by introducing a peer-based intervention model rooted in humanistic theory, which holds potential for broad and sustainable implementation within Indonesia secondary education settings.

The Effectiveness of Nature-Based Person-Centred Group Counselling in Improving Spiritual Well-being Among Elderly

Khadijah Hanina Haruns — 2025-08-03

Aging brings not only physical decline but also psychological and spiritual challenges, particularly among elderly individuals living in communal environments such as Islamic boarding houses (pesantren). While pesantren settings offer religious routines and social support, structured psychological interventions tailored to older people’s spiritual needs are limited. This study examines the effectiveness of nature-based, person-centred group counselling in improving the spiritual well-being of elderly residents at Pesantren Rhoodiyatam Mardhiyyah, Semarang. Using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, the research involved a quantitative phase followed by qualitative exploration. The quantitative phase employed a one-factor pretest-multiple posttest control group design analysed using Mixed ANOVA, while the qualitative phase used thematic analysis based on in-depth interviews. A total of 14 participants aged 60 and above were purposively selected. Mixed ANOVA results revealed significant main effects of the intervention across time (p < .001) and between groups (p < .001), with strong interaction effects (ηp² = 0.855), indicating that the nature-based group counselling significantly enhanced spiritual well-being across personal, communal, environmental, and transcendental dimensions. The thematic analysis supported these findings, with participants reporting increased inner peace, emotional openness, social connectedness, and deeper spiritual reflection. Nature-based person-centred counselling provides a practical and culturally relevant intervention to enhance the spiritual well-being of elderly individuals in Islamic boarding schools. This approach integrates therapeutic engagement with nature, group support, and spiritual reflection, offering valuable implications for elderly care programs in religious settings.