Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Cumhuriyet Theology Journal, cilt.29, sa.3, ss.109-135, 2025 (Scopus)
The month of Ramadan is not only a sacred period for the observance of fasting but also a time that influences individuals’ psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. Through fasting, Muslims engage personal resources such as self-regulation, patience, and mindfulness to support emotional balance, while intensified religious rituals, increased social interactions, and the restructuring of daily habits during this holy month provide meaningful opportunities to enhance social and spiritual well-being. This study examines the multidimensional effects of Ramadan using a one-group pretest–posttest quasi-experimental design. Participants who completed at least three weeks of fasting during Ramadan (N = 121, Mage = 39.01, SD = 1.13) were recruited by convenience sampling to satisfy the minimum sample size determined by G*Power analysis (α = .05, 1 – β = .80, small–medium effect size). As the criterion for inclusion in the sample, being 18 years of age or older and having fasted for a minimum of three weeks during the month of Ramadan were established. The 121 participants identified with this approach were evaluated in terms of the components of the PERMA well-being model, subjective health perception, happiness, negative affect, social connectedness, conviction, helpfulness, and spirituality, both before and after the month of Ramadan. Data were collected online using scales whose reliability and validity were proven; the analyses employed parametric tests, Cohen’s d effect sizes, and bootstrap confidence intervals. Results indicated statistically significant increases in helpfulness (p = .014), spirituality (p = .033), conviction (p = .030), and social connectedness (p = .039). No significant changes were observed in total PERMA scores or their subscales, self-perceived physical health perception, happiness, or negative emotions (p > .05). Correlation analyses conducted on posttest scores demonstrated strong positive associations between social connectedness and spirituality, conviction, and positive relationships. Moreover, PERMA sub-dimensions exhibited generally positive associations with value-based variables such as helpfulness, conviction, and spirituality. This study suggests that Ramadan observance reinforces value-based attitudes such as social responsibility, spiritual sensitivity, and a sense of community in the short term. However, achieving meaningful change in more enduring dimensions of well-being requires sustained and awareness-based approaches. The findings were discussed within the framework of the relevant literature.