Rethinking Modern Psychology with Dr. Rania Awaad: “Does Modern Psychology Fulfill Our Spiritual Needs?”

As part of its Global Reflections series, Institute Social recently hosted Dr. Rania Awaad, a psychiatrist from Stanford University and a leading figure in Islamic psychology, on October 17. In her talk, titled “Does Modern Psychology Fulfill Our Spiritual Needs?”, Awaad examined the limits of modern psychology through an Islamic lens, highlighting that religious, spiritual, and cultural sensitivities cannot be overlooked in mental health.

During the session, Awaad introduced the approach of “Islamic integrated psychotherapy”. She emphasized that this model aims to systematically bring Islam’s value framework and core concepts into dialogue with the goals, language, and intervention repertoire of the psychotherapeutic process. She noted, “We are still at an early stage in terms of data collection and analysis in this field. At present, our primary objective is to examine whether this approach can meet the same scientific and clinical standards as established models such as cognitive behavioral therapy”. She added that the development of new, clinically applicable models offers an important opportunity to expand the methodological repertoire of the mental health field.

Awaad also addressed the effects of technology and artificial intelligence on psychological well-being, noting that: “While artificial intelligence offers convenience in many areas, intense and uncontrolled exposure can lead to a shift in an individual’s perception of reality.” She emphasized that digital environments are reshaping how people relate to everyday life. According to Awaad, when such detachment is combined with dynamics such as constant online presence, algorithm-driven content flows, and the replacement of face-to-face relationships with digital interactions, it can deepen feelings of loneliness and exacerbate anxiety and depressive symptoms. At a time when digital platforms and the data ecosystem are expanding rapidly, Awaad’s research at Stanford University focuses in particular on examining the effects of AI-based tools and mobile applications on depression and loneliness within Muslim communities.

Awaad also underscored the broad sphere of influence of psychology, spanning from media to education, stating: “The way you tell a story, the way you design a curriculum, and even the framework through which you present scientific knowledge are all processes of perception—and they shape human psychology”. Within this framework, she argued that education cannot be reduced solely to cognitive gains or the transmission of information. Rather, factors ranging from school climate to assessment and evaluation practices play a decisive role in shaping students’ sense of self, feelings of belonging, and capacity to cope with stress. Accordingly, Awaad emphasized that educational programs should be designed not only to meet academic objectives but also to systematically support social-emotional and moral/ethical dimensions that strengthen individuals’ psychological resilience.

At the conclusion of the talk, Awaad drew attention to the spiritual dimension that modern psychology has at times overlooked, situating the concept of healing on a more holistic foundation. “Modern psychology has forgotten the soul. Yet the soul is a powerful part of the human being. As Imam al-Ghazali stated, human psychology consists of four components: the heart, the soul, the self (nafs), and the intellect. True healing is possible only through the integrity of these parts.” Awaad’s emphasis points to the importance of integrated approaches to mental health that move beyond symptom reduction alone and also engage dimensions such as meaning, values, and inner coherence.

The webinar concluded with a Q&A segment where Dr. Awaad responded to participants’ questions and offered practical recommendations.