Impact of Listening to Quranic Recitation of Surah Rahman on Mood Shifts and Burnout among School Teachers

Abstract

Nearly 80% of teachers in Pakistan endure extreme pressure at work, which often leads to burnout, consisting of emotional exhaustion and a decrease in effectiveness. This study examined the impact of listening to the Quranic recitation of Surah Rahman on mood shifts (emotional state fluctuations) and Burnout among school teachers. A single-group pre-test/post-test design with a quasi-experimental method recruited 50 teachers through convenience sampling; some were assigned to listen to Surah Rahman, while others served as a control group. The Brief Mood Introspection Scale (BMIS) and Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT-12) were used to assess outcomes. Statistical analysis using paired-sample t-tests revealed a significant reduction in mood fluctuation scores from pre- to post-intervention (M = 43.64, SD = 3.4 to M = 35.5, SD = 8.3; t(49) = 6.72, p < .001, Cohen’s d = 8.6), and burnout levels (M = 41.78, SD = 12.85 to M = 28.02, SD = 11.0; t(49) = 6.65, p < .001, Cohen’s d = 14.6) in the experimental group compared to the control group. These findings suggest that Quranic recitation, particularly Surah Rahman, may serve as an effective non-pharmacological intervention to enhance emotional regulation and reduce occupational stress among Teachers. The study highlights the value of integrating culturally rooted spiritual practices into mental health interventions for teacher well-being, with implications for broader educational policy and teacher support frameworks in Islamic contexts.