The Influence of Religiosity and Self-Reflection (Muhasabah) on Stress Among Community Volunteers

Abstract

Volunteers involved in social and humanitarian activities are particularly vulnerable to psychological stress due to continuous emotional, physical, and social demands. This study aims to examine the effects of religiosity and self-reflection (muhasabah) on stress among community volunteers at Yayasan Sahabat Muslim Surakarta. A quantitative, non-experimental research design was employed, with data collected from 100 active volunteers selected through purposive sampling. Religiosity, muhasabah, and stress were measured using validated self-report questionnaires and analyzed using multiple linear regression with SPSS. The results indicate that religiosity has a significant negative effect on stress, and muhasabah also significantly reduces stress levels. Furthermore, religiosity and muhasabah jointly explain a significant proportion of variance in volunteer stress. These findings suggest that religiosity provides a framework for meaning-making, while muhasabah functions as a reflective psychological mechanism that strengthens emotional regulation and stress management. This study contributes to the fields of psychology of religion and stress psychology and offers practical implications for enhancing the psychological well-being of volunteers within faith-based organizations.