The Impact of Ramadan Fasting on Emotion Regulation Difficulties in University Students: A Pre-Post Evaluation Study

BackgroundRamadan fasting is a significant spiritual practice for Muslims, characterized by the abstention from food and drink from dawn until sunset. The physiological and psychological effects have been extensively researched; however, the impact on emotion regulation difficulties in university students is still inadequately examined.The objectiveThis study was to assess the changes in emotion regulation difficulties experienced by Muslim university students prior to and following the Ramadan fasting period.MethodsA quasi-experimental, within-subject pre-post design was implemented involving 104 full-time fasting students (87.5% female) at a public university in Syria. Participants administered the 16-item Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-16) alongside a lifestyle questionnaire prior to and following Ramadan. Data were analyzed with Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) to evaluate changes in DERS total and subscale scores.ResultsIndicate a significant decrease in total DERS scores from pre-to post-Ramadan (M = 44.00 to M = 32.10, p < .001). All five subscales of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) demonstrated significant improvement, encompassing emotional clarity, goal-directed behavior, impulse control, access to emotion regulation strategies, and emotional acceptance. An analysis of lifestyle indicated heightened physical activity and enhanced cognitive functioning, alongside a rise in sleep disturbances.In conclusionEmotion regulation difficulties significantly decreased across the Ramadan period among university students, likely due to a combination of spiritual, behavioral, and physiological factors. The findings endorse the integration of culturally contextualized interventions within university mental health initiatives during Ramadan.