PHENOMENOLOGY OF ADAPTATION AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG NON-MUSLIM STUDENTS AT ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY
Keywords:
Adaptation, Coping Strategis, Non-Muslim Students, Islamic University, PhenomenologyAbstract
This study aims to explore in depth the adaptation experiences and coping strategies of non-Muslim students at the State Islamic University (UIN) Sunan Kalijaga in Yogyakarta. A qualitative approach with a phenomenological design was used to understand the subjective meanings of the participants’ life experiences. Six non-Muslim students were purposively selected using snowball sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using phenomenological thematic analysis. The results indicate that the adaptation process unfolds dynamically through the following phases: feelings of alienation and culture shock, fear as a minority, development of coping strategies (emotional regulation, religious practices according to one’s beliefs, physical activities, positive affirmations), utilization of social support, and interpretation of the experience as personal growth and identity strengthening. The study’s conclusion affirms that despite facing psychosocial pressures, non-Muslim students are able to adapt positively through a combination of problem-focused and emotion-focused coping. This study’s contribution provides an in-depth understanding of the psychological dynamics of minorities in religious-based universities. The study’s limitations include the small sample size and single-context setting, necessitating further research at other State Islamic Religious Universities.
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