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Managing Academic Anxiety and Cultivating Self-Kindness to Enhance Emotional Well-Being among Students at Nurul Qur'an Tahfidz Boarding School, MAN 1 Kudus

Farida Farida, Mungin Eddy Wibowo, Edy Purwanto, Sunawan Sunawan

Abstract

This study explores the management of academic anxiety and the application of self-compassion to enhance the emotional well-being of students at Nurul Qur’an Tahfidz Boarding School, MAN 1 Kudus. Students in the tahfidz and academic programs often experience anxiety related to Qur’an memorization and examinations that require mastery within a limited timeframe. Using a qualitative approach through interviews and observations, this study investigates students’ experiences in managing anxiety through self-compassion practices, prayer, dzikr, and social support from peers and mentors. The findings reveal that self-compassion, which includes self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness, plays a crucial role in reducing academic anxiety. Students who practice self-compassion are more able to accept failure as part of the learning process, remain calm, and stay focused during memorization and exams. Spiritual practices and social support also strengthen emotional well-being by fostering inner peace and solidarity. This study concludes that the integration of self-compassion, spiritual practices, and social support forms an effective strategy for managing academic anxiety and improving emotional well-being among students in Islamic boarding schools.

Keywords

Islamic boarding school, Qur’an memorization, self-compassion, emotional well-being, academic anxiety

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DOI: 10.21043/kr.v16i1.32549