Exploring college students' perception of tasawwuf through Online Photovoice (OPV) Methodology

In this study, the researcher conducted an Online Photovoice (OPV) method in the departments related to helping professions in Turkey (theology/Islamic sciences, counseling, social work, nursing, medicine, etc.). The researcher (he) tried to explore the perceptions of these students about Tasawwuf and other students studying in different departments other than the departments mentioned. He tried to understand if there is any difference among the students based on their own unique perspectives. The research has been deconstructed qualitatively in order to reveal the students' understanding and perceptions of Tasawwuf by comparing them among different departments through the main themes that emerged. In addition to the qualitative study, the source of students' understanding of Tasawwuf, their level of religiosity and spirituality, and their views on Tasawwuf education were examined with some quantitative questions. A total of 409 university students participated in the study, 69 people did not give their consent for the use of their data in the study, and 23 people did not have sufficient criteria for the participation; 103 men and 214 women, a total of 317 people were ultimately analyzed. A total of 21 main themes were formed in accordance with the themes obtained from all participants. The most important main themes and their proportions have been as follows; pleasurable emotions: peace and love, (%25,86, n=82), seeing God in the world and communicating with God, everything reminding God to us, loop, getting close to the Lord (%25,86, n=82), commitment, intimacy, the God-divine love, trust, commitment, annihilation in God (%22,08, n=70), the search for meaning and spiritual satisfaction, awareness, and a delicate process and spirituality (%19,55, n=62). As a result of the study, it was seen that the students have a positive understanding and perception of Tasawwuf and express it with positive words, concepts, thoughts and photos that have functional and deep meanings. Students used words expressing more positive emotions when expressing Tasawwuf. According to the data obtained, students in the helping professions, maybe with the impact of their helping profession, expressed more emotion than the other students. The results were compared through the main emerging themes. The differences between students studying in departments related to helping professions and students studying in other departments were examined. One of the aims of the researcher was to share the results with the faculties of theology/Islamic sciences, mental health professionals, educators, students and managers of related organizations in different ways (e.g., conference, seminar, article). Thus, this study contributes to a better scientific understanding of the students' understanding of Tasawwuf as an important concept and phenomenon. This can contribute to a more effective handling of possible issues related to Tasawwuf, the use of this concept in addressing general well-being in areas such as education, and helping/serving people. The researcher has obtained the permission of the ethics committee for this study. Key Words: Religion, Tasawwuf, Mysticism, Spirituality, University Students, Online Photovoice.