Üsküdar University Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan evaluated the effects of Ramadan on emotions and anger control. Stating that the meaning of Ramadan fasting is not only about eating, but also about reconsidering emotions and behaviors, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan said, “There is something that is always said: While fasting, it is said that not only our stomach, but also our eyes, ears and all our limbs should fast. If there is a fast like this, it is a fasting in accordance with the divine goal of Ramadan.” said.
“How does Ramadan affect self-perception?”
Referring to scientific studies on how Ramadan affects people's emotions in particular, Tarhan said that there is a decrease in negative memory perception in people during Ramadan.
Stating that in the studies conducted by Çanakkale and Pamukkale Universities, the effect of Ramadan fasting on positive self-perception, its effect on the feeling of hostility and its effect on anger control were investigated, Tarhan said:
“These have been examined one by one and scientifically studied. Studies have been carried out on groups of men and women who fast during Ramadan and those who perform voluntary fasts. Pre-tests and post-tests are done. At the beginning and towards the end of Ramadan, tests are done again and it is determined that there is a decrease in negative self-perception. Negative memory perception means that people with low self-esteem see themselves as worthless.”
Stating that they were measured in the changes in the feeling of being hostile, Tarhan said, “In the study conducted by Pamukkale University, these two emotions decreased in both men and women during Ramadan. This is a very important thing. In negative self-perception, the person does not value himself, especially we look at most of these people, they do not have forgiveness, there is mercilessness, they do not forgive. When it comes to Ramadan, empathy increases, forgiveness increases. When these feelings increase, a mental burden is lifted, the burden is lifted. When this happens, the person who feels bad all the time starts to feel good.” he said.
“Cells are renewed when the body is hungry”
Noting that fasting has neurobiological effects as well as biological effects, Tarhan said, “In 2016, a Japanese scientist received the Nobel Prize for discovering autophagy. The diet system in autophagy has changed, a system called intermittent fasting is now being implemented globally. The person is left hungry at certain hours. Cell scientist cytology experts have determined that when the body is starving, the cell itself starts autophagy, that is, it converts the proteins it does not use and some parts that it does not use into energy. When you run out of wood at home, you burn other things, or like that, the body renews its own cells. In fact, studies reveal that even damages in DNA are repaired.” used his statements.
Noting that hunger renews cells in humans, Tarhan said, “They put the flower that does not bloom in the dark to make it bloom. When the flower stays in the dark for three days without any light, it says, "Oh, I'm in danger," and begins to bloom. When we put people under the stress of hunger, our body renews its cells. This is also the most important cancer-fighting method. What causes cancer? Uncontrolled proliferation occurs in cancer, DNA deteriorates. Since the order renews itself in hunger stress, the body repairs DNA damage. For all these reasons, the month of Ramadan has such a biological benefit in this respect.” he said.
“Anger control increases in fasting people”
Tarhan stated that although there are claims that the feeling of anger increases during Ramadan, the situation is actually the opposite, and said:
“Measurements are made according to the anger control scale in the studies. In the month of Ramadan, anger in, anger out, and anger control are investigated. It has been determined that anger control increases in those who fast during Ramadan. These tests are done at the beginning and towards the end of the Ramadan fast. It is done every 3-4 weeks. The first few days may take some getting used to. During the habituation period, if a person keeps the fast with faith, it will be beneficial. Fasting compels a person because he does not believe, that is, for social reasons, because he reluctantly holds on to what the world says. The brain doesn't help when you hold on reluctantly. There is consciousness on our brain, we use our free will above consciousness and command our brain to 'Control hunger'. In Ramadan, you no longer feel the search for food. For the first few days, that feeling is there, then the body gets used to it. By saying, 'I'm going to eat dinner now', he conditioned the brain. When a person believes, he changes the program in the brain. This is also internal control, not external control. External control is an external discipline under pressure from the immediate environment. Internal control is internal discipline. This is how the ideal discipline training and ideal will training that a person does with faith happen.”
“Peace is different from happiness”
Noting that believing makes a person peaceful, Tarhan said, “Belief has something to give. The most important need of man is peace. Peace is different from happiness. Happiness is generally understood as happiness for external reasons in Western culture. In the style of 'Wear this and be happy, buy this and be happy, eat that and be happy'. However, to be happy internally, to be happy with the little things you have, to think about the working limbs instead of the non-working limbs from the tea you drink makes one peaceful, too.” he said.
“A person puts himself under self-control during Ramadan”
Stating that the individual subjects himself to self-control during Ramadan, Tarhan said, “Ramadan has the most protective effect on people from making mistakes. It is undeniable that this defensive effect enables a person to come to terms with one's own soul, to come to terms with one's own desires and impulses. In therapy, therapists try to be a mirror to the person. It mirrors the person and looks at factors such as his/her strengths and weaknesses, problem solving style, and stress management style. According to him, he is trying to guide the person. In Ramadan, a person undergoes self-examination. He puts himself in control. 'Where did I go wrong? Stop, think, reevaluate. It automatically takes a break from the things it does.” said.
“Ramadan makes you postpone your satisfaction”
Referring to the fact that this is also a person's self-revision, Tarhan says, "If a person mentally renews himself, he asks questions such as 'Where did I go wrong, who did I hurt so far, I should be more optimistic towards people, I should appreciate the things I have'. Patience and endurance are important at this point. Ramadan makes you postpone your satiety. His gratifications make compulsory postponement. There is a gratification delay module. Especially adolescent children fall into pleasure traps because they do not have the ability to delay gratification. They want something they like to happen right away. The human brain says 'right now'. However, you will learn in childhood and youth, you will live in the present. Adulthood indicates spiritual maturity.” used his statements.
Tarhan stated that the person with spiritual maturity has the maturity to delay gratification and continued his words as follows:
“A person with the maturity to delay gratification has the ability to withstand stress. It learns something from stress and becomes the same again after stress. A person who is intolerant to stress loses his ego strength. They give marshmallow test to the children in the kindergarten. They give more Turkish delight to those who manage to wait 15 minutes. They give one to anyone who wants it right away. Twenty years later, they measure the same people again. People with the ability to delay gratification have 20 percent higher emotional intelligence. They are more balanced in their relationship with the opposite sex. Not only academic success, but also social and emotional skills are more developed.”