Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selahattin YAKUT | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Yozgat Bozok University | Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selahattin Yakut is a distinguished scholar in the field of philosophy of religion and psychology of religion, with expertise spanning social sciences and humanities. His academic journey reflects a consistent focus on understanding the complex intersections between religiosity, morality, social behavior, and psychosocial well-being. He has contributed significantly through his teaching, publications, and leadership roles within higher education, where he has held positions as a faculty member, department chair, vice dean, and committee member. His academic profile is marked by a balance between research, teaching, and administrative responsibilities, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing both scholarship and educational practice. With a portfolio of published books, peer-reviewed articles, and active participation in conferences, he has established himself as a respected voice in his discipline. He also contributes as a reviewer and editorial board member in several scientific journals, further enhancing academic dialogue and research dissemination.

Profile

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Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selahattin Yakut educational background demonstrates his deep engagement with theology, philosophy, and sociology. He pursued undergraduate studies in theology, which provided him with a strong foundation in religious thought, later complemented by a second undergraduate degree in sociology, offering him a broader perspective on social behavior and structures. His postgraduate education focused on philosophy and religious studies, where his master’s thesis examined the relationship between religiosity and tendencies toward violence in high school students, reflecting his interest in youth, values, and religion. He continued his academic path with doctoral studies in the psychology of religion, investigating themes such as alienation, loneliness, and religiosity among teachers. His educational trajectory shows a consistent dedication to exploring the psychological and sociological dimensions of religion, supported by additional certifications and trainings in values education, student counseling, addiction awareness, and educational psychology, which have enriched his academic expertise and professional qualifications.

Professional Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selahattin Yakut has extensive academic and administrative experience in higher education, particularly at the Faculty of Theology. He has served as associate professor, assistant professor, vice dean, head of department, deputy head of department, faculty board member, ethics committee member, and academic commission member. His teaching portfolio covers undergraduate and postgraduate courses such as psychology of religion, social psychology, values education, moral development, psychoanalysis and religion, research methods, childhood and adolescence in religion, and religion and mental health. He has contributed actively to academic projects funded by institutions and development agencies, focusing on adolescent psychology, family support, disaster resilience, teacher competencies, and innovative approaches in religious education. Beyond teaching and research, he has played leading roles in the organization of international conferences, workshops, and interdisciplinary congresses. He also has non-academic professional experience as a teacher and school administrator, strengthening his insights into education and youth development.

Awards and Honors

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selahattin Yakut academic contributions have been recognized through awards and honors that reflect his dedication to scholarship, mentorship, and innovation in education. He has served as an advisor for student projects that achieved national recognition, including success in highly competitive scientific competitions. His publications, including authored books and peer-reviewed journal articles, have been cited internationally, contributing to his growing impact in the fields of psychology of religion and social sciences. His involvement in editorial boards and peer-review roles for respected national and international journals further demonstrates the trust placed in his academic judgment. He has also received recognition for his active participation in projects supported by official agencies, addressing critical issues such as psychosocial effects of pandemics, resilience in education, and the role of religiosity in moral and social development. His academic and professional honors highlight his role as a scholar advancing research and education in meaningful ways.

Research Focus

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selahattin Yakut research focuses on the intersection of religion, psychology, and society, with a special emphasis on how religiosity interacts with human behavior, emotions, and moral development. His studies examine themes such as alienation, loneliness, violence tendencies, resilience, moral intelligence, and the psychosocial effects of crises like pandemics. He has explored how religious values and practices shape individual and social experiences, particularly in the contexts of education, adolescence, and teacher well-being. His work often employs interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from psychology, sociology, and philosophy to understand how belief systems influence mental health, values, and social adaptation. He has also investigated child and adolescent development in relation to religion, highlighting the importance of values education and psychosocial support. Through his publications, conference contributions, and applied projects, his research continues to address pressing questions about the role of religion in shaping human thought, behavior, and resilience.

Publication

Yakut-Moral Intelligence Scale
Year: 2021

Moral Intelligence, Religion, and Religiosity (A Psychosocial Perspective)
Year: 2022

Alienation, Loneliness, and Religiosity
Year: 2021

Yakut-Scale of Moral Intelligence
Year: 2021

Subjective Well-Being of Teachers: The TRNC Example
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selahattin Yakut presents a strong case for recognition with a balanced record of research, teaching, publication, and leadership. His contributions demonstrate originality, social relevance, and academic rigor, making him a suitable candidate for an award in the fields of religious studies and psychology of religion. With further international engagement and methodological expansion, his impact is likely to grow even more significantly, positioning him as an influential scholar in his discipline.