Emotional, Social, and Moral Intelligence in the Works of Sa’di Shirazi: A Psychological Interpretation of Gulistan and Būstān

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15826/csp.2026.10.1.379

Abstract

This study explores the psychological dimensions of emotional, social, and moral intelligence in the works of Sa’di Shirazi, focusing on Gulistan (1258) and Būstān (1257) as literary frameworks for ethical cognition and affective learning. Employing qualitative thematic analysis, the research identifies key indicators of emotional self-regulation, empathy, social awareness, and moral responsibility embedded in Sa’di’s verses. The findings demonstrate that Sa’di anticipates the conceptual foundations of modern psychology—particularly Goleman’s emotional intelligence model—by framing emotion, reason, and virtue as mutually reinforcing faculties. Sa’di’s poetic pedagogy transforms ethical reflection into experiential education, integrating Sufi ethics with psychological insight. His synthesis of poetic creativity, psychological realism, and ethical pedagogy reveals that genuine education must engage both intellect and emotion. The study concludes that Sa’di’s works present an indigenous model of holistic intelligence predating contemporary theories of emotional literacy. This model offers a culturally grounded paradigm for psychology, cross-cultural moral education, and emotional well-being.

Author Biographies

Nazyar Khamenehei, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg

Nazyar Khamenehei is an Engineer-Researcher and Senior Lecturer at Ural Federal University, with two years of professional experience in psychology and education. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in General Psychology in Mashhad, Iran (2014) and earned her Master’s degree in Cognitive Neuroscience from Ural Federal University in Yekaterinburg, Russia (2024). Her academic journey bridges Persian/Iranian educational foundations with Russian neuroscientific training. She teaches Persian language and participates in educational programs in Oriental and African studies. Her recent professional development includes advanced training in cognitive neuroscience, neurotechnology, and digital technologies in education (2023–2024). Research interests: Child and adolescent psychology, models of cognitive psychology, psyche and consciousness, psychology of interpersonal relationships, psychology of communication and communication processes, family and everyday life psychology, mental development, social and psychological factors of quality improvement, special schools and preschool institutions for children with delayed mental development, theory and psychology of literary creativity.

Lyudmila V. Tokarskaya, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg

Lyudmila V. Tokarskaya, Cand. Sci. (Psychology), is an Associate Professor at Ural Federal University. She completed her Master's degree in Education (Pedagogy) from Ural State Pedagogical University in 2003. She has 21 years of total work experience. Her extensive professional development includes specialized training in clinical psychology, neuropsychology, ABA therapy, and inclusive education. Her recent certifications in cognitive neuroscience (2023) and neuromania (2025) demonstrate her active participation in qualification enhancement programs. Research interests: child and adolescent psychology, medical psychology, pathopsychology, personality psychology, family and everyday life psychology.

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Published
2026-04-17
How to Cite
Khamenehei, N., & Tokarskaya, L. (2026). Emotional, Social, and Moral Intelligence in the Works of Sa’di Shirazi: A Psychological Interpretation of Gulistan and Būstān. Changing Societies & Personalities, 10(1), 176-192. doi:10.15826/csp.2026.10.1.379
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Vol. 10, No. 1 (2026)
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