A Study of Guidelines for Preventing Violent Behaviors Using Buddhist Principles of Students from Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Tak Campus

Abstract

This study was mixed-method research. Quantitative research was employed using questionnaires to study students’ awareness, attitudes, and skills for controlling violent behaviors. The samples were 335 students from Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Tak Campus. Qualitative research was also employed using  in-depth interviews with students, teachers, and experts, 15 people in total, to find out the causes and effects of violent behaviors, including guidelines applying Buddhist principles to prevent and correct violent behaviors. The results revealed that ‘Students are aware of violent behaviors’ overall was high (x̄x̄ = 3.78). The highest average was ‘Students are immediately aware of feeling upset’ (x̄x̄ = 4.18). The attitudes regarding violent behaviors overall were moderate (x̄x̄ = 2.49). The highest average was ‘Students realize that they will immediately respond when attacked’ (x̄x̄ = 3.46). Moreover, the skills for controlling violent behaviors overall were high ( x̄x̄= 3.65). The highest average was ‘Students know how to honor and respect the rights of others’ ( x̄x̄= 4.11). The causes of violent behaviors came from individual factors, social environment, situations, and cultural beliefs, which affected themselves, families, and societies. The guidelines for applying Buddhist principles to prevent and solve violent behaviors were organizing an orientation to instill morals and ethics into freshmen, incorporating Buddhist principles into general education courses, inserting basic moral principles in all subjects, adapting teaching styles that incorporate Buddhist principles regarding age and circumstances, and organizing co-curricular activities that focus on human development and preparation for future working life. Furthermore, the university should determine apparent policies and activities to achieve greater efficiency.

Keywords:  Applying Buddhist principles, Students’ violent behaviors, Prevention of violence