Factors Strengthening Mental Resilience Based on Buddhist Psychology for Enhancing Mental Well-Being of the Elderly in Thai Society

Abstract

This study aimed ๑) to study the concepts and theories on strengthening mental resilience based on Buddhist psychology for enhancing the mental well-being of the elderly in Thai society; ๒) to investigate the factors strengthening mental resilience based on Buddhist psychology for enhancing the mental well-being of the elderly in Thai society; and ๓) to propose guidelines for strengthening mental resilience based on Buddhist psychology for enhancing the mental well-being of the elderly in Thai society. The study was quantitative research. The sample of the study consisted of ๓๙๙ elderly individuals. The research findings were as follows ๑)  The key theoretical concepts related to strengthening mental well-being include Grotberg’s concept of resilience and the Buddhist principles known as the Five Powers (Pañca Bala)—faith, energy, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom ๒) The Five Powers, as factors in Buddhist psychology, were found to have a high statistically significant correlation (at the .๐๑ level) with mental well-being both overall and each aspects, except for faith, which showed a moderate correlation ๓) Guidelines for strengthening mental resilience should focus on promoting the Five Powers among the elderly, as it plays a crucial role in nurturing resilience and cultivating bravery within the individual and helping them build inner strength, cope with challenges, and ultimately attain better mental well-being. The key knowledge gained from this study is that Grotberg’s concept of resilience can be integrated with the Buddhist Five Powers, which serve as powerful spiritual tools to cultivate inner mental strength.