Effects of a Buddhist program on stress reduction Among Bangkok Public Health Volunteer in Bang Khun Thian District

Abstract

These objectives of this research were to: 1) examine the stress levels of Bangkok Public Health Volunteer in Bang Khun Thian District; 2) develop a Buddhist-based stress reduction program for Bangkok Public Health Volunteers in Bang Khun Thian District; and
3) examine the effects of implementing this Buddhist-based stress reduction program among Bangkok Public Health Volunteer in Bang Khun Thian District. The sample group consisted of 138 participants. The research procedures were divided into three phases. Phase 1 involved reviewing and analyzing related concepts, theories, and literature. Phase 2 focused on developing a Buddhist-based stress reduction program for Bangkok Public Health Volunteers. Phase 3 involved implementing and evaluating the effects of the developed program among Bangkok Public Health Volunteers in Bang Khun Thian District. The research instruments used in this study consisted of two types: 1) the Suan Prung Stress Test-20 (SPST-20) developed by the Department of Mental Health, and 2) the Buddhist-based stress reduction program. Quantitative aata were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Pre-test and post-test scores were compared using the paired t-test with the statistical significance level set at 0.05. Meanwhile, qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis and inductive reasoning. The research findings revealed that: 1) The stress levels of Bangkok Public Health Volunteers in Bang Khun Thian District were mostly at a moderate level. 2) The study integrated psychological knowledge based on Lazarus and Folkman’s stress theorywith Buddhist principles,

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particularly the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipatthana4) and Yonisomanasikara (analytical reflection). These principles were applied to develop the Buddhist-based stress reduction program, which consisted of seven activities: 2.1) Orientation: cultivating mindfulness   and concentration to prepare for learning. 2.2) Self-awareness and mental preparation: reflecting wisely on suffering and its internal impacts. 2.3) Turning Spears into Flowers: recognizing, understanding, overcoming, and preventing suffering. 2.4) Training the mind to let go and feel lighter: practicing awareness of reality, and understanding oneself and others. 2.5) Dharma Sediments Guiding Life: applying Buddhist teaching to guide life and create sustainable happiness.2.6) Ending without Pain: reviewing experiences and impressions to cultivate loving-kindness, compassion, and equanimity. 2.7) Letting the Mind Flow with the Flame: realizing that both happiness and suffering  arise, persist, and cease, and as long as there is breath, there is opportunity. 3) The results of the experimental implementation showed that the pre-test stress score was 48.21 (S.D. = 20.70), whereas post-test mean stress score significantly decreased to 17.55 (S.D. = 3.62). This reduction was statistically significant at the 0.001. Furthermore, the qualitative analysis indicated an increasing trend in present-moment awareness, alongside an improved abilities to manage thoughts and emotions effectively.