ประสิทธิผลของการประยุกต์ใช้พุทธจิตวิทยาในกระบวนการบำบัด และฟื้นฟูสุขภาพจิต: Effectiveness of Applying Buddhist Psychology in Mental Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Processes

Worawong  Lertklao

Authors

Worawong Lertklao Yasothon Provincial Public Health Office, Yasothon, 35000

Keywords:

Buddhist therapy, therapy effectiveness, mental wellbeing, Buddhist psychology, mental health rehabilitation

Abstract

This research article aimed to: (1) examine the effectiveness of applying Buddhist psychology in mental health treatment and rehabilitation processes; (2) analyze the mechanisms and factors contributing to the effectiveness of Buddhist-based therapy among mental health service users in the Thai social context; and (3) propose guidelines for developing effective Buddhist therapeutic programs tailored to specific mental health conditions. This study employed a mixed methods research design, integrating concepts of Buddhist psychology and a holistic therapeutic framework as the foundation of the research. The sample consisted of 60 mental health service users who participated in a Buddhist therapy program, selected through stratified random sampling. The research instruments included: (1) a holistic mental well-being scale, (2) in-depth interview guidelines, and (3) observational records. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, and content analysis.

The findings revealed that: (1) the experimental group that participated in the 8-week Buddhist therapy program demonstrated significantly higher mental well-being scores than the control group (p < .001), with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.82); (2) key factors contributing to the effectiveness of Buddhist therapy included consistent mindfulness practice, group support, and an open Buddhist-oriented attitude toward change; and (3) specialized Buddhist therapy programs for depression, anxiety, and addiction recovery were highly effective when integrated with standard medical care. The knowledge derived from this study can contribute to the development of standardized Buddhist therapy programs, the training of mental health professionals, and the formulation of policies that integrate Buddhist principles into Thailand’s mental health service system.

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