CAUSAL FACTORS AFFECTING SATISFACTION WITH LIFE SKILLS LEARNING AND COGNITIVE COMPETENCY OF EDUCATIONAL PERSONNEL IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES PARTICIPATING IN BUDDHIST PILGRIMAGE PROJECTS IN THAILAND, INDIA, AND NEPAL

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) identify the causal factors influencing satisfaction with the pilgrimage experience, 2) explore the extent to which participants developed life skills and cognitive competencies through program engagement, and 3) analyze the predictive impact of identified causal factors on satisfaction, and how satisfaction, in turn, influences the development of life skills and cognitive competencies. This study employed a Mixed Methods research design, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Research instruments included questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The sample group comprised 120 educational personnel from public universities across Thailand, selected purposively from a population of 5,449 Participants had officially completed at least one full-cycle Buddhist pilgrimage project (covering Thailand, India, and Nepal) and participated in meditation and Dhamma activities at all three country sites between 2022–2024. Quantitative data from questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages, means, standard deviations) and inferential statistics (Pearson’s r, Multiple Regression). Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were subjected to thematic content analysis and triangulation, utilizing specialized software for analysis. The research findings revealed that 1) causal factors affecting the satisfaction of public higher education personnel participating in Buddhist pilgrimage programs in Thailand, India, and Nepal included the quality of the teachings, the serene and sacred environment of the pilgrimage sites, and personal reflections gained through the experience. 2) Buddhist pilgrimage activities significantly contributed to the development of life skills (emotional regulation, mindfulness, and problem-solving) and cognitive competencies (critical thinking, decision-making, and memory). 3) The causal factors influencing satisfaction had a significant impact on the development of life skills and cognitive competencies, with participants reporting higher satisfaction levels demonstrating greater gains in these skills.