Buddhist Psychological Concepts for Enhancing Nursing Competencies in Counseling

Abstract

Contemporary nursing practice faces increasing challenges arising from heavy workloads and accumulated stress, which may adversely affect nurses’ effectiveness in providing patient counseling. This issue is particularly significant within Thailand’s holistic healthcare context, where nurses are expected to possess strong psychological and emotional competencies. This article aims to analyze and synthesize Buddhist psychological concepts for enhancing nurses’ counseling competencies, based on the core principles of Buddhist psychology, namely mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom. The synthesis of relevant concepts, theories, and empirical studies indicates that mindfulness practice promotes self-awareness, enhances deep listening skills,

and reduces emotional exhaustion among nurses. Concentration training strengthens mental stability, enabling nurses to make sound decisions and effectively cope with complex situations. Furthermore, the cultivation of wisdom facilitates a comprehensive understanding of patients’ problems and supports appropriate responses to their needs. These Buddhist psychological principles demonstrate considerable potential for enhancing counseling competencies, fostering positive nurse–patient relationships, and mitigating occupational burnout. The article recommends the development of training programs tailored to nursing practice, the promotion of further research in this area, and the establishment of learning communities within healthcare organizations. Such initiatives may contribute to improving the quality, effectiveness, and sustainability of Thailand’s healthcare system.