Enhancement in Self-Esteem based on Buddhist Psychology of the Elderly

Abstract

This research aimed 1. to examine self-esteem based on Buddhist psychology among the elderly, 2. to assess the levels of self-esteem based on Buddhist psychology among the elderly, and 3. to propose guidelines for enhancing self-esteem grounded in Buddhist psychology for the elderly. A mixed-methods research design was employed. The qualitative phase involved in-depth interviews with 13 key informants selected through purposive sampling, including elderly individuals, community leaders, local wisdom scholars, and psychologists. The quantitative phase utilized questionnaires administered to 226 elderly participants aged 60–69 years in Chumphon Subdistrict, Ongkharak District, Nakhon Nayok Province, using simple random sampling according to Krejcie and Morgan’s sample size table. The research instruments demonstrated strong content validity (IOC = 0.80–1.00) and high reliability for both the Virtuous Living Scale based on the Seven Qualities of a Good Person (Sappurisa-dhamma) (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.97) and the Self-Esteem Scale (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.94). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

The results revealed that 1. self-esteem based on Buddhist psychology among the elderly comprised four dimensions: significance, competence, self-empowerment, and virtue. Five key factors influencing self-esteem were identified: physical and mental health, family, economic conditions, social relationships, and wisdom–spiritual aspects. 2. The overall self-esteem level of the elderly was high (x̅ = 3.73, SD = 0.46). There was a strong positive correlation between virtuous living according to the Seven Qualities of a Good Person (Sappurisa-dhamma) and self-esteem (r = 0.725, p < 0.01). 3. Five practical guidelines were proposed to enhance self-esteem based on Buddhist psychology: 1) developing self-acceptance, 2) fostering social interaction, 3) empowering life roles and responsibilities, 4) balancing economic and holistic well-being, and 5) cultivating wisdom for authentic self-value.