The Effects of Group Activities based on Buddhist Psychology on the Enhancement of Self-Esteem Among Novice Monks in Buddhist Scripture Schools in Sisaket Province

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1. examine the self-esteem levels of novice monks; 2. develop Buddhist psychology-based group activities; and 3. investigate the effects of these activities on the self-esteem of novice monks in Buddhist Scripture Schools in Sisaket Province. A mixed-methods approach was employed. The quantitative phase consisted of a survey of 194 novice monks selected through simple random sampling to assess their self-esteem levels. Based on the survey results, nine novice monks with low-to-moderate self-esteem scores were purposively selected to participate in a quasi-experimental study using a one-group pretest–posttest design. The research instruments included: 1) a self-esteem scale based on Coopersmith’s theory, with a reliability coefficient (Cronbach’s alpha) of .939; and 2) a Buddhist psychology-based group activity package developed through the integration of group dynamics theory and the principle of Yoniso Manasikara. The activity package consisted of objectives, content, procedures, and evaluation criteria and was validated by experts. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test.

The findings revealed that: 1. the overall self-esteem level of the 194 novice monks was at a moderate level ( = 3.20, S.D. = 0.53); 2. the six developed group activities were evaluated by experts as highly appropriate ( = 3.51, S.D. = 0.72); and 3. after participating in the activities, the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher self-esteem scores than before participation at the .05 level of statistical significance. Qualitative findings indicated that the novice monks developed greater self-understanding, became more aware of their value to others, and gained increased confidence in their own potential.