Developing a Gratitude-Driven Buddhist Meditation Model for Enhancing Adolescent Mental Well-Being: A Case Study of the Buddhamahametta Foundation

Abstract

This article develops and evaluates a gratitude-driven meditation model to enhance adolescents’ mental well-being by integrating mindfulness, wisdom, loving-kindness, gratitude practice, and the Dhamma Gīta. The study has three objectives: to analyze the root causes of emotional distress among adolescents at the Buddhamahametta Foundation; to explore key components of meditation practices in the Dhamma Gīta that support adolescent well-being; and to develop and validate a gratitude-driven meditation model to improve adolescent mental health. The study employed a mixed-methods research design consisting of documentary analysis, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest assessment. The participants included 39 adolescents aged 12–16 who had attended meditation retreats at the Buddhamahametta Foundation, as well as 12 key informants, including meditation masters, adolescent practitioners, and mindfulness educators. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a paired-samples t-test, and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, while qualitative data were analyzed through content and narrative analyses.

           The findings revealed that adolescents experienced emotional distress mainly from academic pressure, uncertainty about the future, fear of making mistakes, concerns about appearance, family problems, friendship changes, social media use, and limited coping skills. The study also found that mindfulness, loving-kindness, gratitude, bowing meditation, appreciation for parents and teachers, and the Dhamma Gīta were important components in supporting emotional balance, self-awareness, concentration, and interpersonal connection. The MWL Program significantly improved adolescents’ mental well-being, with posttest scores exceeding pretest scores and qualitative reflections indicating increased calmness, focus, emotional regulation, compassion, and gratitude. The study contributes to Buddhist studies, youth mental health, and holistic education by presenting a culturally grounded, low-cost, and practice-based meditation model for adolescent well-being.