Online Dhamma for Enhancing Psychological Well-Being among Multicultural Practitioners in London, UK.
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Abstract
This mixed-methods study examined the use of online Dhamma practice to enhance psychological well-being among multicultural practitioners in London, United Kingdom. The study had three objectives: (1) to explore participants’ current psychological well-being and major life challenges; (2) to develop and implement a four-week online Mindfulness, Wisdom, and Loving-kindness (MWL) program; and (3) to evaluate changes in psychological well-being after participation. Thirty multicultural Dhamma practitioners participated in the three-phase study. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews, focus-group discussions, action-research observations, and follow-up interviews, while quantitative data were collected using a 10-item Mental Health Well-being Questionnaire adapted from the Thai Mental Well-being Scale (Pimthong et al., 2022). Phase 1 identified fluctuating well-being, work–life imbalance, relationship and family difficulties, health concerns, cultural-inclusivity needs, and differing levels of community support and engagement. Following the intervention, the paired total score increased from M = 37.90 (SD = 3.33) to M = 62.47 (SD = 3.07), a mean increase of 24.57 points, t(29) = 45.89, p < .001, with a calculated 95% CI for the mean difference of [23.47, 25.66]. Item-level effects were consistently large (Cohen’s d = 1.56–1.61; Cliff’s delta = 0.84–0.93). Follow-up interviews indicated six principal experiential themes: enhanced mental clarity, increased calm and emotional stability, deeper understanding of impermanence, strengthened compassion, reconnection with purpose and values, and greater gratitude. The convergence of quantitative and qualitative findings suggests that the culturally responsive online Dhamma program was associated with substantial short-term improvements in psychological well-being.
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