Effects of TMV-Based Mindfulness Practices on Student Happiness at the International Buddhist Studies College

Abstract

This pilot study examined the effects of a five-day mindfulness intervention grounded in Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna (TMV) Buddhist practices on subjective happiness among undergraduate students at the International Buddhist Studies College (IBSC), Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. The study had two objectives: (1) to examine whether a five-day TMV-based mindfulness intervention was associated with improvement in students’ subjective happiness; and (2) to test the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a mindfulness innovation course in a Buddhist academic context. A mixed-delivery, single-group pre-test/post-test design was employed with 20 undergraduate students. Subjective happiness was measured before and after the intervention using a 15-item adapted Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ). The adapted instrument demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = .81) and strong content validity based on expert Item–Objective Congruence review. Paired-samples t-test results indicated a statistically significant increase in happiness scores from pre-test (M = 4.08, SD = 0.35) to post-test (M = 4.26, SD = 0.41), t(19) = -3.51, p = .002. Qualitative feedback also suggested high engagement, acceptability, and practical feasibility.

The findings indicate that a short TMV-based mindfulness intervention is feasible and associated with preliminary short-term improvement in self-reported happiness among IBSC students. However, because the study used a small convenience sample, lacked random assignment and a control group, and measured outcomes only immediately after the intervention, the results should be interpreted as preliminary rather than causal evidence. The study contributes to culturally grounded mindfulness research by demonstrating the practical potential of integrating Buddhist contemplative traditions into student well-being programs.