Developing a Process for Observing the Five Precepts to Enhance Emotional Well-being Among Working Adults at Buddhamahametta Foundation

Abstract

This study developed and evaluated a structured process for integrating the Five Precepts into daily reflective practice to support emotional well-being among working adults. The study had three objectives: to examine emotional well-being challenges in contemporary work settings; to interpret the Five Precepts as a practical framework for ethical awareness and emotional regulation; and to develop and preliminarily evaluate a 14-day audio-guided reflective process. A mixed-methods developmental design was conducted in three phases comprising documentary and qualitative exploration, process development and expert review, and field implementation. The intervention consisted of daily audio-guided reflections lasting approximately four to six minutes. Quantitative data were collected using the 17-item Emotional Well-Being Questionnaire (EWBQ), which assesses emotional awareness and positivity, social connection and support, meaningful engagement, and accomplishment and growth. Qualitative data were obtained through follow-up interviews and reflective accounts. Descriptive pretest-posttest comparisons indicated higher posttest scores across the four EWBQ domains, while qualitative findings suggested greater awareness of the relationship among intention, emotion, speech, and action. Participants described pausing before reacting, communicating more carefully, and considering the effects of their behavior on colleagues and family members. They also regarded the short audio format as feasible within ordinary work routines. The study proposes the Five Precepts Reflective Process Model, in which ethical reflection is linked to heightened awareness, improved emotional regulation, and more constructive interpersonal conduct. Because the manuscript does not yet report the sample size, instrument psychometrics, exact quantitative results, or a comparison group, the findings should be interpreted as preliminary evidence of feasibility and perceived benefit rather than proof of effectiveness.