A Mindfulness and Self-Esteem Strengthening Model for the Happiness of Elders in Thai Society

Abstract

The objectives of the study were 1) to study factors enhancing happiness based on Buddhist psychology for the elderly in Thai society; 2) to create a model for developing mindfulness and self-esteem based on Buddhist psychology to enhance happiness of the elderly in Thai society; and 3) to present a model for developing mindfulness and self-esteem based on Buddhist psychology to enhance happiness of the elderly in Thai society. The qualitative study used in-depth interviews to collect data from 17 key informants and a focus group discussion with 17 specialists. The connoisseurship of a model was certified by nine experts. The collected data were analyzed and synthesized using content analysis techniques.

The results of the research showed as follows: 1. Factors enhancing happiness based on Buddhist psychology for the elderly in Thai society consisted of the Buddhist principles, including the Four Foundations of Mindfulness and Bhavana 4, and the psychological theories and concepts included Perma Model and a self-esteem of Cooper smith as consistent and suitable for enhancing mindfulness and self-esteem for the happiness of the elderly in Thai society in 4 physical, psychological, social and intellectual aspects. 2. A model for developing mindfulness and self-esteem based on Buddhist psychology to enhance the happiness of the elderly in Thai society was a creation of the model by integrating Buddhist principles, psychological theories, and the concepts of the elderly in Thai society called " a LOVES Model," consisting of 6 important components including 1) the format name, 2) the principles and reasons, 3) the purpose, 4) the content of the model, 5) the implementation of the model, and 6) the monitoring and evaluation, really resulted in developing mindfulness and self-esteem based on Buddhist psychology to enhance happiness of the elderly in Thai society. 3. A model for developing mindfulness and self-esteem based on Buddhist psychology to enhance the happiness of the elderly in Thai society called "a LOVEs Model" was meant 1) L -Lifelong learning to choose to learn what one likes, to comprehend life's reality. 2) O – Opportunity to see chances in every moment, particularly in difficult times. 3) V – Value of self-esteem with optimism inevitably bringing about happiness in life, 4) E – Equality in Life with effective living. 5) S - Self-Esteem and self-respect.