Monks’ Roles in Mental Health and Psychosocial Supports during COVID-19 Pandemic in a Rural Community in Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed to explore situations and monks’ roles relating to mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 13 participants (8 males and 5 females), aged 25-76 years old, were recruited in in-depth interviews guided by semi-structured questions. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. This research found that monks were involved in two situations and with various roles: (1) vaccination-related roles: being a role model, encouraging community leaders by using Buddhist principles and changing attitudes of anti-vaccination people; and (2) daily-life supporting roles, including being consumption good distributors and providing mental health first aids when asking for alms. Monks played crucial roles in MHPSS at a community level during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, monks should advocate participation in mental health promotion, i.e., mental health education and mental health care according to geographical settings, sociocultural backgrounds, and Buddhist principles.