A Model for Developing Problem-Solving Intelligence and Overcoming Obstacles to Create Emotional Immunity for Thai Youth Based on Buddhist Wisdom

Abstract

This study aimed to: (1) investigate the problems and approaches related to developing adversity quotient and the ability to overcome obstacles in order to strengthen psychological resilience based on Buddhist wisdom among Thai youth; (2) develop activities to promote adversity quotient and the ability to overcome obstacles; and (3) evaluate the outcomes of the developed program. A mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating documentary research, qualitative research, quantitative research, and quasi-experimental research. Data were collected from 10 key informants, 114 lower-secondary school students from six educational opportunity expansion schools in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, and 90 participants in the experimental phase, who were divided into an experimental group (n = 45) and a control group (n = 45). The research instruments were reviewed by five experts, yielding an average Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) of .80 and a Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of .820.

The findings revealed that: (1) the youth experienced difficulties in problem analysis, emotional regulation, the application of Buddhist principles in daily life, and access to appropriate social support, reflecting a need for psychologically safe spaces and nonjudgmental listeners; (2) the “Strong-Hearted Thai Youth” program was developed with a total duration of 17 hours, comprising nine core activities and two follow-up activities, for a total of 11 activities. The program integrated Buddhist principles with the concepts of Adversity Quotient and Resilience, and was further synthesized into the I.B.R. Courage Model; and (3) after the intervention, the experimental group had significantly higher overall adversity quotient scores than the control group (p = .018) and significantly higher overall psychological resilience scores (p = .044). Repeated-measures analysis within the experimental group also showed significant differences in overall adversity quotient scores across pre-test, post-test, and follow-up periods (F = 220.86, p < .001), as well as significant differences in overall psychological resilience scores across the three measurement periods (F = 4.80, p = .010). These findings indicate the potential of integrating Buddhist wisdom with psychological processes to enhance adversity quotient and psychological resilience among youth in the context studied.