Buddhist Innovation: Building Resilience Quotient in Non-Communicable Disease Risk Groups

Abstract

This article aimed to: (1) examine and synthesize concepts and approaches to building psychological resilience; (2) develop a resilience-building process for at-risk NCD populations; and (3) evaluate its effectiveness and present a Buddhist innovation project on strengthening psychological resilience among at-risk NCD populations. The study drew on resilience theory, self-efficacy theory, and Buddhist principles particularly the Four Noble Truths as its conceptual framework, and was conducted at primary healthcare units in central Thailand. A mixed-methods design was employed. For the qualitative phase, five key informants including Buddhist monks, mental health academics, public health personnel, and community leaders were purposively selected. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and focus group discussions using a semi-structured interview guide, and were analyzed through thematic content analysis. For the quantitative phase, the sample consisted of 30 NCD patients purposively selected from primary healthcare registries. Data were gathered via pre- and post-program resilience questionnaires and process evaluation forms, and were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and paired-samples t-tests.

The findings showed that: (1) modern psychology and Buddhist principles complemented each other and could be integrated into a systematic Buddhist innovation framework for strengthening resilience; (2) the developed process comprising mindfulness cultivation, self-efficacy enhancement, group-based learning, and application of the Four Noble Truths was found suitable for primary healthcare contexts; and (3) participants' resilience scores increased significantly at the .05 level after completing the program, consistent with qualitative evidence of improved illness acceptance, emotional regulation, and sense of hope.

The study produced an integrative Buddhist innovation model for psychological resilience building that is practical for community level implementation and applicable to broader holistic health program development.