Buddhist Psychology-Based Self-Management in Cross-Cultural Contexts of Foreigners: A Documentary Research
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Abstract
This research aimed to: (1) examine the concepts and principles of Buddhist psychology-based self-management as found in the Tipitaka and related academic literature, (2) analyze cross-cultural contexts and the nature of challenges faced by foreigners in Thai society, and (3) synthesize appropriate applications of Buddhist psychological principles for self-management within cross-cultural contexts. A documentary research methodology was employed, systematically collecting and analyzing 45 quality-screened primary and secondary documents comprising the Tipitaka, academic works on Buddhist psychology, cross-cultural psychology, and research articles published in international journals.
The findings revealed that Buddhist psychological principles of self-management—namely sati (mindfulness), sampajañña (clear comprehension), and yoniso manasikāra (systematic attention/wise reflection)—demonstrate significant structural correspondence with Western self-regulation theories (Bandura, 1986; Carver & Scheier, 1998), particularly in dimensions of self-awareness, emotion regulation, behavioral adjustment, and metacognitive skill development. Furthermore, foreigners residing in Thailand face complex cross-cultural challenges at three interconnected levels: individual, social, and organizational. The Threefold Training (sīla/virtue, samādhi/concentration, paññā/wisdom) possesses demonstrated potential as a comprehensive, integrative cross-cultural self-management framework capable of addressing challenges at all three levels.
The synthesis further indicates that Buddhist psychology-based self-management approaches hold universal value transcending cultural boundaries, as they emphasize internal mental processes rather than externally culturally-bound behavioral patterns. The key mechanism is the cultivation of mindfulness to create a pause between sensory perception and response, enabling individuals to choose responses mindfully rather than reacting according to culturally conditioned habits. This research has significant implications for designing wellbeing and adaptation support programs for foreigners in multicultural contexts.
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