DEVELOPMENT OF A BUDDHIST INNOVATION BASED ON THE FOURFOLD DEVELOPMENT TO ENHANCE THE HAPPINESS OF PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN BANGKOK

Abstract

This study aimed to 1) Survey the happiness levels of parents of children with special needs in Bangkok, 2) Develop a Buddhist innovation based on the Fourfold Development (Bhāvanā 4) to enhance their happiness, and 3) Examine its effects on their happiness. A mixed-methods design comprised two phases. Phase 1 involved survey research with 214 parents selected through simple random sampling. Phase 2 employed a one-group pretest–posttest quasi-experimental design with 19 participants. Research instruments included a happiness questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.955 and a Bhāvanā 4 activity manual evaluated by five experts. Quantitative data were analyzed using percentages, means, standard deviations, and a t-test. Qualitative data were collected during and after the intervention through questionnaires and reflective activities and analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that 1) Parents’ overall happiness was high (M = 4.14, S.D. = 0.900). Acceptance of their children’s conditions had the highest mean score, followed by psychological resilience, confidence in caring for their children, and family relationships. 2) The Buddhist innovation comprised seven core activities encompassing physical, moral, mental, and wisdom development. Its appropriateness was rated at the highest level (M = 4.72). and 3) Participants’ happiness scores after the intervention were significantly higher than their pre-intervention scores at the .05 level. Reflections on their experiences indicated increased confidence in caring for their children, greater use of mindfulness to manage emotions, acceptance of their children’s conditions as they were, improved family relationships, and greater inner peace.