The Effectiveness of Happy Working Age Program in Community : A Case Study of Si Satchanalai District, Sukhothai Province.

Abstract

      This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a program for working-age people in enhancing their happiness and psychological resilience at a community level. In detail, a quasi-experimental research with two groups, pretest-posttest, is the study method. The sampling populations in each group consist of 40 working-age individuals in Si Satchanalai District, Sukhothai Province. The experimental group attended a one-day “working-age happiness program,” while the control group received standard mental health care activities.The study was conducted between January and June 2023. Data were analyzed by frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation distribution, dependent t – test, independent t - test, Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon signed rank test.

      The research results found that the majority of the sample were female, aged between 40 and 49 years, married, Buddhist, agricultural, secondary education, and income not exceeding 5,000 baht per month. and was insufficient to cover expenses; most had manageable debt and no chronic illness. They reported no distress during the previous month. After participating in the program, the experimental group showed a statistically significant increase in happiness scores, rising from 33.76 to 36.84 (p < .01). Posttest happiness scores in the experimental group were also significantly higher than those in the control group (36.84 compared with 32.25; p < .01). For psychological resilience, the experimental group demonstrated a significant improvement from 70.35 to 73.41 (p < .05) and their posttest resilience score was significantly higher than that of the control group (73.41 compared with 68.57; p < 01).