AN INTEGRATIVE BUDDHIST MENTAL DEVELOPMENT APPROACH TO PREVENT SUICIDE OF NONG KHAI PROVINCIAL POLICE OFFICERS

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the problematic condition and causes of suicide of Nong Khai Provincial Police officials; 2) to study the mental development integrated with Buddhism to prevent suicide of Nong Khai Provincial Police officials; 3) to propose an integrative Buddhist mental development approach to prevent suicide of police officers in Nong Khai Province. This study was carried out by means of qualitative research by studying the documents and in-depth interviews with key informants. The obtained data were interpreted by the descriptive analysis.

The results showed that problems causing suicide among police officers in Nong Khai Province consisted of 4 aspects: family; health, debt and work stress.

The mental development integrated with Buddhism to prevent suicide of Nong Khai Provincial Police officials: as problems and causes of suicide of police officials affected the mind and mental weakness, the mind must be trained to be strong according to the integrative Buddhism. The principles of mental development according to Cittānupassanā (Contemplation of mind) integrated with the Four Gharāvāsa Dhammas (Virtues of Householder) to solve problems and causes of suicide.

An integrative Buddhist mental development approach to prevent suicide of police officers in Nong Khai Province can be made by setting the mind to determine the reality and integration of the Four Gharāvāsa Dhammas as follows: namely 1) be honest with oneself and family, think of family members; 2) control ones’ mind and think that problems always have a solution; 3) have patience with problems, do not rush to make short-thinking decisions; 4) sacrifice personal happiness for family, consult a family member or a respected people to help find a solution.