Guidelines Guidelines for Reducing Students’ Stress Based on the Four Brahmavihara Principles in Schools Under the Ubon Ratchathani–Amnat Charoen Secondary Educational Service Area Office, Warin Cluster

Abstract

The objectives of this research included: 1) to examine the current state of students’ stress; 2) to investigate methods for reducing stress based on the Four Brahmavihara principles; and 3) to propose guidelines for reducing students’ stress based on the Four Brahmavihara principles in schools under the Ubon Ratchathani–Amnat Charoen Secondary Educational Service Area Office, Warin Cluster. This study employed a multi-phase mixed-methods research design consisting of three phases as follows: Phase 1, examining the current state of students’ stress, the sample consisted of 379 students. The research instrument was a questionnaire and the data were analyzed by using percentage, mean, and standard deviation; Phase 2, investigating methods for reducing stress based on the Four Brahmavihara principles through 20 key informants. The research instrument was an interview form, and the data were analyzed by using content analysis; Phase 3, proposing guidelines for reducing students’ stress based on the Four Brahmavihara principles by summarizing the current state and the results of interviewing key informants, then proposing the guidelines for reducing students’ stress based on the Four Brahmavihara principles in schools under the Ubon Ratchathani–Amnat Charoen Secondary Educational Service Area Office, Warin Cluster.แThe research results were as follows.1.The overall level of students’ stress was at a high level and all dimensions were at a high level. The dimension with the highest mean score was psychological/emotional stress, followed by overall stress/anxiety, and the dimension with the lowest mean score was social/academic stress. 2.The methods for reducing students’ stress based on the Four Brahmavihara principles in schools under the Ubon Ratchathani–Amnat Charoen Secondary Educational Service Area Office, Warin Cluster were as follows. In physical tension, teachers should organize appropriate activities that did not put pressure but promoted relaxation and care of students’ health. In psychological/emotional stress, a cozy atmosphere should be created through listening, consulting, and boosting students’ morale. In social/academic stress, good relationships should be built while lessen competition but ensure justice in classes. In overall stress/anxiety, life planning, positive thinking, and being mindful in facing problems should be encouraged. 3.The guidelines for stress reduction based on the Four Brahmavihara principles in schools under the Ubon Ratchathani–Amnat Charoen Secondary Educational Service Area Office, Warin Cluster were as follows. In physical dimension, appropriate activities should be organized, and health and relaxation should be promoted. In psychological/emotional dimension, a cozy atmosphere should be created through provision of counseling and building confidence. In social/academic dimension, cooperation, harmony and justice should be promoted. For the overall dimensions of stress, life planning, goal setting, and mindfulness practicing should be promoted. In this regard, the integration of all the principles of loving-kindness (mettā), compassion (karunā), altruistic (or sympathetic) joy (muditā), and equanimity (upekkhā) would help lessen students’ stresses and appropriately develop themselves.