The Effects of Using Guidance Activities Package Set Based on the Four Noble Truths to Develop the Ability to Reduce Stress Levels Among Undergraduate Students of the Faculty of Technology and Environment, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus.

Abstract

This study aimed to: (1) compare students' ability to reduce stress levels before and after participating in a guidance activity package based on the Four Noble Truths; (2) compare the stress reduction ability of students in the experimental group using the Four Noble Truths-based program and the control group using general guidance activities; and (3) examine the satisfaction levels of students in the experimental group toward the activity package. The research employed a quasi-experimental design, with both pre-test and post-test assessments. The sample consisted of 30 undergraduate students from the Faculty of Technology and Environment, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus. They were selected through purposive sampling based on high stress levels (scoring 42–61 on the SPST-20 test) and voluntary participation. The students were divided into two groups: 15 in the experimental group and 15 in the control group. The research instruments included a stress reduction ability assessment tool (reliability = .94) and a set of guidance activities developed from the Four Noble Truths.

          The results revealed that:

          1) the experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement in stress reduction ability after participating in the program

          2) students in the experimental group had significantly greater stress reduction ability than those in the control group

          3) students expressed a high level of satisfaction with the guidance activity package based on the Four Noble Truths. These findings suggest that integrating Buddhist principles into guidance activities can effectively enhance students’ psychological coping mechanisms and stress management skills.