HAPPINESS BASED ON RELIGION AMONG PRE-RETIREMENT STAGE CAREERS OF BUDDHISTS IN THAILAND: INSIGHTS  FROM A NATIONAL SURVEY

Suriya Klangrit; Tzu-Chuen Lu; Wipavanee Phueakbuakhao; Chainarin Tubmarerng; Phramaha Ekkapan Warathammanyu; Yasothara Siripaprapagon; Vimal Kumar

Authors

Suriya Klangrit Department of Information Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung, Taiwan
Tzu-Chuen Lu Department of Information Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung, Taiwan
Wipavanee Phueakbuakhao Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Phetchaburi Rajaphat University, Petchaburi, Thailand
Chainarin Tubmarerng Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Industry, Surindra Rajabhat University, Surin, Thailand
Phramaha Ekkapan Warathammanyu Faculty of Education, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Surin, Thailand
Yasothara Siripaprapagon Dhamma Practice Center, Surin, Thailand
Vimal Kumar Department of Information Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung, Taiwan

Keywords:

Happiness, Religion, Pre-retirement Stage Careers, Buddhists, Thailand

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Thailand was a predominantly Buddhist country where religious beliefs and practices were deeply embedded in the social and cultural fabric of the population. Religion plays a significant role in shaping individual values, coping mechanisms, and overall well-being. For individuals in the pre-retirement stage, particularly those aged 50-60, this period was marked by significant life transitions, including career wind-down and preparation for retirement. It was during this stage that the interplay between religiosity and happiness became particularly relevant, as spiritual practices and religious activities might have served as sources of emotional support and life satisfaction. The objective of this research was to examine the relationship between happiness and religion among pre-retirement stage careers of Buddhists (Aged 50-60)
in Thailand, with a focus on understanding how religiosity and religious activities contributed to their overall happiness.

Methodology: This study analyzed secondary data from the 2018 Survey on Conditions of Society, Culture, and Mental Health, which was conducted by Thailand's National Statistical Office. The nationwide data collection used population size for proportional stratification, with households being surveyed through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. A subset of 6,060 individuals aged 50-60 years, who represented pre-retirement stage careers of Buddhists,
was manually extracted for hypothesis testing that focused on this demographic.

Main Results: The findings confirmed that both religiosity and specific religious activities played a critical role in promoting psychological well-being among pre-retirement stage careers of Buddhists. Activities such as praying, observing the Five Precepts, meditation, participating in ordination ceremonies, becoming a nun, and engaging in New Year prayers significantly enhanced happiness in this demographic. Additionally, religious activities like charity donations, using religious teachings to solve life problems, and practicing according to religious principles also showed strong positive associations with happiness. These activities provided meaningful ways to integrate spirituality into daily life, enhancing emotional resilience and a sense of direction during the transitional phase of retirement.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: This finding aligned with the framework of the Applied Buddhism Group, which involved the application of Buddhism alongside modern or recent knowledge and the use of research on religious principles from a new perspective, such as their impact on societal well-being. The finding suggested that integrating Buddhist knowledge could be applied to enhance the mental well-being of the Thai population. It fell under the category of Buddhism and the development of wisdom and morality, such as the application of Buddhist teachings in societal aspects or the use of Buddhist principles to promote mental happiness among Buddhists. Regarding the issue of alignment with Buddhism and the development of wisdom and morality as the foundation of happiness, this study validated the discovery and demonstrated how these teachings could be effectively applied to enhance happiness in the lives of Buddhists.

Conclusions: This study highlighted the significant role of both religiosity and specific religious activities in promoting psychological happiness among pre-retirement stage careers of Buddhists. Key practices, such as religiosity, were found to be strongly associated with increased happiness. Moreover, religious activities also had a positive impact on happiness. The study underscored the importance of religiosity and religious activities in fostering psychological well-being and happiness among pre-retirement Buddhists, making a compelling case for incorporating these practices into mental health and public health strategies.

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