DEVELOPMENT OF AN AI-BASED DHAMMA TIKTOK PLATFORM INSPIRED BY BUDDHIST TEACHINGS TO PROMOTE PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE AMONG THE WORKFORCE

Narumon Jiwattanasuk; Phra Medhavinaiyaros Suthep Buddhachanya; Phra Kittiched Premsakul; Phramaha Weerasak Sangphong; Supaporn Tongsupachok; Chintar  Fungladda

Authors

Narumon Jiwattanasuk International Buddhist Studies College, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand
Phra Medhavinaiyaros Suthep Buddhachanya Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
Phra Kittiched Premsakul Faculty of Buddhism, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand
Phramaha Weerasak Sangphong International Buddhist Studies College, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand
Supaporn Tongsupachok International Buddhist Studies College, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand
Chintar Fungladda International Buddhist Studies College, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand

Keywords:

AI-based Dhamma TikTok, Buddhist Teachings, Psychological Resilience, Workforce

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Thailand's rapid transition from an agricultural-based economy to industrial and service-based sectors has intensified workplace stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion among the workforce. These mental health challenges were further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased job insecurity and psychological distress. Although employee assistance programs are widely available, many interventions remain grounded primarily in Western psychological frameworks and often lack cultural relevance within Thai society. At the same time, short-form digital platforms such as TikTok have become influential communication channels but frequently contain misinformation and limited evidence-based mental health content. Consequently, a significant empirical gap persists regarding interventions that integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) with indigenous cultural wisdom to support psychological resilience. This study, therefore, aimed to: Examine current mental health challenges and resilience needs among the workforce; Develop an AI-based dhamma TikTok platform inspired by Buddhist teachings to enhance psychological resilience; And evaluate the effectiveness of the AI-based dhamma TikTok platform among working adults.

Methodology: This study employed a three-phase mixed-methods Research and Development (R&D) design. Phase 1 used semi-structured interviews with 35 workforce informants to explore current mental health challenges and resilience needs, using thematic analysis. Phase 2 involved the development and validation of 30 AI-generated Dhamma video clips integrating the Four Noble Truths (Ariyāsacca 4) and the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipaṭṭhāna 4). Content development was conducted through in-depth interviews with experts (n = 17) and validated through focus group discussions (n = 9) before implementation as a 30-day intervention. Phase 3 employed a mixed-methods evaluation, including a pre-post assessment with the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10) and post-intervention qualitative interviews.

Main Results: Phase 1 identified three major mental health challenges among the workforce: Work-related stress, emotional and cognitive dysregulation, and interpersonal strain. Three resilience needs were also identified, including emotional support, emotional regulation skills, and accessible mental health tools. Phase 2 resulted in the development of an AI-based Dhamma TikTok platform featuring an animated novice monk delivering 30 short-form video clips grounded in a Buddhist psychological resilience framework. In Phase 3, quantitative findings demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in resilience scores, increasing from a moderate level ( $\bar{x}$ = 23.29, S.D. = 5.91) before the intervention to a high level after the intervention ( $\bar{x}$ = 33.26, S.D. = 5.55), as confirmed by paired sample t-test analysis (t = 7.9060, p < 0.01). Qualitative findings further indicated reduced occupational stress, improved emotional regulation, and more compassionate interpersonal relationships in the workplace.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: The finding demonstrated that the Four Noble Truths and the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, when adapted into digital micro-practices, could support psychological resilience through inner regulation, empathic connection, purposeful mindset, and transformative growth. The resulting Samanera Kiddy Dhamma Wheel Model (SKDWM) integrated Buddhist contemplative principles with AI-supported digital communication for workforce mental health promotion. The study therefore contributes to both Traditional Buddhism, through the application of the Four Noble Truths and the Four Foundations of Mindfulness derived from Buddhadhamma and the Pali Canon, and Applied Buddhism in the areas of Buddhist Innovation.

Conclusion: This AI-based Dhamma TikTok platform showed potential for enhancing psychological resilience among the Thai workforce by integrating Buddhist contemplative practice with modern digital technology. The intervention contributed to reduced occupational stress, improved emotional regulation, and healthier interpersonal interaction. The findings suggest that culturally grounded digital mental health tools offer a practical approach for workplace wellness promotion, helping working adults cultivate mindfulness, emotional balance, and inner resilience amid the pressures of everyday working life. Future studies should include larger samples, longer intervention periods, and broader population groups to further evaluate the effectiveness and applicability of the model.

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