BUDDHA-DHAMMA APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPING INMATES’ QUALITY OF LIFE IN VOCATIONAL TRAINING PRIOR TO RELEASE AT TUNG PLONG TAI TEMPORARY PRISON, CHANTHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1. study the level of quality of life development among inmates participating in vocational training prior to release at Tung Plong Tai Temporary Prison, Chanthaburi Province; 2. examine the relationship between the Four Bhavana principles and inmates’ quality of life development; and 3. propose guidelines for applying Buddhist principles to enhance such quality of life. This study employed a mixed-methods research design. Quantitative data were collected from 50 inmates using questionnaires and analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with 9 key informants and analyzed using content analysis.

The findings revealed that: 1. the overall level of quality of life development among inmates prior to release was at a high level (μ = 3.61, σ = 0.54); 2. the Four Bhavana principles overall had a very low positive relationship with inmates’ quality of life development overall, with a very low positive relationship overall (r = .118); and 3. The guidelines for applying Buddhist principles involved integrating the Four Bhavana principles with five dimensions of development: physical health, mental health, vocational training, prison environment, and social support. Kaya Bhavana promotes physical well-being and discipline; Sila Bhavana enhances proper conduct; Citta Bhavana strengthens emotional stability; and Panna Bhavana fosters self-understanding and life planning after release.