The Organization of Psychological Learning Activities to Promote Positive Thinking in the Science and Art of Creating Happiness Course for Students at Mahasarakham Rajabhat University

Abstract

              This research aimed to 1) study the effects of psychological learning activities on the positive thinking of students at Mahasarakham Rajabhat University enrolled in the course "The Science and Art of Happiness," and 2) compare the students' positive thinking before and after participating in these activities. The sample consisted of 119 students at Mahasarakham Rajabhat University who were enrolled in course 826622012, "The Science and Art of Happiness," during the second semester of the 2023 academic year, selected using purposive sampling. The research instruments included six psychological learning activities and a 32-item positive thinking measurement scale with a reliability coefficient of α = .861. Data were analyzed using the mean, standard deviation, and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. The results showed that 1) Mahasarakham Rajabhat University students demonstrated an overall high level of positive thinking. When considering each aspect separately—including listening to and respecting others, optimism, courage in facing problems and obstacles, self-confidence, individuality, and emotional control—all were rated at a high level. Furthermore, 2) the students' positive thinking was significantly higher after participating in the psychological learning activities compared to before, at the p < .05 level of statistical significance.