A Model for Using Buddhist Psychology to Enhance Concentration for Childhood: A Case Study of Wat Pa Pradu Phra Aram Luang Child Development Center, Muang District, Rayong Province

Abstract

     This article has three objectives: 1) to develop an activity handbook and a Buddhist psychological model for enhancing concentration among early childhood children; 2) to examine the behaviors of early childhood children after experimenting with the Buddhist psychological model for improving their concentration; and 3) to propose a Buddhist psychological model for enhancing concentration in early childhood children. This qualitative action research was conducted with the guidance of key informants and focus group discussions to design an activity manual and a model for using Buddhist psychology in developing concentration in early childhood. The 50-hour program targeted 60 early childhood children. The target group consisted of 60 early childhood children selected through purposive sampling. Data obtained from in-depth interviews were analyzed using content analysis.
     The research findings revealed:
     1) Obtained an activity manual, a model for using psychology to enhance concentration in early childhood children for a period of 50 hours, consisting of 1) a table of activity manuals for enhancing concentration in early childhood children 2) a 50-hour meditation teaching schedule (17 sessions, 3 hours/1 session on Buddhist holy days 3) a homework schedule for practicing meditation before bed for 5 weeks (35 nights) for early childhood children 4) a behavior table for all 6 groups of early childhood children 5) a table of all 6 activities 6) a table of 6 activities appropriate for the behavior of all 6 groups of early childhood children 7) presenting a model for using Buddhist psychology to enhance concentration in early childhood children
     2) After using the model for using psychology to enhance concentration in early childhood children, children demonstrated positive behaviors in communication, body control, mind control, focused concentration, extended stillness, self-love, and gentleness toward themselves and others.
     3) The "5AB Model" was developed: 5 activities and 5 behaviors: 1) speaking/listening activities appropriate for (Group 1 children who do not speak and do not answer questions); 2) walking/holding a glass of water activities appropriate for (Group 2 children who are distracted). Pressure, self-harm, and hitting friends) 3) Activities to move the body and stop the body that are appropriate for (behavior of children in group 3, children who have slow responses, awareness is much slower than normal, the mind is not in the present) 4) Imaginative activities in meditation (drawing) that are appropriate for (behavior of children in group 4, children who have short attention spans, low patience, cannot wait, cannot stay still) 5) Meditation activities to touch love that are appropriate for (behavior of children in group 5, children who are depressed, cry)
     The researcher applied the research findings to develop a model called the “5AB Model,” consisting of five activities and five behaviors, which serve as a body of knowledge guiding the enhancement of concentration. The model of applying Buddhist psychology to strengthen concentration among early childhood children demonstrates activities that correspond to specific behaviors, leading to improve development and greater capacity in practicing concentration.