Buddhist Meditation and Positive Psychology: Cultivating Happiness, Gratitude, and Life Satisfaction
Iconic Research and Engineering Journals May 25, 2026 Nguyen Thi Nhien Trang, Le Hong Linh
A mixed-methods quasi-experimental study with 85 adults in Vietnam found that practicing Buddhist meditation (mindfulness and loving-kindness) led to significant increases in life satisfaction, subjective happiness, and gratitude compared to a wait-list control group. Gains were substantial (Cohen's d = 0.89, 0.76, and 0.65) and largely maintained at a 3-month follow-up. Qualitative reports indicated improved present-moment awareness, self-compassion, emotional regulation, and a sense of interconnectedness. The findings suggest Buddhist meditation practices are effective tools for enhancing well-being in non-Western cultural contexts.