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Enhancing Elderly Happiness and Well-Being Through Mandala Meditation Art

Phramaha Thanawut Yanasopano, Wiphawan Limphaibool, Phrakhru Kowitarttawatee

The International Journal of Health, Wellness, and Society April 27, 2026 DOI: 10.18848/2156-8960/cgp/a458 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Sequential mixed-method design Qualitative Peer reviewed
Sample size 30
Population Elderly participants aged 60 and above in Thailand
Intervention Mandala art-based meditation program
Duration Eleven-month intervention with forty-four weekly sessions
Measures Buddhist Happiness Scale
Topics Meditation
Key points Significant improvements across all happiness domains, particularly emotional well-being, with participants reporting greater mindfulness, emotional balance, and social connectedness after the mandala meditation program.

Abstract

Thailand’s rapid transition into a super-aged society presents critical challenges for promoting health and well-being among older adults. This study examines how a mandala art-based meditation program can function as a culturally grounded health promotion strategy to enhance happiness and mental wellness in elderly populations. A sequential mixed-method design was employed. In Phase 1, in-depth interviews with nine participants explored elderly perceptions of happiness, which were categorized into four domains aligned with Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) framework: physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being. Phase 2 involved thirty participants aged 60 and above, who joined an eleven-month intervention of forty-four weekly mandala meditation art sessions, assessed through a pre–post Buddhist Happiness Scale. Phase 3 reflective discussions provided qualitative insights into lived experiences. Results revealed significant improvements across all domains, particularly emotional well-being, with participants reporting greater mindfulness, emotional balance, and social connectedness. These findings suggest that mandala-based meditation, grounded in Buddhist principles, may serve as an effective, low-cost, and culturally relevant approach to promoting elderly well-being in aging societies.

Comparable studies

Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists Western Buddhist meditation practitioners and experts in Theravāda, Zen, and Tibetan... 2017 Qualitative study with mixed-methods
The Effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction on Nurse Stress and Burnout Nurses in a hospital system 2004 Implementation study with mixed methods
An exploratory mixed methods study of the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness -based cognitive therapy for patients with active depression and anxiety in primary care Primary care patients with recurrent depression or recurrent depression and anxiety 2006 Exploratory mixed methods study n = 13
A qualitative study of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for depression Participants in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in a mental-health context 2001 Qualitative study n = 7
Effortless awareness: using real time neurofeedback to investigate correlates of posterior cingulate cortex activity in meditators' self-report Meditators 2013 Qualitative study using grounded theory methodology

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Meditation Buddhism