Relationship between mental health literacy and mental health status among Buddhist monks

Abstract

Although Buddhist monks play a role as sources of support and in promoting community mental well-being, some monks still experience mental health problems. This descriptive correlational study aimed to examine the mental health status, level of mental health literacy (MHL), and the relationship between MHL and mental health status among Buddhist monks in Chiang Rai Province. The participants consisted of 405 monks selected through convenience sampling. Research instruments included (1) a general information questionnaire, (2) a mental health literacy assessment comprising three sections, with section one showing a Kuder-Richardson Formula 20 (KR-20) reliability coefficient of .71 and sections two and three showing Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of .75 and .80, respectively, and (3) the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank-order correlation coefficient. The findings revealed that the majority of participants had normal mental health status, accounting for 96 percent. Regarding mental health literacy, most participants demonstrated a good level in the component of the ability to recognize, prevent, and manage mental health problems, accounting for 73.83 percent. This component showed a low, statistically significant positive correlation with overall mental health status (r=.114, p<.05). However, the components of knowledge and beliefs about mental health showed no statistically significant relationship. Therefore, health personnel, relevant agencies, and monastic organizations should promote and systematically develop monks’ mental health literacy by emphasizing the development of skills in problem recognition, stress management, and appropriate coping, in order to support the sustainable care of monks’ mental health.