AN INTEGRATED CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK OF BUDDHIST ETHICS FOR ENHANCING PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE IN HEALTH EDUCATION CURRICULUM FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

Mental health issues among adolescents are escalating at an alarming rate, making mental resilience a crucial skill for coping with crises. However, current health education curricula primarily focus on physical health management and apply Western psychological concepts that tend to address problems at the endpoint, thereby lacking a spiritual anchor. Consequently, this academic article aims to present an Integrated Conceptual Framework for Building Mental Immunity, derived from the author's knowledge synthesis that combines Western psychological resilience with the foundations of Buddhist ethics. The synthesis reveals that sustainable mental immunity can be driven through two main dimensions of Buddhist mechanisms: 1) building personal immunity via the "Threefold Training" (Trisikkha), utilizing 'Sila' (Morality) to establish a safe foundation, 'Samadhi' (Concentration) as a tool for emotional regulation, and 'Panya' (Wisdom) to develop problem-solving skills; and 2) creating social equilibrium via the "Four Sublime States" (Brahma-viharas) to enhance positive relationships and emotional stability. The author systematically organizes these relationships through an integrated synthesis matrix and presents practical guidelines for its application via concrete learning activities in health education. The significant contribution of this article is the introduction of a cognitive innovation that elevates health education from knowledge-based teaching to a proactive life-skills incubation process. This conceptual framework serves as a universal intellectual tool, independent of religious beliefs, that builds mental immunity, enabling youth to understand, let go, and sustainably recover from obstacles.