This study aims to investigate the extent and factors that influence on the response to depression of Buddhists. The study was conducted on 150 Buddhists, 78 of them male and 72 female. Buddhists between the ages of 18 and 25, who are pupils, students or have been working. The results of the study show that, overall, the depression level of Buddhist monks in this study was lower than the level of youth depression in some of the available studies. Of these, the women have higher levels of depression than men. In addition, working-class Buddhists have slightly higher levels of depression than those who are unemployed and educated.
LEVELS AND FACTORS AFFECT ON THE RESPONSE TO DEPRESSION OF BUDDHIST IN HUE CITY Tran Viet Phong Lecturer at the Buddhist Academy/ Institute in Hue City E-mail: phongtran.trn6@gmail.com Abstract This study aims to investigate the extent and factors that influence on the response to depression of Buddhists The study was conducted on 150 Buddhists, 78 of them male and 72 female Buddhists between the ages of 18 and 25, who are pupils, students or have been working The results of the study show that, overall, the depression level of Buddhist monks in this study was lower than the level of youth depression in some of the available studies Of these, the women have higher levels of depression than men In addition, working-class Buddhists have slightly higher levels of depression than those who are unemployed and educated On the other hand, in the factors affecting the response to depression of the Buddhist religion, the support factor from the temple chosen by Buddhists is higher than other factors Key words: depression, Buddhist/ Buddhist believer/ Buddhist follower Opening The more modern the society is, the faster the pace of life is In the one hand, development leads to better living conditions, on the other hand it leads to stressors for all Most alarming is that stress is on the rise in adolescence Alvin Tofler figures out that "rapid and rapid social fluctuations are the stressors of modern depression." (2) (According to Dang Phuong Kiet (2004) According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression will become the second leading cause of labor disability in the world by 2020 and is the leading cause of disability among women Chiu (2004) infer to the incidence of depression within a month ranged from 1.3% to 5.5%, in the past year from 1.7% to 6.7%, and the incidence of depression in All life from 1.1% to 1.9% on average 3.7% lower than in many parts of the world In Australia, while in 2012 the rate of depression in the 18-35 age range is 7.98%, but by 2013 it has increased to 8.72% (6) (According to Chiu E (2004), ―Epidemiology of depression in the Asia Pacific region‖, Australas psychiatry In some Asian countries such as China, according to Chen, the depopulation rate in the elderly over 60 years in rural areas is 6% in the capital region is 3, 6% (5) (According to Chen R (2005), "Depression in older peeple in rural china") In Vietnam, according to various studies on depression so that the incidence of depression in the community is about to 8% According to Nguyen Van Siem (2010) 423 study in Quat Dong, Thuong Tin, Ha Tay (old), now is Hanoi show that the incidence of depression is 8.35% of the population over 15 years old According to Ho Ngoc Quynh (2009), depression in nursing and public health students in Ho Chi Minh City shows that the prevalence of depression among public health students is up to 17.6% At nursing students is 16.5% (3; 4) Thus depression can be a mental illness, irrespective of age, economic circumstances, race, gender, etc Depression has a negative and persistent affect on both mental and physical So far, there are quite a number of studies on depression But most are directed at pupil, students, workers and employees Few studies have focused on depression on Buddhist On the other hand, the studies focus on the level, expression and cause of depression with little attention to coping Therefore, the proposed measures are inadequate and not close to the object Buddhist is knowledgeable about Buddhist teachings, living and working according to religious standards To assert themselves in the family, school and society, Buddhists have been promoting their creativity, enthusiasm in life This has helped them adapt and promote their inherent capacity before the power of development as the storm of the times This is a positive point that Buddhists have shown and lived in the spirit of "grace" of the Buddha Besides, there are still some young Buddhists who have little experience in life They cannot solve their problems thoroughly to balance their way of life It is this easy for Buddhists to fall into a state of stress and depression However, at present, in Vietnam and in the world, the study of the depression of Buddhist has not been properly considered It can be asserted that the research topic should be given more attention Research method: 2.1 Researchers The project was carried out on 150 Buddhist in Hue city, Thua Thien Hue province Buddhists at the aged of 18 to 25, consisting of 78 men and 72 women, are currently pupils, students and working people Most of the research subjects are local people and a few from other provinces come to join the Buddhist families 2.2 Data collection tools and implementation process Research on the use of Depression (DASS) by Lovibond and Lovibond (1995) The scale consists of 42 sentences, three-dimensional, depression, anxiety and stress, each of 14sentences Buddhist are asked to determine their level of occurrence in the last "week" of the manifestations / events on a four-level scale from "absolutely not happening to me" (respectively With 0) to "Very often happens to me, almost always happens" (corresponding to 3) The scores are calculated as the sum of the points of each sentence On the face of depression, the score from to is Normal, from 10 to 13 is mild depression, from 14 to 20 is moderate Depression, from 21 to 27 is Depression and greater than or equal to 28 is Feeling very heavy 424 Besides, the study also used a questionnaire, which required the researcher to provide some personal information such as age, gender, and severity of depression The questionnaire was developed through interviews with experts and references to some published works The questionnaire was tested with 60 Buddhist belongings to Buddhist families in the study area Data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 software Results of research: 3.1 Levels and Factors Affecting Coping with Depression 3.1.1 Depression level The average score of the DASS scale of the CNF is 8.5, which is equivalent to the average Australian cohort score of 8.72 (According to National psychology week is an initiative of the Asustralian psychology society) The score of the DASS scale is shifted to depressed levels based on reference to the DASS standard table, which consists of five levels: (1) Normal; (2) mild depression; (3) moderate depression; (4) severe depression and (5) very depression Using frequency analysis in SPSS 16.0, we obtained the number and ratio of Buddhist monks in Hue city at five levels of depression as shown in Table The number and percentage of lay Buddhists at depressed levels depression number Percentage Normal 91 60,7 Mild depression 27 18,0 Moderate depression 24 16,0 Severe depression 5,3 Very deprssion 0,0 Total 150 100,0 Table shows that, in general, the majority of Buddhists believe that their own depression is normal (60.7%) Actually, when contact, observation and conversation with Buddhists in some pagodas in Hue city, we realize that: Most of the faithful have spiritual life quite stable Some of them share, the most tired moments are when they see the value of the chanting, listening to the Dharma and meditation practice According to them, practicing these methods helps their minds to balance back At the same time, they have the confidence to self-solve the obstacles in life In addition, the total Buddhist was mild depression levels, moderate depression and severe depression of 59/150, accounting for 39.3% This result shows that many Buddhist are showing signs of depression The depopulation rate of this study in our study was similar to that in the Australian study (also using the DASS scale) in 2013 for the study population aged 18-35, Is 37% (10) (According to the National psychology week is an 425 initiative of the Asustralian psychology society) However, the rate of Buddhist depression is much heavier and much worse than that in Australia The severity of severe depression is 5.3% and very severe depression is 0.0%, while in Australia the rate of severe depression is 6.4%, and severe depression is 7.1% This difference may be related to the cultural, religious and age factors of the two study groups in the two studies In Nguyen Ba Dat's study on depressive disorders and some psychosocial factors related to secondary school students in Hanoi, 18.8% reported depression and 9.1% confirmed as depressive disorder (1) (According to Nguyen Ba Dat (2002), "Depression research in high school students in Hanoi) Thus, it can be seen that the level of depression of Buddhists is assessed by the DASS scale is not high In today's society, depression occurs quite frequently in life, but in the phthisis, the disease is less common, with the majority of Buddhists who are not depressed or depressed on a light level However, with the number of depressed Buddhist monks, finding out the causes of depression, coping with depression to help Buddhist faithful reduce the level of depression is still essential and necessary Correlation between depression levels and coping strategies When examining the correlation between depression and coping strategies, we found that the Pearson factor shows a positive correlation in some groups of coping strategies but is not closely Table Correlation between depression levels and coping strategies How to cope Depression level Problem-solving planning 0,22** Separating yourself from the problem 0,25** Give up the effort to cope 0,29*** The result from Table shows that the level of depression correlated positively with two groups of positive responses: Problem-solving planning and self-exclusion That is to say the higher the level of depression is, the more the Buddhists try to solve the problem and isolate themselves from the problem at a higher level In addition, the level of depression is also positively correlated with a negative response group that is abandoning the coping effort, which means that the higher the level of depression is, the more Buddhist abandons response effort higher 3.1.2 Social support There are many subjective and objective factors that govern the response of the Buddhists In this study, we chose three basic supportive elements that were supported by family, friends and pagodas a Support from the family The results of Table show that the level of family support judged by the Buddhists was above average (TBC from 2.29 to 2.57) 426 Table Support from the family Numerical Support from the family Average Order The family is always there 2,33 The family is always looking for help 2,39 Family support decision-making 2,57 I often confide in my family 2,29 Total 2,4 One of the characteristics of Asian culture is that even though the children are grown up, the family is always the shield to shield children In many studies, families are the most important social support for adolescents coping with stress Sharing, confiding, listening to family tips helps teens see the issue positively, accepting the hardship and accepting reality Not only will adolescents see positive issues, but family support will also provide the physical and mental support needed for adolescents to solve problems Although the family is a strong social foundation that helps teens improve their internal adaptive capacity, they become more braved to face directly, eliminating the cause of depression as mentioned above In this study, family reliance was judged lower than the support of friends and temples by Buddhists While families often support the Buddhists in making decisions, there is little place for them to confide or simply let them feel that they have family next to them This is an issue that needs to be investigated further, since Hue is a city that still holds many traditional values, including the bond between family members The next study should clarify how to attachment to family change in today's society and if that cohesion persists, why does not the Buddhist layman appreciate it as Social support b Support from friends The results of the analysis show that Buddhists who value high levels of support from their peers often use more coping strategies to seek social support The results of Table show that the average of the support from friends is quite high (Average = 2.65), ranking second in the three groups of factors It is clearly to say that this is indeed the age often attach importance to friends in their activities, work, study Table Support from friends Numerial Support from friends Average Order Friends always encourage 2,77 I can rely on friends 2,43 There are people whom I can share 2,73 You are especially interested 2,66 Total 2,65 Our findings are consistent with those of Firth (1989), Barba et al (2004) These studies have shown that friendships with other specialists such as teachers, lovers are closely linked to the use of "seeking social support" responses rather than family support We can explain this as follows: In adolescence, Buddhists are heavily influenced by friends 427 and lover Sharing, confiding and learning among peers is often more favorable because they have psychological characteristics and face the same difficulties Moreover, the causes of depression for Buddhists are related to learning and relationships, so Buddhists often seek the support of friends and teachers rather than their families The role of friends often only stops at listening, sharing difficult circumstances, not help the faith of Buddhism directly solve the problem To explain this, many authors say that with limited life experience, limited financial and physical capabilities, it is difficult for friends to help their peers remove the depressing factor (Firth, 1989) In addition, more importantly, Buddhists who have strong social support not shy away from meeting people or withdrawing from depression It was the social support that helped the Buddhists to be more open, willing to share their emotions and mood This is very important because it avoids the possibility of more severe depression when individuals withdraw themselves and silently tolerate stress c Support from pagoda The survey results show that the pagoda is the social support that Buddhists often rely on to find peace and this is the most important social support of the Buddhists In this "pagoda, monastery where I can drop my soul in peaceful moments, relax when experiencing the failure of life" is chosen most by Buddhist (2,81%) Besides, the confidant with the Buddhist brothers and sisters, being in harmony with the Buddhist family and the Prayer is evaluated at a higher level than the average Table 5: Support from pagoda Numerial Support from pagoda Average Order Talk to the Buddhist brothers and sisters 2,75 2 Talk to the monk in pagoda 2,46 Peace in the Buddhist family 2,74 Temple helps me peacefully 2,81 Lecture helps you find yourself 2,59 Pray 2,73 Total 2,7 This shows that religion is a firm support, a place to turn to rely after the failure, grief in life This is confirmed by researchers at the University of California (2004) "Students who are involved in religious activities may have better mental and emotional health than others." In 2006, a study conducted at the University of Texas found that the more often a person goes to church or temple, the higher the age gets The same conclusion was repeated with the study of 2000 people in California for five years in a community health project The study found that people who go to churches and pagodas have a 36 percent higher rate of morbidity, mortality, and coping with difficulties than non-religious ones There are many reasons why religion has many benefits to human mental health Chaeyoon Lim said that the time to visit churches and temples would help people have a 428 wider social network, with more support This will help individuals have a positive view of life as well as feel supported when needed Through which to see, each object has a different expression and refuge when experiencing the failure, grief, difficulty in life This gives the researcher an overview of the appropriate impact measures On the other hand, this result shows that the power of religion can transform suffering so that people can confidently face the difficulties ahead To sum up, from the results above, the level of support from the temple is selected by the Buddhists and the highest application compared to other support This suits the missionary role of spiritual activity The view of the Buddha is "to serve beings means offering the Buddha." It is religious beliefs and religious rituals that teach people to accept and to help people overcome the hardships of life Discussion and conclusion Depression is a topic that many psychologists consider In addition to the theoretical studies on depression, many studies have focused on the development of tools for assessing the severity of depression, thereby helping to reduce depression among people with depression In Vietnam there are quite a number of studies on the severity of depression among different groups of people, pupils, students and workers However, very few studies focus on the problems of Buddhism's depression, especially in adolescents Therefore, the results of this research are scientific and practical significance, providing the necessary facilities for psychologists and those interested in the quality of life of the Buddhists, for identifying the direction of support activities, to reduce the level of depression, improve the quality of life and morale of the Buddhist religion At present, the tools for measuring and diagnosing depression are quite diverse With the advantages that the scale is based on standards defined by professional systems such as DSM-V, ICD-10; DASS is appreciated by many researchers and practitioners The DASS has been introduced and used more in Vietnam and demonstrates the ability to accurately assess the stress, anxiety and depression of the Vietnamese In general, the results of the assessment of the depression of youth in Hue City with the DASS are consistent with those of Australia in 2013 The level of depression in this study is lower than the results obtained in other studies of depression among Vietnamese youth Among the factors affecting the response to depression, the level of support from the temple was selected and the highest applied compared to other support It is religious beliefs and religious rituals that teach people to accept more and thereby help people overcome the hardships of life Although the proportion of Buddhist with moderate and severe depression, attention should be paid to the problem of Buddhism In the one hand, it is necessary to prevent the incidence of depression among young people, especially the proportion of moderate depression and severe depression On the other hand, support the depressed Buddhists to respond effectively to depression and timely intervention to reduce the level of depression as well as the negative consequences of depression on physical health, wellbeing and their activity 429 The Buddhist Church of Thua Thien Hue Province, Buddhist families should pay attention to the following: It is necessary to raise awareness and understanding of depression and coping with depression for the heads and the Buddhists, through journals and communication activities In addition, the activities, catechesis should integrate the content of depression and coping with depression so that Buddhists know and prevent The programs of exchanging and cooperating among devotees are organized and developed in a positive and practical way so that people can learn, share and help one another overcome the difficulties in life Support and teach some methods of application of meditation - Therapeutic Buddhism for learning and practice The managers of Buddhist institutions need to know the personality and psychological evolution of the abnormal Buddhist followers to have timely intervention and support Reference Nguyen Ba Dat (2002), "Depression Research in High School Students in Hanoi" Dang Phuong (2004), stress and health, Youth Publishing House Ho Ngoc Quynh (2010), "Mental health of public health students and nursing students at Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy 2009", Ho Chi Minh City, 14, p 95-100 4.Nguyễn Văn Siêm (2010), ― Nghiên cứu dịch tể lâm sàng rối loạn Trầm cảm xã Ďồng sông hồng‖, tạp chí Y học thực hành, số 5, tr 71- 74 Chen R., L Wei Hu, X Qin, J.R Copeland, et al (2005), ― Depression in older peeple in rural china‖, Arch Intern Med, 165, (17), pp.2.019- 2.025 Chiu E (2004), ― Epidemiology of depression in the Asia Pacific region‖, Australas psychiatry, 12 suppl, pp.4-10 Scott B Patten (2006), Descriptive epidemiology of major depression in Canada‖, journal vol 51, No2, Februarry 2006, (I ssue), pp.80-90 Tintle N., B Bacon, s Kost yuchenko, z Gutkovich, E J Bromet (2011), ―Depression and its correlates in older edults in Ukraine‖, int, Geriatr Psychiatry, 26, (12), pp 1292-1299 Psychology Journal, No (183), 6- 2014 "Helping Adolescents Cope Better with Stress - Religious Belief or Acceptance 10 According to National psychology week is an initiative of the Asustralian psychology society) 430 ... proportion of moderate depression and severe depression On the other hand, support the depressed Buddhists to respond effectively to depression and timely intervention to reduce the level of depression. .. results obtained in other studies of depression among Vietnamese youth Among the factors affecting the response to depression, the level of support from the temple was selected and the highest applied... psychologists consider In addition to the theoretical studies on depression, many studies have focused on the development of tools for assessing the severity of depression, thereby helping to reduce depression