PERCEIVED STRESS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN BUDDHIST MONKS AND NON-MEDITATOR LAYMEN

Abstract

This comparative study explores the perceived stress levels between Buddhist monks and non-meditator laymen, shedding light on the potential influence of meditation practices on stress management. Perceived stress, a subjective assessment of one's stress experiences, was examined through standardized measures and qualitative interviews. The study encompassed a diverse sample of Buddhist monks and non-meditator laymen, considering factors such as age, gender, and length of meditation practice. Results suggest that Buddhist monks exhibit significantly lower levels of perceived stress compared to non-meditator laymen. Qualitative analysis revealed distinct coping mechanisms, with monks attributing their lower stress to mindfulness meditation and detachment from material concerns. This study contributes to the growing understanding of meditation's impact on stress perception, highlighting the potential benefits of incorporating mindfulness practices into stress management interventions.