ผู้วิจัย/Authors: Somporn Rungreangkulkij

ชื่อเรื่อง/Title: Characteristics of Isan family and mental health promotion.

แหล่งที่มา/Source: The 2nd International Conference on Mental Health and Substance Dependence 2003. Page 73. (19-21 August 2003 The Ambassador Hotel, Bangkok Thailand)

รายละเอียด / Details:

The purpose of this study was to examine factors related to the mental health of families in a rural area of Isan, or Northeastern Thailand. A qualitative design was used, consisting of in-depth interviews, non-participant observation, and focus groups. A purposeful sample of 80 families participated. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. Preliminary findings revealed that Isan people defined family term as "livingtogether," which included individuals living together in the same household as well as individuals living elsewhere who contributed income to the family. Mental health was described as being "happy" which was further explained in terms of being free from preoccupations and having peace of mind. Happiness of the whole family was viewed as bringing happiness to individual family members. This idea was expressed by the phrase. "heaven is in the family". Participants regarded money as the most important element contributing to happiness, stressing that to day, in contrast to the past, family members must purchase everything for daily living. At the same time, family members added that "understanding" "harmony" and the ability to "let go" of troubling events, were also essential to the mental health or happiness of families. Unhappy, or mentally unhealthy families, were explained as lacking sufficient money, being quarrelsome, and having irresponsible family members. Based on this research, enhancing the mental health of rural Isan families depends upon a careful balance between tangible factors, such as monetary income, and intangible factors, such as understanding and harmony. At present, national policy has primarily emphasized economic development. Although economic development is undeniably important for helping people to meet basic needs for food, clothing and shelter, it is only one aspect of what is required for good family mental health. As the data from these rural Isan families suggest, economic development must be managed is a way that also preserves a unique emphasis on qualities of harmony and understanding that have traditionally sustained the mental health of Thai families.

Keywords: mental health promotion, Northeastern Thailand, family

ปีที่เผยแพร่/Year: 2003

Address: Khon Kaen University

Code: 0000938

ISSN/ISBN: -

Country of publication: Thailand.

Language: English.

Category: Paper.

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