The Development Model of Mindfulness Activities to Reduce Gaming Addiction Among Students at Wat Laksi Phiphat Rat Upatham School, Samut Sakhon Province

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) investigate the problems and impacts of gaming addiction among students at Wat Laksi Pipat Rat Uppatham School in Samut Sakhon Province, 2) develop concentration-enhancing activities to reduce students’ gaming addiction, and 3) propose a suitable model of concentration development activities for addressing students’ gaming addiction. This research employed a qualitative participatory action research (PAR) design. The sample consisted of 30 lower secondary school students identified as being at risk of gaming addiction, selected through purposive sampling with parental consent. Research instruments included systematic behavioral observation, in-depth interviews, and reflective learning forms. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis to synthesize trends in behavioral and attitudinal changes.

The findings revealed that students with gaming addiction often experienced a lack of warmth in family relationships, poor emotional communication, and used games as a psychological coping mechanism. The developed intervention consisted of four key activities: 1) “Me and Games: Our Stories”, 2) “What I Learn from the Gaming World”, 3) “My Time and My Choices”, and 4) “When I Can Choose, What I Want to Improve.” These activities focused on self-awareness, reflective thinking, and goal setting. As a result, students showed improved self-awareness, effective time management skills, and clear, realistic goal-setting abilities. Their gaming behaviors became more moderate and appropriate.

The key contribution of this research is the development of the GAME Model, a concentration development activity model comprising four essential components: Grounded Awareness, Active Reflection, Mindful Time Management, and Empowered Goal Setting. This model integrates Buddhist principles with real-life behavioral development and can serve as a practical framework for teachers, parents, and stakeholders in addressing gaming addiction among youth.