The Role of Equanimity in Predicting the Mental Well-Being of the Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities in Thailand

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: The prevalence of mental health issues, such as depression, loneliness, and a decreased quality of life among older adults in long-term care (LTC) facilities in Thailand, calls for further study. In Thailand, where Buddhism is the predominant religion, many...

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Main Authors: J J Maung, Justin DeMaranville, Tinakon Wongpakaran, Carmelle Peisah, Suthikarn Arunrasameesopa, Nahathai Wongpakaran
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Nursing Reports
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4403/15/4/123
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author J J Maung
Justin DeMaranville
Tinakon Wongpakaran
Carmelle Peisah
Suthikarn Arunrasameesopa
Nahathai Wongpakaran
author_facet J J Maung
Justin DeMaranville
Tinakon Wongpakaran
Carmelle Peisah
Suthikarn Arunrasameesopa
Nahathai Wongpakaran
author_sort J J Maung
collection DOAJ
description <b>Background/Objectives</b>: The prevalence of mental health issues, such as depression, loneliness, and a decreased quality of life among older adults in long-term care (LTC) facilities in Thailand, calls for further study. In Thailand, where Buddhism is the predominant religion, many positive psychological strengths are fostered among older adults. One notable strength is equanimity, which is characterized by a balanced and accepting response to both positive and negative events. This practice is commonly associated with enhancing the well-being of older individuals. However, the study between equanimity and well-being is scarce. The purpose of the study is to assess equanimity in LTC residents and to determine if it is a significant predictor of the mental well-being of the residents. <b>Methods</b>: The cross-sectional data was obtained from 236 LTC residents in Thailand. Equanimity was measured using the Inner Strength-Based Inventory (iSBI) and mental well-being from the Thai Geriatric Depression Scale (TGDS-6). Demographic factors, depression, loneliness, and other inner strengths were also explored as covariates in a logistic-regression analysis. <b>Results</b>: The mean scores for equanimity (Mean = 3.78 ± 1.00) and mental well-being (Mean = 0.720 ± 0.449) were determined. The multiple regression analysis found equanimity significantly predicted well-being (B = 0.593, <i>p</i> = 0.002) along with depression (B = −0.395, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and mindfulness (B = 0.355, <i>p</i> = 0.046). <b>Conclusions</b>: This study identifies equanimity as a key predictor of mental well-being among Thai long-term care residents, alongside depression and mindfulness. While the study’s cross-sectional design limits causal conclusions, the results suggest that incorporating equanimity-based practices into geriatric care could be beneficial. Future longitudinal research is needed to validate these findings and improve resilience and well-being in aging populations.
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spelling doaj-art-caa158d5db8a46bdb4b5d373c24e3e3f2025-08-20T02:18:20ZengMDPI AGNursing Reports2039-439X2039-44032025-04-0115412310.3390/nursrep15040123The Role of Equanimity in Predicting the Mental Well-Being of the Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities in ThailandJ J Maung0Justin DeMaranville1Tinakon Wongpakaran2Carmelle Peisah3Suthikarn Arunrasameesopa4Nahathai Wongpakaran5Mental Health Program, Multidisciplinary Interdisciplinary School, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandMental Health Program, Multidisciplinary Interdisciplinary School, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandMental Health Program, Multidisciplinary Interdisciplinary School, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandMental Health Program, Multidisciplinary Interdisciplinary School, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandPanyananthaphikkhu Chonprathan Medical Center, Srinakharinwirot University, Nonthaburi 11120, ThailandMental Health Program, Multidisciplinary Interdisciplinary School, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand<b>Background/Objectives</b>: The prevalence of mental health issues, such as depression, loneliness, and a decreased quality of life among older adults in long-term care (LTC) facilities in Thailand, calls for further study. In Thailand, where Buddhism is the predominant religion, many positive psychological strengths are fostered among older adults. One notable strength is equanimity, which is characterized by a balanced and accepting response to both positive and negative events. This practice is commonly associated with enhancing the well-being of older individuals. However, the study between equanimity and well-being is scarce. The purpose of the study is to assess equanimity in LTC residents and to determine if it is a significant predictor of the mental well-being of the residents. <b>Methods</b>: The cross-sectional data was obtained from 236 LTC residents in Thailand. Equanimity was measured using the Inner Strength-Based Inventory (iSBI) and mental well-being from the Thai Geriatric Depression Scale (TGDS-6). Demographic factors, depression, loneliness, and other inner strengths were also explored as covariates in a logistic-regression analysis. <b>Results</b>: The mean scores for equanimity (Mean = 3.78 ± 1.00) and mental well-being (Mean = 0.720 ± 0.449) were determined. The multiple regression analysis found equanimity significantly predicted well-being (B = 0.593, <i>p</i> = 0.002) along with depression (B = −0.395, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and mindfulness (B = 0.355, <i>p</i> = 0.046). <b>Conclusions</b>: This study identifies equanimity as a key predictor of mental well-being among Thai long-term care residents, alongside depression and mindfulness. While the study’s cross-sectional design limits causal conclusions, the results suggest that incorporating equanimity-based practices into geriatric care could be beneficial. Future longitudinal research is needed to validate these findings and improve resilience and well-being in aging populations.https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4403/15/4/123equanimitymental well-beingolder peoplelong-term care facilitiesnursing
spellingShingle J J Maung
Justin DeMaranville
Tinakon Wongpakaran
Carmelle Peisah
Suthikarn Arunrasameesopa
Nahathai Wongpakaran
The Role of Equanimity in Predicting the Mental Well-Being of the Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities in Thailand
Nursing Reports
equanimity
mental well-being
older people
long-term care facilities
nursing
title The Role of Equanimity in Predicting the Mental Well-Being of the Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities in Thailand
title_full The Role of Equanimity in Predicting the Mental Well-Being of the Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities in Thailand
title_fullStr The Role of Equanimity in Predicting the Mental Well-Being of the Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities in Thailand
title_full_unstemmed The Role of Equanimity in Predicting the Mental Well-Being of the Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities in Thailand
title_short The Role of Equanimity in Predicting the Mental Well-Being of the Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities in Thailand
title_sort role of equanimity in predicting the mental well being of the residents in long term care facilities in thailand
topic equanimity
mental well-being
older people
long-term care facilities
nursing
url https://www.mdpi.com/2039-4403/15/4/123
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