THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A HAPPY WORKING - AGE PROGRAM IN THE COMMUNITY: A CASE STUDY IN SI SATCHANALAI DISTRICT, SUKHOTHAI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a program for working-age people in enhancing their happiness and psychological resilience at a community level. In detail, a quasi-experimental research with two groups, pretest-posttest, is the study method. The sampling populations in each group consist of 40 working-age individuals in Si Satchanalai District, Sukhothai Province. The experimental group attended a one-day “working-age happiness program,” while the control group received standard mental health care activities.The study was conducted between January and June 2023, with assessments administered before and after the intervention. Most participants were female, aged 40–49 years, married, Buddhist, working in agriculture, and had completed secondary education. Their monthly income did not exceed 5,000 baht and was insufficient to cover expenses; most had manageable debt and no chronic illness. They reported no distress during the previous month. After participating in the program, the experimental group showed a statistically significant increase in happiness scores, rising from 33.76 to 36.84 (p < .001). Posttest happiness scores in the experimental group were also significantly higher than those in the control group (36.84 compared with 32.25; p < .001). For psychological resilience, the experimental group demonstrated a significant improvement from 70.35 to 73.41 (p < .05), and their posttest resilience score was significantly higher than that of the control group (73.41 compared with 68.57; p < .001) These findings suggest that the program can serve as an effective guideline for promoting mental well-being among working-age individuals by enhancing their happiness and psychological resilience.