THE APPLICATION OF THE BRAHMAVIHARA TO PROMOTE THE ROLE OF PRISON OFFICERS IN GOVERNING INMATES IN PRISONS AND CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN SIKHIO DISTRICT, NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study the level of the role of prison officers in governing prisoners in Sikhio District, 2) study the relationship between the principles of the divine abodes and the roles of prison officers in governing prisoners in Sikhio District, and 3) present the application of the principles of the divine abodes to promote the role of prison officers in governing prisoners in Sikhio District. The research was a mixed-method quantitative research using a questionnaire as a tool for data collection. The sample group consisted of 209 prison officers in Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The statistics used for data analysis were frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Hypotheses were tested using Pearson's product momentum. Qualitative research used in-depth interviews with 9 key informants. Data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

            The results of the research found that 1) The level of the role of prison officers in governing prisoners in Sikhio District was at a high level overall. The aspect with the highest mean was the aspect of developing prisoner behavior, followed by the aspect of solving drug problems. The aspect with the lowest mean value was the aspect of controlling prisoners. 2) The relationship between the principles of the divine viharas and the role of prison officers in governing prisoners in Sikhio District overall had a high relationship (R = 0.701). Therefore, the research hypothesis was accepted. 3) The application of the principles of the divine viharas to promote the role of prison officers in governing prisoners in Sikhio District included: (1) Metta, treating prisoners with friendliness as if they were relatives. (2) Karuna, giving advice to prisoners with gentle and friendly words. (3) Mudita, congratulating prisoners on their release. (4) Upekkha, treating prisoners equally without bias.