Spirituality Studies 11-1 Spring 2025 37 Nadnapang Phophichit et al. 5.7 Limitations and Future Directions While this study provides valuable insights into the effects of FFMBI, several limitations should be acknowledged. The short duration of the intervention and the relatively small sample size limit the generalizability of our findings. The gender imbalance in our sample also restricts our ability to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of FFMBI across different demographic groups. Future research should address these limitations by conducting longer-term studies with larger, more diverse samples. Additionally, investigating the mechanisms underlying the observed changes would be valuable, particularly examining the relationships between mindfulness, stress reduction, eating behaviors, and metabolic processes. Exploring the potential therapeutic applications of FFMBI in clinical populations, such as individuals with hypertension or obesity, could provide insights into its efficacy as a complementary treatment approach. In conclusion, this study provides evidence for the multifaceted impact of FFMBI on both physiological and psychological parameters. The findings suggest that FFMBI has potential benefits for stress reduction, cognitive function, and body composition. However, the mixed results, particularly regarding cortisol levels, underscore the complexity of mindfulness interventions’ effects on the body and mind. These results lay the groundwork for future investigations into the mechanisms and applications of FFMBI in promoting holistic health. 6 Conclusion This study provides compelling evidence for the multifaceted effects of the Four Foundations of MindfulnessBased Intervention (FFMBI) on both physiological and psychological parameters. The findings demonstrate significant improvements in perceived stress levels, brainwave patterns associated with relaxation and cognitive function, and certain aspects of body composition. These results suggest that FFMBI has the potential to be an effective tool for stress management, cognitive enhancement, and overall well-being. The observed reductions in body weight, BMI, and degree of obesity, although modest, indicate that FFMBI may have positive implications for weight management and metabolic health. The significant improvements in brainwave activity, particularly the increased alpha/beta ratios, provide objective evidence of the intervention’s impact on mental states conducive to relaxation and focused attention. While some findings, such as the increase in cortisol levels, were unexpected and warrant further investigation, they highlight the complex nature of mind-body interventions and the need for more comprehensive, long-term studies. The qualitative feedback from participants further supports the beneficial effects of FFMBI, emphasizing improvements in both physical and mental well-being, and indicating a strong likelihood of continued practice. However, the limitations of this study, including its short duration and gender imbalance in the sample, underscore the need for more extensive research. Future studies should aim to include larger, more diverse samples over longer periods to better understand the long-term effects and sustainability of FFMBI benefits. In conclusion, this research contributes valuable insights to the growing body of evidence supporting mindfulness-based interventions. The FFMBI program shows promise as a holistic approach to improving both mental and physical health. As we continue to face increasing stress and health challenges in modern society, interventions like FFMBI may play a crucial role in promoting overall well-being and quality of life. Further research in this area has the potential to refine our understanding of mindfulness practices and their applications in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Ethics Statement This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Buddhist Research Institute, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, under case #R.263/2024 on May 9, 2024. Acknowledgements This research was funded by International Buddhist Studies College, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University under certificate #W.113/2567. The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.
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