Incompatible with Happiness: Results from Second Survey of Bullying and Discrimination Experiences of Bhutanese Higher Education Students

• DOI: 10.17102/eip.7.2024.06
• Publication Date: 2024-02-08T10:04:09Z
• Authors: Kezang Sherab; Kezang Choden; John Howard

Bhutan is known to the outside world as a nation with Gross National Happiness (GNH) its goal, concept which fundamentally underpinned by Buddhist philosophy of loving-kindness, compassion, emphatic joy, and equanimity. In Buddhism these are referred four immeasurable qualities that one must cultivate become kind, compassionate, caring towards all living beings, ultimately generates happiness. This applied should lead minimal or no instances bullying discrimination in such society particular educational institutions. However, prior studies well media reports have shown there growing amongst both school higher education students, staff cause concern for GNH nation. Such experiences likely be transferred institutions then later work places. Bullying often associated negative outcomes impacts overall mental well-being students can detrimental their life. Therefore, this quantitative study was designed understand current level (N= <10,000) (n= 15) through self-administered on-line survey representative sample 1652 (male= 41.3%; female= 57.7% & others= 1%). Essentially, reported prevalence being bullied reduced (from about 45% 2016 36% 2023), likewise others declined(from 18% 10%). There also slight reduction those reporting some form discrimination; from 51% 46%. The preliminary findings will provide insights into state prevalent make case more effective interventions reduce schools colleges, and, broadly, community.