Five Precepts of Buddhism May Be Linked to Lower Depression Risk - Neuroscience News

Summary: Those who score high for neuroticism and stress have a reduced risk of developing depression if they follow the five precepts of Buddhism, a new study reports.

A new study suggests that people with high levels of neuroticism and stress may be at greater risk for depressive symptoms, but those links could be buffered for people who observe the five precepts of Buddhism—a fundamental system of ethics for the religion’s followers.

Prior research has shown that greater neuroticism is associated with greater risk of depression, both directly as well as indirectly through perceived stress—how people think and feel after stressful life events.

The survey included standard questionnaires to measure each participant’s levels of perceived stress, neuroticism, and depressive symptoms, as well as their observance of the five precepts of Buddhism.

Statistical analysis of the survey results showed that observing the five precepts to a high degree appeared to buffer the influence of perceived stress on depression.

These results suggests that people with high levels of neuroticism and stress may be less likely to develop depressive symptoms if they follow the five precepts closely.

“Moderating role of observing the five precepts of Buddhism on neuroticism, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms” by Nahathai Wongpakaran et al.

Moderating role of observing the five precepts of Buddhism on neuroticism, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms.

Evidence has shown that the Five precepts significantly affect the relationship between attachment and resilience; however, little is known whether observing the Five Precepts would help reduce depressive symptoms among those who experience risks.

The aim of this study was to examine the moderating role of the Five Precepts in the mediation model relationship among neuroticism, perceived stress, and depression.

In all, 644 general participants completed questionnaires on the Neuroticism Inventory (NI), the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Depression Subscale, and the Five-Precept Subscale of the Inner Strength-based Inventory (SBI-PP).

Observing the Five Precepts offers evidence that it buffers the effect of perceived stress on depression

People with high levels of observing the Five Precepts are less likely to develop depressive symptoms