Exploring Thai Adolescents’ Experiences of Empathy Development Through the Embodied Mandala Art Therapy Method: A Qualitative Study

Given that Thai adolescents with low empathy and mild bullying behaviors often experience emotional detachment, cyberbullying, and limited interpersonal understanding, this qualitative research study aimed to explore how the embodied mandala method, grounded in the Embodiment–Projection–Role (EPR) framework and the concept of the mandala as a dramatic structure of the mind, can support the development of empathy in Thai adolescents. The study involved ten participants aged 13–15 who engaged in expressive arts activities across six sessions. Data were collected through structured written interviews, reflection notes, and artwork, and were analyzed thematically. Two key themes emerged: (1) Emotional Echoes: Knowing Through Feeling (affective empathy), and (2) Beyond Distance: Bridging Self and Other (cognitive and affective empathy). Findings indicated that the embodied mandala method enhanced both affective and cognitive empathy. Participants demonstrated greater emotional resonance, increased sensitivity to non-verbal cues, and a deeper understanding of others’ feelings, both with and without personal connection. These outcomes suggest that art-based interventions utilizing the embodied mandala method may cultivate emotional awareness and interpersonal understanding among adolescents, with promising implications for bullying prevention and the promotion of prosocial behavior.