Empirical Validation of the Indian Concept of Sangha as a Community-based Social Support System for Mental Health

Description

Page: 1031-1035

Arpita Kackar (Department of Psychology, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan)

The concept of Sangha, rooted in Indian spiritual and community traditions, represents a collective framework of shared values, belonging, and mutual support. In modern India, Sangha-like community structures may act as a culturally embedded form of social support, protecting against mental health challenges. The present study aimed to empirically examine the role of Sangha engagement in predicting social support and mental health outcomes among Indian adults. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300 adults (aged 18-65) from urban and semi-urban communities in Rajasthan, using purposive sampling. Participants completed a culturally adapted version of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), and a newly developed Sangha Engagement Scale. Quantitative analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and independent samples t-tests. Results revealed a significant positive correlation between Sangha engagement and perceived social support (r = .62, p < .001), and a significant negative correlation with GHQ anxiety/depression scores (r = .45, p < .001). Further, participants with high Sangha engagement (upper quartile) reported significantly lower depression and anxiety symptoms (M = 1.65, SD = 0.54) than those with low Sangha engagement (lower quartile) (M = 2.21, SD = 0.69), t(148) = 6.42, p < .001, Cohen’s d = 0.90. These findings underscore the relevance of Sangha as a culturally appropriate, community-based support system with meaningful implications for Indian mental health promotion. Strengthening indigenous community resources may provide an effective and sustainable strategy for mental health interventions in India.