Indian Journal of Positive Psychology

Pages:69-71
Deepika Vig and Sumandeep Kaur (Department of Human Development, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab)

The present research study investigated the impact of an intervention programme designed to enhance the knowledge levels of teachers regarding management of learning difficulties among elementary school children across various educational levels. The study was carried out in 15 urban Private schools of Ludhiana City. From each school, 3rd and 4th class children facing problems in reading, writing and mathematics were randomly selected. The total sample consisted of 300 students. 172 teachers who were teaching Mathematics & language to these selected students constituted the sample of teachers .These teachers were given intervention on various aspects of learning difficulties among children. Pre and post-intervention knowledge scores were assessed across two educational levels. The results indicated that intervention significantly improved the overall knowledge scores of the teachers from poor to good level at both the educational levels. However, after getting intervention, post- graduate teachers were found to have significantly better comprehension and application skills and were able to utilize the gained knowledge for solving day to day problems related to reading, writing and mathematics among students of their respective classes.

Pages:75-76
Bahman Akbari (Department of Psychology, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran) Hadi Moradi, Azadeh Darwishnia, Parisa Izadirad and Orkideh Alijani (Department Clinical Psychology, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran) Samira Safdari (Department of General Psychology, Young Researchers Club, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran)

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of “mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on anger reduction in drug addicts". The population consisted of 150 patients were referred to drug addiction clinic in Tonokabon city. Among them the scores of 102 persons were on top of cut-off point in implemented questionnaire (anger). Then, 30 were randomly selected and were assigned into two control and test groups. The research design was experimental and of pre-test and post-test with control group. After random selection of experimental and control groups, first pre-test was conducted for both. Then experimental intervention (mindfulness based cognitive therapy) was presented to test group. Following the end of treatment program the post-test was taken. Finally, the results of analyzing data by multivariate covariance method (Mancova) have shown that the hypothesis is confirmed.

Pages:81-85
Kanchan Dilawari and Nishi Tripathi (Department of Psychology, Sam Higginton Instititute of Agriculture and Technology, Allahabad)

As an expressive medium, art can be used to help clients communicate, overcome stress, and explore different aspects of their own personalities. In psychology, the use of artistic methods to treat psychological disorders and enhance mental health is known as art therapy. Art therapy integrates psychotherapeutic techniques with the creative process to improve mental health and well-being. Art Therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight. Art therapy can be used to treat a wide range of mental disorders and psychological distress

Pages:90-93
Arun Kumar and Vidushi Dixit (Defence Institute of Psychological Research, DRDO, Timarpur, Delhi)

Forgiveness may be defined as a prossocial change in which responses become less negative and more positive, as a propensity to forgive others and as an attribute. There are 7 components of forgiveness and few facilitating factors. The studies on forgiveness indicate that forgiveness enhances physical and psychological health, can help restore more benevolent and cooperative goals to relationships, social support, it influences person's propensity to forgive , there is a positive correlation between forgiveness and well-being and negative correlation between forgiveness and psychological distress.

Pages:98-108
Liliya John and Deepali Sharma (Department of Psychology, Christ University, Bangalore, Karnatak)

The role played by spirituality in promoting mental and physical health is widely established in the literature. Research on the relationship between spirituality and mental health among the adolescent population is an upcoming area of exploration and study. The present study aimed at assessing whether spirituality predicts positive mental health among adolescents with fathers who were addicted to alcohol. The participants of the study who were chosen using purposive sampling consisted of 60 adolescent children of alcoholics, aged between 16 and 19 years, pursuing pre-university and degree courses. Information on the spirituality of the adolescents was collected using the Spiritual Involvement and Belief Scale and mental health was assessed using the Mental Health Inventory. The study employed a predictive correlational research design under the quantitative paradigm. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test and multiple linear regression. The results of the study partially refuted the hypothesis which stated that spirituality was a predictor of positive mental health among adolescents with alcoholic fathers. The findings identified spirituality as a predictor of various dimensions of mental health such as depression, loss of emotional/behavioural control, emotional ties and general positive affect. The results also showed that spirituality was a predictor of psychological distress and psychological wellbeing experienced by the sample. However, spirituality alone was not found to be a predictor of positive mental health among the adolescents. The limitations, implications and directions for future research were also discussed.

Pages:116-124
Brinda B. Sharma (Department of Applied Psychology, Centre for Studies in Behavioural Science, Dibrugarh University, Assam)

One of the most intense needs in human beings is the need to be accepted by others. This need is severely thwarted among individuals high in rejection sensitivity. Rejection Sensitivity is the disposition to avidly anticipate, recognize and over-react to perceived rejection by others. Quantitative research and experimental observations have long supported a link between self-regulation as a coping mechanism and rejection sensitivity. However less is known about the process of how this comes about and little qualitative research has been conducted in the area. The current study aimed to gain an in depth understanding of the expression of self in countering Rejection Sensitivity. The study focused on the use of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) in order to find super ordinate themes from the account of four women, subjected to a semi-structured interview schedule. Through purposive sampling, the subjects were selected on the basis of being high in rejection sensitivity, having administered the Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (Downey & Feldman, 1996) on a sample of twenty-four women. Content Analysis of the transcripts of the interview saw the emergence of 4 major themes. These themes were then interpreted in light of Bandura's Self-efficacy theory. The results suggest-1) personal self-efficacy beliefs have significant implications on psychosocial outcomes in interpersonal situations 2) positive dynamics of self-efficacy emerge as an antecedent to the individual's adjustments in interpersonal relationships following secondary change 3) self-control, an important requisite in countering rejection in RS is founded on self-efficacy. The present findings suggest that the implication of self-efficacy on commitment and confidence work together to increase our persistence in the face of rejection and increase health behaviour by perceiving cues that counter self-fulfilling maladaptive responses to perceived rejection.

Pages:131-136
Shruti Sharma (Department of Psychology, SUS College of Research and Technology, SUS Group of Institutions, Tangori, Mohali )

Peaceful Co-existence is one of the fundamental norm guiding international relations and providing a practical way in solving disputes as it compasses Mutual respect for each other, non-aggression, non-interference and equity, thus it incorporates Gandhian philosophy to promote peace and Harmony. Gandhism is a body of ideas and principles that describes the inspiration, vision and the life work of Mahatma Gandhi. It is particularly associated with his contributions to the idea of Non-violent Resistence. The term "Gandhism" also encompasses what Gandhi's ideas, words and actions mean to people around the world, and how they used them for guidance in building their own future. The pivotal and defining element of Gandhism is satya, a Sanskrit word usually translated into English as truth, whose literal meaning is 'what actually is' (deriving from the root verb as meaning 'to be'). Gandhism is more about the spirit of Gandhi's journey to discover the truth, than what he finally considered to be the truth. The relevance of Gandhian virtues like Ahimsa, Sarvatra Bhaya Varjana (fearlessness), Sarva Dharma Samanatva (Respect for all Faiths), Brahmacharya(Discipline), Aswada (Control of the palate), in modern context is found in the form of Gandhigiri. Gandhigiri is a relatively new term in India which is used to express the tenets of Gandhism, the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi which include Satyagraha, Non-violence and Truth) in contemporary terms. The term became popular due to its usage in the 2006 Hindi film, Lage Raho Munna Bhai. As a colloquial expression in various languages in India including Marathi, Hindi and Tamil, "Gandhigiri" refers to the practice of the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. It is a colloquial form of Gandhism. Gandhism (or Gandhianism) is a term which attempts to summarize the philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi. Ghandhigiri denotes modifying one's principle and lifestyle reflecting the moral principles of Satya, Ahinsa and Ekta as practiced in real life by Mahatma Gandhi. People adopting Gandhigiri solve problems by perseverance, Non-Violence, and Tolerance rather than with Violence. Gandhigiri aims to overcome "Dadagiri" or "Bullyism" by encouraging people to adopt non-violent and constructive ways to solve a problem. It's time that we too realize this fact and start following Gandhiji's ideas in our daily lives. The principles that Gandhi espoused, are surely one of the most comprehensive ones in their scope and significance. Thus the paper attempts to apply Gandhian virtues to promote peaceful Co-existence and spiritual growth.

Pages:145-149
Chinky Upadhyaya (Department of Psychology, Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut, U.P.)

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of marital status, employment status and religion on psychological well being of Hindu and Muslim female subjects. The sample was consisted of 160 Hindu and Muslim female subjects of age range 25 to 35 years taken from different localities of Meerut city. A 2x2x2 factorial research design was employed in the study. The data was collected with the help of Hindi adaptation of Ryff's Psychological Well being Scale. Obtained data were statistically analyzed by mean, SD and ANOVA. The result indicated that marital status, employment status and religion were found to be effective on psychological well being of female subjects. The results were discussed in the light of empirical studies.

Pages:155-159
Nisha Chaudhary and N.K. Chadha (Department of Psychology, University of Delhi, Delhi)

India is a land of Buddha and Gandhi. It has given birth to intellectuals like Ambedkar and Swami Vivekananda. Morals, values and tradition of this country has made every resident to be proud of been an Indian. But the time is changing rapidly, leading an average Indian to move away from its traditional values of love, peace, contentment and empathy. This paper is a journey, leading to understanding of problems been build on by the current generation and how the solutions could be searched from our Vedic tradition. The thinking process called Hinduism and its perception by Mahatma Gandhi, could lead to practical solutions of the existing 21st century problems and can even teach human being to live a peaceful co- existence with other beings.

Pages:163-168
Fareeda Shaheen (Post-Doctoral Fellow (PDF-ICSSR), Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, U.P.) Musaddiq Jahan (Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, U.P.)

Purpose of the study was to investigate the role of social support in combating psychological distress among senior secondary school students. The sample was comprised of 200 (100 male and 100 female) students from senior secondary school of Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) (Zimet, Dahlem, Zimet, & Farley, 1988) was used for measuring social support and PGI Health questionnaire N-1 (Werma, Wig, & Prashad, 1985) was used for measuring psychological distress. t-test and correlation was used for analyzing the data. Result showed that there was significant negative correlation between social support and psychological distress. In gender differences, it was found that male students scored significantly higher on social support in comparison to female students. Further it was also found that female students scored significantly higher on psychological distress in comparison to male students.