Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing

Pages: 419-423
Syed Salma Jameel (Independent Consultant, Special and Inclusive Education, Jammu, J&K)

This article describes a study conducted on teacher perception about the support available for students with disabilities in colleges. A questionnaire was developed to carry forward the research on teacher perceptions. Teachers perceive that there are limited resources and institutional support that facilitate access of students with disabilities in higher education. The article also details the process of questionnaire construction. This paper provides future directions for qualitative research on support provided to students with disabilities in higher educational institutions.

Pages: 428-435
Manoj Kumar Pandey (Department of Psychology, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh)

This study intended to examine the role of social support groups in coping with chronic diseases such as cancer and AIDS. Mainly there are three objectives of this study, i.e., (A) Examine the role of social support groups and coping strategies in terms of positive outlook, optimism and health-esteem. (B) Examine the role of social support groups and coping with feelings associated with the diseases in terms of negative feelings and pessimism/hopelessness. (C) Examine the relationships between coping strategies in terms of positive outlook, optimism and health-esteem and feelings associated with the disease (negative feelings & pessimism/hopelessness), and (D) Find out the best predictor of coping strategies that determines maximum contribution in lowering the impact of negative feelings and a sense of pessimism/hopelessness associated with patients' disease among member and non-members of social support groups. The sample consists of 100 people suffering from chronic diseases. There were three kinds of people taken as a sample in this study. First, who were suffering from cancer (25), second, who were suffering from HIV+/AIDS (25) and they were the people who had not joined any support-group and they were only depends on their family and friends. While, third groups were people who were suffering from HIV+/AIDS (50) but they had joined the social-support groups for such people and not only depends on their family and friends. Both male and female from rural and urban settings were taken for this study within the age range of 20 to 80 years with mean score of 35.73 years. Two type of the scale were used in this study. First scale of coping strategies which was the combination of three sub scales i.e. positive outlook, optimism and health esteem. Second scale for assess the feelings associated with disease was comprises of scale of negative feelings and pessimism/hopelessness. All these scales were based on Likert 5-point rating scale. The following results were found: (a) optimism and health esteem as coping strategies is higher in patients who were the members of social support groups in comparison to patients who didn't join such support groups, (b) negative feelings and pessimism/hopelessness were found significant difference in patients who are the member and non-member of such social support groups, (c) positive outlook, optimism, and health esteem is lowering the impact of negative feelings and pessimism/hopelessness, and (d) optimism as a coping strategy is found more reliable (best predictor) in case of patients who belongs to social support groups and health esteem is found more reliable in case of patients who doesn't belongs to such social support groups for reducing or coping with negative feelings and pessimism/hopelessness associated with their disease.

Pages: 441-444
Surjeet Singh and Nov Rattan Sharma (Department of Psychology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana)

Self-regulation is the capacity of the individual to disregard prominent responses and to regulate affects, cognitions, and behaviors. It is the ability to alter thoughts, feelings, desires and actions in the perspective of such higher goals and would represent one of the most adaptive variables of the human behaviour (Vohs & baumister, 2004). Self-regulation capacity was found to play a key role in the development of psychological well-being (e.g., Gagnon, Durand-Bush, & Young, 2016, Brilki, 2017) because high self-regulatory capacity should strengthen the intention-behaviour relationship because it enables an individual to inhibit undesired responses (de Ridder, Lensvelt-Mulders, Finkenauer, Stok, & Baumeister, 2012). Therefore, the present study attempts to examine whether the self-regulation ability might associate or linked with psychological well-being. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self- regulation capacity and psychological well-being in 100 young adults. Short form of the original Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SSRQ; Carey, Neal, & Collins, 2004) and Psychological Well-Being scale (Ryff & Keyes, 1995) were used to fulfill the purpose of the study. Pearson correlation analyses showed that self-regulation capacity positively associated with psychological well-being and its dimension; personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life and self-acceptance and negatively associated with autonomy and environmental mastery. As a positive construct implication of self-regulation to maintain optimal mental health was discussed.

Pages: 451-453
Rijul Sihag (Department of Sociology, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana)

Empowerment is defined as the method by which women take control and ownership of their lives by expansion of their choices. The main elements of empowerment have been defined as gender power structures, self-esteem and self-confidence (Kabeer, 2001). Empowerment can take place at hierarchy of different levels-individual, household, community and societal. Self help groups are small informal association of the poor created at the grass root level for the purpose of enabling members to reap economic benefits out of mutual help and joint responsibility. The present study is conducted with the objectives to understand the reasons of joining Self-help Groups and also grading them on basis of their functioning. The primary data were collected through a structured, non disguised questionnaire. A total of 300 respondents from four villages of two districts of Haryana formed the sample size of the study. The study found that these groups consisted of mostly 15- 20 members, mostly belonging to lower castes and poorer sections. The outcome of the study revealed that most of the members of groups joined it to generate personal income including training facilities, availability of workplace etc. Also, grading was done on basis of the functioning of groups.

Pages: 459-463
Dnyaneshwar P. Pawar (Department of Psychology, Bhonsala Military College, Nashik, Maharashtra)

Spiritual intelligence is a relatively new area of interest in the field of psychology. In addition to earlier concepts like IQ and EQ, SQ (Spiritual Quotient) is gaining popularity among behavioral researchers. SQ is an ability to see and evaluate one's life in terms of meaning and value. An unexamined life is not worth living said by Socrates. Spiritual intelligence is a quest for such an examination, a search for meaning and purpose in life. In the present paper researcher has tried to study relationship between spiritual intelligence, depression and anxiety among undergraduate college students. The results show that the students have low level of spiritual intelligence, low level of depression and low level of anxiety. Further, the results show that spiritual intelligence and depression have positive relationship whereas spiritual intelligence and anxiety have negative relationship. Relevant literature has been reviewed to understand the variables under consideration

Pages: 467-469
Priyanka Mishra and A. K. Srivastava (Department of Psychology, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh)

This study was aimed at determining whether there are differences in lifestyle between normotensives and hypertensives. From a small community sample of adults from Noida, 20 individuals with normotensives were selected and compared with a sex and age matched group of 20 individuals having hypertension and having clinic Blood Pressure (BP)> or 140/90 mm hg were tested on measures of lifestyle derived from standardized questionnaire. Results of independent t test revealed significant differences between normotensives and hypertensives and were in line with the hypothesis. The null hypothesis stand rejected and normotensives were found to be significantly higher on lifestyle comparatively than hypertensives.

Pages: 473-475
Anchala Dixit (Department of Psychology, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh)
Khan Abraruzzaman Khan (Department of Psychiatry, Raja Deosharn District Hospital, Jashpur Nagar, Chhattisgarh)
B. Hasan (Department of Psychology, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh)

Cognitive deficits are the common feature of schizophrenia and affect the whole functioning of patient. The main aim of the present study is to examine the predictive effect of verbal fluency and processing speed on functional disability in schizophrenia. 30 schizophrenia patients were selected as sample of the study. Processing speed was assessed by digit symbol substitution test, verbal fluency assessed by controlled oral word association test; functional disability assessed through WHO disability assessment schedule, Brief psychiatric rating scale was used to measure severity of illness. Hierarchical regression analysis used to find the relationship between functional disability and processing speed and verbal fluency. The result indicated that processing speed (-.683, p<0.01) and verbal fluency (-.559, p<0.01) age (.402, p<0.05) and education (-.502, p<0.01), duration of illness (.612, p<0.01) and severity of illness (.580, p<0.01) significantly predicted functional disability but gender showed no relationship with functional disability. Cognitive dysfunction affects the functioning of patients with schizophrenia. This paper may help to understand the role of processing speed and verbal fluency in functioning of the patients and also help to develop intervention programs.

Pages: 479-482
Ravneet Chawla (Department of Human Development & Family Relations, Government Home Science College, Chandigarh)

The study was done to investigate nutritional status of pre-schoolers from low and lower middle income purposively selected groups. The nutritional status was examined on the basis of 24 hour dietary recall method, by the calculation of protein and energy according to the ages of children (3-5 years) with regard to their eating habits of children. Height and weight were assessed according to WHO growth charts and according to the socio-economic status of children. Pilot study was done before the actual study. The sample (n=200, 100 preschoolers- 50 from each agency, 100 respective mothers) was taken from selected Anganwadi (A1) and from dedicated laboratory nursery school under the human development department of Government Home Science College (A2), Chandigarh. A self-designed questionnaire for assessment of nutritional status was used. Making of the tool included inputs from authors and from paediatrician from PGIMER, Chandigarh working largely in research dedicated to relationship between nutrition and overall development. Developmental profile-3 test was used to investigate the developmental milestones of children. StimQ test was used to investigate the stimulation quotient of children. The findings were concerning keeping in mind the urbanized well developed city in all its aspects otherwise. The socio economic status of families of children is low. Overall nutritional status of children was not up to the norms followed (WHO & RDA as per Nutritive & Dietetics, India). However A 2 children scored better than those from A 1 .Caregivers and mothers of 100 children were interviewed to collect necessary information regarding indicators of nutritional status of children. The findings suggested correlation between energy, protein, developmental milestones and stimulation quotient. It further indicates that good energy and protein also positively affect Stimulation Quotient and Developmental Milestones. In other words, good nutrition is important for better mental development. Clinical signs were more evident in A 1 children. Nutritional status of boys was better than that of girls. The state needs to intervene soon on nutritional care and provide dedicated awareness programs and also closely watched supplementary meal schemes.

Pages: 489-491
Athira P. (Department of Sociology, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Kerala)

Health means complete physical, mental and social well-being of an individual. It is not merely the absence of disease, injury or distress that a person tends to view ones capacity to carry his daily activities. Health is the condition of being sound in body, mind or spirit especially freedom from physical disease or pain (Webster). It is a positive quality of living body of which fitness for ones work and happiness are distinguishing marks. On the background of this view, health condition of Kerala is deteriorating among the marginalized sections of society. Mortality and morbidity rate among marginalized group particularly among women is increasing day by day.

Pages: 495-498
Abhijatya Dhar (Department of Clinical Psychology, M.Sc. Theoretical Psychoanalytic Studies, Jaipur, Rajasthan)

There is an established clinical co-relation between the use of transitional objects in adulthood and borderline personality disorder which is rarely found in any other personality disorder. The transitional phenomenon as described by Winnicott has a specific place in an infant's life, bringing about the successful and smooth acknowledgment and acceptance of the reality principle. Winnicott's work on transitional phenomenon and objects still remains pertinent in understanding the mind of the borderline personality. One of the current models of borderline, the Mentalization Model proposes two psychic modes of functioning for the borderline patient, namely, the “psychic equivalence” mode and the “pretend mode”. The description of these two modes seems reminiscent of the state of mind of an infant in the transitional phase, i.e., where reality and fantasy are not clearly delineated or distinguished and remain fused with each other. This paper explores the possibility of the adult borderline patient still functioning in the transitional realm and relating to others (people) as a transitional object, hence, still employing transitional objects, only in a disguised form.

Pages: 505-509
Anil Kumar and Ashok Kumar (Department of Extension Education, COA, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana)

The study was conducted in Karnal and Fatehabad district of Haryana state. Two blocks from Karnal district i.e. Karnal and Nilokheri; two villages from each block namely Uchana and Kulvehari (Karnal), Bhaini and Sultanpur (Nilokheri); one block from Fatehabad district i.e. Tohana from Tohana block and three villages namely Prithla, Lalauda and Nagala village were selected twenty respondents from each village were selected randomly for the study purpose having a total sample of 140 users of Zero-Tillage Technology (ZTT). The study revealed that most of the respondents were of young to middle age group, mean score of education was not satisfactory. 12.14% of the respondents were having more than 15 acres land holding. The average socio-economic status was not satisfactory. Extension contacts, mass media exposure, change proneness and risk orientation were found to low level. Majority of farmers used rice-wheat cropping pattern. Maximum respondents were of favorable (57.85 %) attitude towards Zero-Tillage Technology. Large majority of farmers (61.42%) were had medium level of overall knowledge of ZTT. Maximum respondents of the farmers used control flooding method of irrigation. Age, caste, occupation, house, land, material possession, education, farm power, socio-economic status, mass media exposure, risk orientation, attitude and knowledge were positive and highly significant at 1% level.

Pages: 513-518
Namita Mohanty and Mausumi Mishra (Department of Psychology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha)

The present study examined the role of educational streams and gender on n-achievement, stress and mental health of young adults. It was based on a 2 (Gender) x 3 (Streams) factorial design. The sample consisted of 180 subjects (90 males & 90 females) pursuing Master degree programme at Utkal University, Odisha in science, arts and commerce streams. Results revealed that females had higher n-achievement than males, and students in science stream had better mental health compared to their counterparts in arts and commerce streams. Stream x Gender interaction had significant effects on all the three dependent variables. Females of arts streams had the highest n-achievement whereas maximum stress was experienced by the female students in science stream. But in case of mental health, male students of science stream were better compared to all other groups of subjects. Results were interpreted on the basis of socio-cultural practices relating to gender role stereotypes, need for higher education, economic, social independence and emancipation of women as well as variation in opportunities available for employment of post graduate students in different streams.

Pages: 524-529
Sarah Javed, Suhail Ahmed Azmi, and Deoshree Akhouri (Department of Psychiatry, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh)

Cognitive impairment has a high prevalence in Schizophrenia and has been linked to functional outcome. To date statistically significant effects of medication on cognition in mood disorder trials and in schizophrenia do not necessarily translate to clinically meaningful effects. Apart from it other potentials benefits like being less expensive, not being cause dependent and having no side effect increases demands of non pharmacological programs. Keeping this in view following objectives were set for the study. Development of a cognitive remediation package and investigating the efficacy of that cognitive remediation program of neuropsychological deficits in terms of memory. 100 schizophrenic patients as per ICD 10 who came to Psychiatry OPD of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, India were recruited for the study. Patients were randomly allocated to experimental group and control group. Patients in experimental group were given cognitive remediation therapy for 3 months and patients of control group were on treatment as usual. Memory was assesses using PGI Memory scale at baseline, post treatment (3 months) and follow up (6 months). Participants in experimental group improved more than those in control group on cognitive functioning post training with attenuation of some gains at the 6 months.