Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing

Pages: 110-114
Deepak Malik and Rajkumar (Clinical Psychology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS), Rohtak, Haryana)
Dharmender Kumar Nehra (Clinical Psychologist, State Institute of Mental Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) campus, Rohtak, Haryana)
Sidharth Arya (Junior Resident (Psychiatry) Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS), Rohtak, Haryana)

The medical science has undergone a tremendous evolution in the past century, now medical professionals are able to cure the disorders that were earlier taken a toll of millions' life. Stress and its negative consequence on health professionals have received relatively little attention in the literature in past. Although, the potential detriment of hectic life style for health professional has been raised recently and irony is that health professionals who help patients to get rid of stress are also burdened with stress. The aims of this study is twofold: (1) to provide awareness regarding the prevalence of stress in medical students and (2) to assess the association between stress and Emotional intelligence that is generally considered as a buffer against stress. This cross-sectional study examined 100 medical students out of which 50 were female and 50 were male. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS) were administered. The data obtained for the variables under study have been subjected to different statistical analysis. Out of the total sample (hundred) of medical students, approximately 71% of them found to have high level of perceived stress. In addition, significant difference was found in EIS scores between female and males students. The findings also indicated significant negative correlation between perceived stress and EI. This study suggested that the prevalence of perceived stress in medical students is high irrespective of their gender. In view of the fact that in present study too occurrence of perceived stress is almost similar that found in the other societies. Hence, authors recommended appropriate interventions (stress management) for them so that they will capable to learn complex vocational skills for making them self-sufficient and independent professionals.

Pages: 119-122
Shruti Sharma (Department of Psychology, SUS College of Research and Technology, SUS Group of Institutes, Tangori, Mohali)

The aim of the study is to study the effect of yogic practices (Pranayamas and Asana) on the level of Frustration among employees of IT sector. The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “YUJ” which means to join or union. The philosophy behind yoga is that in order to achieve self actualization one must have perfect harmony between the body and the mind. Frustration is an emotion that occurs in situations where a person is blocked from reaching a desired outcome. .For the purpose of present investigation, IT sector employees, age ranging between 30-35 years, with an organizational tenure of minimum 2 years, operating in National Capital Region was taken. Perceptions of Frustration were measured with Reactions to Frustration Scale by Dr. B. M. Dixit and Dr. D .N. Shrivastava. All the employees were examined twice on Reactions to Frustration Scale. Initially Pre test scores on Frustration scale of all the employees were taken. After the treatment plan of yogic practices (Pranayamas and Asanas-Halasana, Sarvangasana,Savasana) for 30 days, all the employees were reexamined on Frustration measure. Thus post test scores of the employees were noted down. Means, standard deviations, Corelations and t-test was calculated. Results came out to be significant. It means pranayamas and Asana helps in balancing the Nervous system and thus reduces the level of frustration.

Pages: 130-132
Mina Emami Gohari (Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran Branch, Iran)
Fariborz Bagheri and Alireza Kia Manesh (Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran Branch, Iran)

To compare of motivation, locus of control and life satisfaction in female high school students in two groups of mothers perfectionist (positive and negative) and non perfectionist (positive and negative). The study population consisted of all students in girls' high school who were enrolled in 2012 in 5th district of Tehran. Sample survey of 450 students who were selected by purposive sampling and after removing outliers' 408 questionnaires was analyzed. Measure of research were; Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Inventory, Academic Motivation scale, Lonson's Locus of Control and Multidimensional students' life satisfaction Scale. In order to analyze data multivariate analysis of variance was used. The results showed that girls' academic motivation with mothers with positive perfectionism was more than other groups. Based on results the study suggested that health classes should be held in homes and schools to inform and educate parents, especially mothers.

Pages: 136-138
Fatima Shahnawaz, Shamim A. Ansari and Masood-ul-hassan (Department of Psychology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP)

Spirituality is a sacred aspect of human life that refers to the quality of being concerned with religion specially, for those having faith in God. Having faith in God bears a very broad meaning that whatever happens in this universe is through the command of Allah and Allah has power to do anything what He wants without seeking any help of material or immaterial entities and powers. Such belief in God strengthen human being to cope with all sorts of situations or circumstances through their spiritual power. Therefore, psycho- physiological health can also be improved and maintained by strengthening human spirituality to keep away all sorts of evils coming in the way of one's life. In view of such assertion, the present paper was aimed to deliberate the aspect of psycho-physiological health as a function of spiritualistic belief and behavior. It is, indeed, true that spirituality has always been a guiding and directing sacred force to keep oneself psycho-physiologically healthy. In fact, spiritual bent of mind and behavior is most likely to help human being for alleviating from all psycho-physiologically sufferings. Spirituality is a state of holy way of believing and behaving which is governed by high order religiosity, especially those believing in oneness of God (Allah). The phenomenon of spirituality is something which can never be measured but the aspect of spirituality can only be seen or observed which is reflected from the life of religiously spiritual people. Moreover, it is also important to stress on the fact that a spiritual person is so humble in his behavior while interacting with people that he/she never pose his/her religious power and practices because such people have high intensity of fear of Allah and simultaneously also have high level of hope to get forgiveness from Him. Here, it is important to highlight that fear and hope from Allah is the most important bent of mind which seems to be instrumental in governing psycho-behavioral functioning of a spiritual person. Spirituality- being belief in the oneness of God, shapes the psycho-physical personality of a spiritual person in such a fashion in which both Quranic teaching and the prophet's life are reflected. On the basis of Quran and Hadees, if one lives the life then it is most likely that the person may be away from psycho-physiological sufferings. In this regard it can be firmly advocated that even if some psycho-physiological problems occur then these may be overcome by adopting the means of dua, sadqa and khairat but in the circumstances of high intensity of illness, one should also use medicine and/or meet to the doctor because it is also witnessed from the life of our prophet (S.A.W). However, in quest for combating illnesses, both practices be followed simultaneously by an spiritual person because one does not know that which is effective one or both combined together are functionally becoming instrumental for relieving from disease.

Pages: 141-142
Masood ul Hassan (Department of Psychology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP)

The study was conducted to examine the effects of yogic and physical exercise on psychological well-being. 120 subjects in four groups viz. light exercise group, heavy exercise group, yoga performers group and control group were administered measures. All the subjects are male in the age range of 20-25 years. Data were analyzed by simple ANOVA suitable for multigroup design. Results revealed that the control group had significantly poor psychological well-being than the exercise and yoga performing group.

Pages: 146-148
Vinod Kumar (Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, Haryana)

Since their inceptions, libraries remained the centres for knowledge and learning. The libraries build their collections to cater to the informational requirements of its stakeholders. The use of information communication technologies has not only changed the products and services in all sectors but also changed the behaviour and expectations of its ultimate users. The libraries are also not the exception of it. The present paper highlights some of the major changes in the behaviour of its users.

Pages: 155-157
Bilal Ahmad Lone (Department of Applied Psychology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata)
Anjali Srivastava (Department of Psychology, A.P.S. University, Rewa, MP)

This study was conducted to examine the impact of frustration and anxiety on high and low academic achievers among college students. The present study conducted on 60 subjects, all being college students from Bhopal. The age group from 18 to 23 years. The Frustration scale was used to measure the level of frustration; anxiety scale was used to measure the anxiety among students. Independent Sample T-test was used to differentiate the level of psychological problems between low and high achieving students. The findings of this study revealed that there were significant differences between low and high achieving students in their psychological problems. The findings of the study will be useful in assisting psychologists, educators, counselors, and researchers to develop strategies to enhance students' psychological well-being.

Pages: 200-203
Nalini Malhotra and Himani (Department of Psychology, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab)

The purpose of the present research paper is to assess life stressors in relation to psychological problems among adolescents. Sample for the present research paper comprised 150 adolescents (75 Males / 75 Females) in the age range of 12 to 18 years from the various schools of Patiala district. The participants were assessed by Life Stressors and Social Resources inventory (Youth Form), which evaluates different domains of life stressors in adolescents. Psychological problems of adolescents were evaluated by (DASS) Depression Anxiety Stress scale. It was hy- pothesized that there would be a positive relationship of a representative set of Life Stressors with Psychological Problems among Adolescents. Result revealed positive affinity of life stressors with psychological problems viz depression, anxiety, stress. Implications of the present research paper are also proposed for future research.

Pages: 209-214
Shraboni Patra and Rakesh Kumar Singh (International Institute for Population Sciences, Govandi Station Road, Deonar, Mumbai, India)

Men’s perception, knowledge and attitude are very important in family planning issue. Men’s attitudes towards family planning influence their partner’s attitudes and eventual adoption of contraceptive method. Present study has addressed men’s attitudes towards the use and choice of contraception by women in India. The National Family Health Survey-3 (NFHS-3) data has been used. Bivariate and multivariate analyses are used. Findings show, 22% men in India think contraception is women’s business, and men should not have to worry about it. 16% men believe, by using contraception, women may become promiscuous. According to 49% men, a lactating woman, can’t become pregnant. 66% men accept that male condom, if used correctly in most of the time, can protect unwanted pregnancy. Men with higher education level (OR = 9.798, p < 0.01), having media exposure (OR = 2.688, p < 0.01) and with knowledge of modern family planning (OR = 2.688, p < 0.01) are significantly more likely to agree that wife can ask her husband to use condom if he has STDs. Hence, men can support the choice and use of contraception made by their wives or partners, and can adopt any modern contraception method which can protect the couples from STDs. Awareness programs and family planning services should target men from disadvantaged background.

Pages: 219-221
Alpna Agarwal, Anshu Agarwal and Pooja Mallick (Department of Psychology, C.C.S. University, Meerut, India)

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between internet addiction and self-concept of adolescents. For this purpose 200 students of 10th standard (age range 13 to 15 years) were selected. In each group there were equal number of male and female (CBSE Board and UP Board students). Internet Addiction test constructed by Dr. Kimberly Young and Self-concept scale constructed by Dr. Mukta Rani Rastogi were used for data collection. The results indicate significant relationship between internet addiction and self-concept (r = –0.60).

Pages: 226-231
G. Valentina (National Institute of Rural Development, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, AP)

Rural households depend on clay stoves called chulhas for the purpose of cooking food. In the chulhas biomass inputs are used as fuel. In general a family of 5 to 6 persons require about 8 kg of fuel per day. The domestic fuel used, comprises of agricultural residues, twigs, cattle dung, and wood particles which constitute about 40% of the total mass. This biomass is usually the waste generated in the family farm, while the wood particles are collected from the surrounding environment, in the neighbourhood. Families living in the rural areas depend on biomass inputs since it is available free of cost. Finding the large availability of the biomass in the environment, the use of traditional chulhas has certain disadvantages where in it can bring only 10 percent of the total heating potential of the fuel into use while the rest of it goes waste. Another disadvantage of the traditional chulhas is that they produce a lot of smoke, soot and unburnt volatile organic matter; this blackens the cooking vessels and also the surroundings like the walls of the kitchen and pollutes the indoor air affecting the health of the family adversely. Though Burning of biomass fuels pollutes the air and the environment, biomass fuels are largely used for cooking food, heating and sometimes lighting in the rural areas and women and small children are constantly exposed to the burning fuels and become victims of pollution as these people are found working within its vicinity all the time. As per the medical reports and major health studies, continued exposure to such an environment leads to lung infection and eye and skin infections. The available interventions to reduce the exposure to such harmful effects include changing the cooking practices and building awareness on the impact of such exposure to smoke on health. Though some interventions have been made by the civil society and the government agencies by introducing in- novative cooking practices, yet the technology could not penetrate the mindset nor the kitchens of the rural folk as social, cultural and financial constraints are seen as major challenges to effective an efficient implementation.

Pages: 237-238
Anahita Ali Esmaili, Farshad Bahari and Malakeh Mashhadi Farahani (Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran)

The aim of present study is effectiveness of happiness training by group practices on resilience of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Method of this study was quasi- experimental and population consists all of Multiple Sclerosis patients who referred to MS community in Tehran. Sample of 30 individuals (15 controls - 15 experi- ments) were randomly selected and after screening test and then were replaced in control-experimental groups. The research instrument was Connor-Davidson Resilience Questionnaire and Happiness training protocol. Intervention consisted of 8 sessions, each session lasting 60 minutes once a week, which was carried out after obtaining permis- sion from Centre. The results showed that happiness Seligman program was significantly effective in six areas of resiliency on problem solving skills, social competence, and optimism in MS patients.