Impact of sattva, rajas and tamas factors on coping strategies among women

Summary of article contents:

Introduction

This study, conducted by Dr. Nishi Arora, examines the influence of the Sankhya school of Hindu philosophy’s three gunas—Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas—on coping strategies among women. The research explores psychological characteristics intrinsic to these gunas and analyzes how they affect how working and non-working women cope with stress. With a sample of sixty women divided into two groups, working and non-working, the study intends to provide insights into their coping mechanisms and deeper understanding of women's psychological profiles through the Vedic personality framework.

Understanding the Gunas

The three gunas represent distinct qualities of human personality: Sattva, characterized by purity, knowledge, and harmony; Rajas, associated with activity, passion, and desire; and Tamas, embodying darkness, inertia, and ignorance. The study revealed that a significant majority of the respondents were predominantly Sattvik, followed by Rajasik and Tamasik. This distribution suggests a general inclination towards positive traits among women within the sample, which aligns with the broader spiritual and moral values typically observed in Indian culture. The underlying principle of Sattva as a guiding force for rational problem-solving was highlighted as particularly relevant among the respondents.

Coping Strategies of Working and Non-Working Women

The findings indicate significant variances in coping strategies between working and non-working women. Working women predominantly utilized cognitive restructuring, reflecting their need to adapt actively to dual responsibilities at home and work. In contrast, non-working women leaned towards problem-solving strategies, indicating a different approach to managing stress. Interestingly, while some coping strategies overlap, such as emotional expression, the study found that working women tend to engage more openly with their emotions as opposed to non-working women, who might prefer social contact for support.

The Role of Socio-Cultural Context

The socio-cultural environment plays a crucial role in shaping the women’s coping strategies. The Indian societal fabric, deeply embedded in familial responsibilities and traditional roles, reflects on how women respond to stress. The study emphasizes the burden of household responsibilities and financial concerns, which exacerbate stress among women, regardless of their employment status. This aspect demonstrates that while the gunas provide a foundation for understanding personality, the external environment also crucially influences how women cope with everyday challenges.

Conclusion

Dr. Arora’s research offers a comprehensive exploration of the psychological underpinnings of women's coping strategies as framed by the ancient Indian philosophy of the gunas. The study reveals that Sattva predominates among women, reflecting a tendency towards positive coping mechanisms, particularly in problem-solving. However, the differences in coping strategies between working and non-working women underline the complexity of modern womanhood. The findings suggest that in light of spiritual and moral introspection, there is still a need for support systems that acknowledge the challenges women face across varied societal roles. As such, this study contributes significantly to the discourse on women’s mental health and coping strategies within the Indian context.