Indian Journal of Positive Psychology

Vandana Gambhir ¹, N. K. Chadha ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Psychology, University of Delhi, Delhi, IN

Abstract

Increased attention to the understanding of middle adulthood over the past three decades through researches has portrayed midlife in two juxtaposed frameworks: Midlife as a time of "crisis" and Midlife as the "prime of life". "Midlife crisis" is a media and literary staple term, implying that it is the time period of stress and difficulties brought about by turning 40. Reviews of many research studies have concluded that serious emotional disturbance and the intense period of turmoil is exception rather than rule for most middle-aged men (and women).In contrast, the alternative perspective that positive development and experiences accumulate in midlife is reported in scientific literature and academia. Considering the disjunction between the research concept of midlife and the contemporary folk belief, this paper broadly examines the psychological changes and experiences of midlife and how they are perceived. The paper contains different accounts of midlife, involving the psychological aspects of the self, relationships with friends and family, physical health, and the workplace. It starts with the brief introduction about the concept of midlife and reviews the variability in the perceived ages of onset and exit from midlife. A concise description of conceptual frameworks useful for studying the psychological health in middle age is presented. The research evidences of contrasting views of midlife as- a time of peak functioning and a period of crisis are reported. Findings demonstrating diverse patterns of psychological experiences of midlife in physical, psychological, social and career domains are reviewed. Psychological variables optimism, positive affect, resilience and social support- having a positive impact on health during middle age are highlighted.

Keywords

Midlife,Crisis Versus Peak Functioning in Middle Age,multiple Domains of Middle Adulthood

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Bhavna Bawa ¹, N. K. Chadha ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Psychology, University of Delhi, Delhi, IN

Abstract

The central message of Sikhism is contained in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which compiles holy writings of Sikh gurus and other Indian saints. It is an attempt to explain complexity of life through simplicity of the omnipotent universal power. Sikhism, through its spiritual teachings, helps people make sense of events in their lives and cope better. This study aims at examining the effects of spiritualism on coping through the narratives of Sikh women. For this purpose 10 women were interviewed using semi- structured interviews. Their interviews were transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Grounded Theory (Strauss&Corbin, 1990, 2008). The results demonstrated that certain tenets of Sikhism like 'paath', 'sewa' act as a source of peace and comfort during distress by inducing positivity in the thought process. Through other concepts of Sikhism like, 'hukum', many women found solace by placing the results in god's hands. The results appear to confirm the conceptual link between spirituality and coping and can significantly contribute towards culturally enriching mental health professionals approach in India.

Keywords

Spirituality, Grounded Theory, Coping

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Vibhuti Gupta ¹, N. K. Chadha ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Psychology, University of Delhi, Delhi, IN

Abstract

Old age is seen as a time when elderly engage in the spirituality to find existential meaning of life, transcend beyond the boundaries of self to realize connection with the larger universe and also to come to terms with death. In this context, the present research aims to understand the development of spirituality from the middle age through the old age. The study also examines the gender differences in spirituality. For this purpose three age cohorts: middle aged (40-45 years), young old (60-65 years) and oldest old (80 years and above) were chosen to assess spiritual development with age. The sample of 171 respondents (95 males and 76 females) were administered Daily Spiritual Experience scale (Underwood, 2006). Two-way factorial ANOVA was computed to examine age and gender differences in spirituality (daily spiritual experiences and perceived closeness to God). The results indicated that spirituality increased consistently with increasing age as middle aged were lowest on daily spiritual experiences and perceived closeness to God and the oldest old respondents were highest on these dimensions. A significant gender and age interaction was observed wherein middle aged females experienced more daily spiritual experiences as compared to middle aged males. This significant difference disappeared with age. The results are discussed in light of recent research and implications of the research are suggested.

Keywords

Spirituality, Age, Gender

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Nisha Chaudhary ¹, N. K. Chadha ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Psychology, University of Delhi, Delhi, IN

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Gandhian Perspective, Fulfilling And Contented Life

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Deepesh Rathore ¹, N. K. Chadha ¹, Shailja Rana ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Psychology, University of Delhi, Delhi, IN
2 Department of Psychology, Keshav Mahavidyalaya, University of Delhi, Delhi, IN

Abstract

Emotional Intelligence (EI) as a concept has grown in significance since its conception in 1990 and popularization outside the academic world in 1995 after Daniel Goleman's seminal work. Emotional Intelligence:why it matters more than IQ. After that many different EI assessment tools have been developed in order to measure an individuals EI and with that numerous research studies were conducted to find out the relationship between EI and leadership style, occupational stress, job performance, conflict management etc. This article aims to capture the wide variety of researches done to prove the utility of emotional intelligence in the work setting.

Keywords

Emotional Intelligence, Job Performance, Leadership.

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Nisha Chaudhary ¹, N. K. Chadha ², Salma Seth ³

Affiliations
1 Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, University of Delhi, Delhi, IN
2 Department of Psychology, University of Delhi, Delhi, IN
3 Department of Applied Psychology, Vivekananda College, University of Delhi, Delhi, IN

Abstract

Studies have long been concentrated on the negatives which old age brings overlooking the positive side of becoming old. Hence, this research enhances the knowledge of the field called Positive Aging. The present research aimed to find the difference between elderly from different culture, living arrangements, and gender and age cohorts on level of hope. The tool used for study was The Adult Trait Hope Scale (Snyder & Harris et al., 1991). The total sample size under study was 179 elderly. The sample was classified on the basis of culture (rural and urban), living arrangements (living with families, living with old age homes & those living only with spouse), gender (males & females) and age cohorts (65-75 years & 75 above years). Results showed for the group of urban aged, the urban elderly living with spouse had a higher score on Hope. In case of gender differences, the mean showed that males were higher on levels of Hope in comparison to females. For the differences in age cohorts, Hope, showed the higher mean values for the age group of 65-75 years in comparison to elderly who are 75 years and above.

Keywords

Aged, Positive Aging, Hope.

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