Informatics Publishing Limited

Pratibha Dabas ¹, Abha Singh ¹

Affiliations
1 AIPS, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, IN

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to present a narrative overview of research work done on the Bhagavad Gita and explore the possibility of using specific teachings of the Gita for promoting resilience and optimism among school children. Though Indians have used the teachings of the Gita to guide them through life since the ancient times, very little scientific research has been done in the area. The teachings have been of immense value to people in different time periods and few question the credibility of the knowledge contained therein. What is needed, however, is the scientific validation of the effects of the teachings in different social groups. There is an urgent need for revisiting the ancient teachings. More so, because we must offer the right kind of mental conditioning for school children, who are facing increasing behavioural and mental health issues, some of which may be borne out of a lack of resilience and optimism. Because very little scientific research has been attempted in the area, the methods used for this study included a review of translations and commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita by different authors along with research journal articles. A review of about a forty researches show that there are immense possibilities in the area. Positive outcomes in most researches conducted, show that the teachings of Gita may provide conditioning 'mantras' that will help build optimism and resilience in school students. This paper makes suggestions for further research and inclusion of specific teaching interventions for school children.

Keywords

Bhagavad Gita, Resilience, Optimism, School Children.

Full Text

     

Pratibha Dabas ¹, Abha Singh ²

Affiliations
1 AIPS, Amity University, Noida, UP, IN
2 AIPS, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, IN

Abstract

This paper looks at the need for introducing a new dimension to the counselor's role in Indian schools - that of providing Positive psychology interventions to school students. We are witnessing increasing instances of behavioral problems and low academic standards among students in semi urban schools in India. The school authorities feel the need for effective and positive intervention programs for these students. Parents and teachers both find themselves turning to the counselors, who are not only few in number but unable to handle all the referrals. The role of the counselor, thus needs to be redefined. Apart from broadening the scope of counseling, integrated interventions that the teachers can handle are required. The paper also identifies the growing need for counseling that is preventive rather than remedial. With the parents and teachers turning into a helpless lot and looking towards the counselors to help them with managing their children, the counselors need to reframe their role. Rather than being overwhelmed by the number of referrals, they must help in the upbringing of children with positive character traits. Going by the research findings in positive psychology, this should help in bringing down the number of referrals of behavioral issues. As findings of some of the studies on Positive Psychology also suggest a cultural impact on the outcome of positive interventions, this paper makes further research suggestions of combining Indian Psychology with the western Positive Psychology methods as options for effective positive interventions for school children.

Keywords

Positive Psychology, Interventions, School Children, Counselors.

Full Text