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Research Publications

Understanding personality from Indian Psychological perspective: Practical applications and implications.

Veda Vignana Sudha, page(s): 70-85.
Compilation of papers presented at the Sixth International Conference in Feb., 2018 by National Institute of Vedic Sciences. Darshan Prints, Bangalore.

 

Indian Perspective on Personality and Behaviour in Organisations, NHRD Network Journal, Oct, 2021

Volume: 14 issue: 4, page(s): 388-398
Article first published online: October 21, 2021; Issue published: October 1, 2021

Abstract: This article explains the steps followed in developing psychometric personality assessment tests from the Indian psychological/Vedic perspective while also mentioning the psychometric properties of the scales. Its numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals are by itself an acceptance of the validity and reliability of the scale, along with the accreditation obtained from concerned certifying authorities in India. Additionally, its use in multiple academic and research organisations both in India and abroad throws up interesting possibilities using Indian psychological concepts can offer solutions to, being relevant to all peoples of the world today, as they were from times immemorial.

The article draws attention to the multiple applications that the five-element theory of personality understanding offers and explores how this can used in organisations to provide for higher retention of employees, better employee engagement and higher cohesiveness and cultural fit amongst teams within organisations, especially when they are integrated in the recruitment processes itself.

Integrated understanding of Personality based on Prakrti: Evidence-based Analysis towards a Wellness Philosophy

Datar, S. (July-Dec. 2020). Integrated understanding of Personality based on Prakrti: Evidence-based analysis towards a wellness philosophy. Journal of Psychosocial Research. 15, No. 2. Pg. 447-459. ISSN: 0973-5410. E-ISSN: 0976-3937.

Abstract: The author explores the understanding of Prakriti and the different concepts that combine to make it a holistic and evidence-based scientific theory. An analysis of Prakriti to facilitate better understanding of patients and clients in a clinical setting, as well as for larger domain of psychology has immense implications both in the short and long term. The world-wide acceptance of Ayurveda and Yoga and familiarity of its principles set the stage for Psychologists to adopt this Prakriti based theoretical framework for practice, leading to richer interactions in both clinical as well as non-clinical settings, making the field of psychology pervasive and common across different divisive theories and across different countries that exist today. This would also pave the way for a unified theory of psychology rather than a fragmented one that is pervasive today. The field of Psychology would benefit immensely from these holistic adoptions.

Development of Mysore Triguna Scale—Short

Datar, S. & Murthy, C.G.V. (July-Dec. 2019). Development of Mysore Triguna Scale—Short. Journal of Psychosocial Research. 14, No. 2. Pg. 311-318. DOI No.: https://doi.org/10.32381/JPR.2019.14.02.8. ISSN: 0973-5410. E-ISSN: 0976-3937.

Abstract: The authors have developed the Mysore Triguna Psychological Personality Assessment Scale and published it in 2012. This scale assesses the Trigunas, namely Sattva, Rajas and Tamas and their combinations in people. This scale is being used to assess and understand personality in different areas. The authors are not from the domain of Ayurveda or Philosophy but are from the domain of Psychology. There are some constructs that are not amenable for psychological testing which have been ignored in the original scale. The original scale had 63 MCQ type of questions. Since it is long, and is online, there was a need to develop a shorter version of the scale for limited use and for application in research areas where online use may not be possible. Hence a shorter version of the original scale was developed with just 15 MCQ type of questions selected from the original 51 questions through rigorous empirical and statistical analysis. The present paper describes the methodology and the results of the same.

Personality and Puranas

Datar, Shilpa. (2015). Personality and Puranas. In, Ranganath, S. (Ed.). (2016). Message of Mahapuranas. A unique five-day National conference on the Message of Mahapuranas, June 23rd – 27th, 2015. Conference proceedings. Bengaluru: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.

Development and Standardization of Mysore Triguna Scale—Part B

Shilpa S., & Murthy, C.G.V. (2013). Development and standardization of Mysore Triguna Scale—Part B. Humanities and Social Science Studies. Vol. 2, No. 3, p. 82-97. ISSN: 2319-829X

Abstract: The authors have developed a personality scale to assess Trigunas i.e. Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. The Trigunas are composed of the Pancha Mahabhutas, but one or the other Guna is dominant singularly or in combination.  There can never be a state when one or the other Pancha Mahabhutas and consequently the Trigunas are absent totally.  One or the other guna is in dominance and is responsible for the behaviour expressed by an individual. The present authors have tried to validate the same in psychology, taking into account the descriptions as delineated in Indian tradition and classical textual scriptures. This is an addendum to that scale and is not a standalone scale. This scale needs to be read and used in conjunction with the main Triguna scale.  In this process, the psychometric properties of the scale are established.

Validation of Psychological Terminologies of Tridoshas and Trigunas

Datar, S & Murthy, C.G.V. (Oct.-Dec. 2015). Validation of psychological terminologies of Tridoshas and Trigunas. The International Journal of Indian Psychology, Vol. 3, Issue 1, No. 7. http://www.ijip.in ISSN 2348-5396(e); ISSN: 2349-3429(p);  DIP: C03118V3I12015

Abstract: The authors have developed a set of scales to assess personality from the Indian psychological perspective of Tridoshas and Trigunas. This paper deals with psychological names to the Tridoshas and Trigunas as well as to the 16 Classical Personality types dealt in Ayurveda. The salient features of the Tridoshas, Trigunas and each of the 16 Classical Personality Types have been identified and validated which are elaborated.

Assessment of Traits and Types in Personality

Shilpa S., & Murthy, C.G.V. (Jan. 2014). Assessment of traits and types in personality: An Indian psychological perspective. Indian Journal of Psychology. pp. 41-57. ISSN-0019-5553

Abstract: The authors have developed a set of scales to assess personality from the Indian psychological perspective of Tridoshas and Trigunas. This paper consists of the second and third level analyses done by the authors while developing and standardizing those set of scales. What is presented here is the second and third level analyses that is conducted to assess the dominant traits and the types of personalities that a person is most similar to, which in turn would indicate the behaviour patterns that they would indulge in. The interpretations of each of the 189 traits are delineated, both at the physical as well as the psychological level. The salient features of each of the 16 CPT has been identified and validated which are also delineated.

Combination of Tridoshas in Different Groups of People

Shilpa S., & Murthy, C.G.V. (Jan 2013). Combination of Tridoshas in different groups of people. Periyar University Journal of Psychology. Vol. 1 (1), p. 88-92

Abstract: Tridoshas are composed of the Pancha Mahabhuta.  One or the other Dosha is dominant singularly or in combination in man.  There can never be a state when one or the other Pancha Mahabhutas and consequently the Tridoshas are absent totally.  All are essential to sustain life. Though Tridosha is studied, understood and applied in Ayurveda, the present authors have studied how the Tridoshas are present in different variations in different professional groups in the present study. The way in which the combination of the Tridoshas are different and characteristic for each profession is analyzed which gives rise to new ways of understanding people and their behaviour vis-à-vis their professions.

Understanding Personality Dynamics from Ayurveda

Shilpa S., & Murthy, C.G.V. (2012). Understanding Personality dynamics from Ayurveda. Indian Journal of health and WellbeingVol. 3(2), pp. 57-59

Abstract: The Ayurvedic concepts are applicable to all human beings irrespective of caste, colour, sex or race. Therefore, it is interesting to build on the Ayurvedic knowledge which has already given us so much since times immemorial, and validate some of these issues related to personality from psychological perspective.  There are already certain efforts in understanding Sattva, Rajas and Tamas Gunas. It can be furthered so that a comprehensive personality picture can be generated, which can have implications for health, career, education and many other dimensions of life. The present paper is a theoretical attempt in developing such a personality proposition which can be validated.

Combination of Trigunas in Different Groups of People

Shilpa S., & Murthy, C.G.V. (2012). Combination of Trigunas in different groups of people. Journal of the Indian Academy of Applied Psychology. (Golden Jubilee Special Issue). Vol. 38, No. 3, pp: 214-219. (ISSN: 0019-4247)

Abstract: Trigunas are composed of the Pancha Mahabhuta.  One or the other Gunas is dominant singularly or in combination in man.  There can never be a state when one or the other Pancha Mahabhutas and consequently the Trigunas are absent totally.  All are essential to sustain life. Though Triguna is studied, understood and applied in Ayurveda, the present authors have studied how the Trigunas are present in different variations in different professional groups in the present study. The way in which the combination of the Trigunas are different and characteristic for each profession is analyzed which gives rise to new ways of understanding people and their behaviour vis-à-vis their professions.

Interrelatedness of Tridoshas and Trigunas in Personality

Shilpa S., & Murthy, C.G.V. (March, 2012). Interrelatedness of Tridoshas and Trigunas in personality. An Empirical investigation. Indian Social and Psychological Studies (ISPS): 5, No. 1. pp: 32-40. (ISSN: 0974-634X)

Abstract: Tridoshas and Trigunas are composed of the Pancha Mahabhuta.  One or the other Dosha and Guna is dominant singularly or in combination in man.  There can never be a state when one or the other Pancha Mahabhutas and consequently the Tridoshas and Trigunas are absent totally.  All are essential to sustain life. Though Tridosha and to a lesser extent Triguna is studied, understood and applied in Ayurveda, the present authors have studied their interrelatedness in the present study. They have studied the interrelatedness of the Tridoshas and the Trigunas and their implications for our understanding of an integrated personality composition at the physical and psychological level wherein both are intrinsically related to one another.

Development and Standardization of Mysore Triguna Scale

Shilpa S., & Murthy, C.G.V. (2012). Development and standardization of Mysore Triguna Scale. Sage Open. Published 8 Feb. 2012. DOI: 10.1177/2158244012436564

http://sgo.sagepub.com/content/early/2012/02/01/2158244012436564.full.pdf+html

Abstract: The authors have developed a personality tool to assess Trigunas i.e. Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. The Trigunas are composed of the Pancha Mahabhutas, but one or the other Guna is dominant singularly or in combination.  There can never be a state when one or the other Pancha Mahabhutas and consequently the Trigunas are absent totally.  One or the other guna is in dominance and is responsible for the behaviour expressed by an individual. The present authors have tried to validate the same in psychology, taking into account the descriptions as delineated in Indian tradition and classical textual scriptures. In this process, the psychometric properties of the scale are established.

Development and Standardization of Mysore Tridosha Scale

Shilpa S., & Murthy, C.G.V. (July-Sept. 2011). Development and standardization of Mysore Tridosha Scale. AYU—An International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda; 32, Issue 3. pg. 308-314. (ISSN : 0974-8520)

http://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2011/32/3/308/93905

Abstract: The authors have developed a personality scale to assess Tridoshas i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha from psychological perspective in human beings. The Tridoshas are composed of the Pancha Mahabhutas, but one or the other Dosha is dominant singularly or in combination.  There can never be a state when one or the other Pancha Mahabhutas and consequently the Tridoshas are absent totally.  All five are essential to sustain life. Vata Dosha is composed of Akasa and Vayu Mahabhuta. Pitta Dosha is composed of Tejas or Agni and Ap Mahabhuta. Kapha Dosha is composed of Ap and Prithvi Mahabhuta. Though Tridosha is studied, understood and applied in Ayurveda, the present authors have tried to validate the same from the domain of psychology. Since the authors are not from the domain of Ayurveda but of Psychology, there are some constructs that are not amenable for psychological testing which have been ignored. Only those constructs that can be used by Psychologists to assess the psychological aspects of the Dosha Prakriti have been used to build items for the assessment of personality. In this process, the psychometric properties of the scale are established.  The Scale assesses the psychological manifestation of the Tridoshas, which was the basic objective.

Conceptualizing Personality Dynamics from the Indian Thought

Shilpa S., & Murthy, C.G.V. (March 2011). Conceptualizing Personality dynamics from the Indian thought. Indian Social and Psychological Studies (ISPS): 4, No. 1: pp. 6-19. (ISSN: 0974-634X)

Abstract: In this paper, the authors delve into the complexities of personality and its treatment in the Indian tradition from various perspectives as has been studied through the millennia and conclude that the Indian method is potentially scientific in its assessment amenability. They delineate various concepts of understanding personality from the Indian perspective and its scientific basis for doing so, as well as giving directions for a scientific analysis and categorization of people based on the same—irrespective of caste, creed, colour or nationality, hence making it applicable across the globe. They argue that, this wealth of literature needs to be carefully sorted out and empirically validated which in itself is a big agenda for psychologists which is doable.

Understanding Personality from Ayurvedic Perspective for Psychological Assessment: A Case

Shilpa S., & Murthy, C.G.V. (Jan—March 2011). Understanding Personality from Ayurvedic Perspective for psychological assessment: A Case. AYU—An International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda. Vol. 32, issue 1; pg. 12-19. (This paper was presented at National conference of Psychology held by NAOP and ICPR at IIT Guwahati in Dec. 2008).  (ISSN: 0974-8520)

http://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2011/32/1/12/85716

Abstract: The study of personality has fascinated psychologists since long. Personality as an area of study has grown so much that a wealth of literature is available. On the other hand the socio-ethnic dynamics of human race in the emerging global village context provoking psychologists to develop a personality theory which can treat certain basic components of personality as invariants, so that irrespective of culture, race, and nativity could still be able to study personality which will have universal applicability and relevance is still a far away dream.

In the above emerging backdrop, ‘Ayurveda’, has perhaps an important role to play as it can enable providing a theoretical and empirical base of personality traits and types. These Ayurvedic concepts are applicable to all human beings irrespective of caste, colour, sex or race. Therefore, it is interesting to build on the Ayurvedic knowledge which has already given us so much since times immemorial, and validate some of these issues related to personality from psychological perspective.  There are already certain efforts in understanding Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas gunas/qualities. It can be furthered so that a comprehensive personality picture can be generated, which can have implications for health, career, education and many other dimensions of one’s life.

The present paper is a theoretical attempt in developing such a personality proposition which can be validated. Thus, the present paper only builds a theoretical framework for their empirical validity.

Indian Psychology: Retrospect and Future Challenges

Shilpa S., & Murthy, C.G.V. (2010). Indian Psychology: Retrospect and Future Challenges. (pp. 123-132). In, Ojha, Sandhya; Srivastava, Urmila & Joshi, Sobhna. (Editors). Health and well-being. Emerging trends. New Delhi: Global Vision Publishing House. (This paper was presented at The National Seminar on Psychology held at Annamalai University, October 2005). (ISBN: 978-81-8220-284-9)

Abstract: The paper attempts to trace the development of psychology as a discipline in India and in this process, it also attempts to focus on the vast potential of issues leading to the development of indigenous psychology in India. The authors have attempted to analyze different concerns studied by Indian Psychologists drawn from different sources, which reflect the concerns of Indian Psychology. Using this as a base, it has been pleaded that there are very many sources in the rich culture and indigenous literature, which still needs to be exploited in order to enrich Indian Psychology, which is a great challenge to Psychologists.