Belief in Karma and Subjective Well-being among Adults

Abstract

India, a country known for its religious and cultural traditions, has undergone changes influenced by Westernization, particularly among the younger generation. One of the unique aspects of Indian religions has been the belief in karma. Despite its significance, there is limited research on the relationship between belief in karma and psychological well-being across different age groups. This study aims to explore this correlation by comparing young adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults with a total of 179 participants using measures of Beliefs in Karma, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Scale of Positive and Negative Experiences. The results revealed significant differences among the three age groups, older adults exhibited a higher belief in karma and its impact on subjective well-being. Moreover, the study found a positive correlation suggesting that belief in karma can provide individuals with a sense of meaning, purpose, and comfort, thereby enhancing their subjective well-being.