Triguna and Coping Style: A Quantitative Cross-sectional Study to Bridge the Gap between Vedic Concept of Personality and Western Psychology

Abstract

Background: Indian philosophy often refer to Triguna as the key element which determines personality. Personality is the chief determinant of individual coping styles. Coping is primarily a cognitive act; which is determined by the preponderant guna (personality trait) in the individual. The aim of the present study is to find the influence of Triguna on the way individuals copes with stressful life situations. Method: The study was cross sectional, using convenience and snowball sampling technique to recruit the samples. The participants were given Sociodemographic datasheet, Triguna Questionnaire – revised version and Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences Inventory, and were requested to complete it. Inclusion criteria laid for the study: English speaking males and females, 18 to 40 years, and living in Mysore, India. Individuals with diagnosed past history of mental disorders were excluded from the study.  A total of 121 individuals filled in the questionnaires. Results: The sample consisted 61 males and 60 females, with the mean age 22.83±4.68 years, had graduate education (60%), and were currently in college (74%). Sattvic personality was positively associated with active coping (b = 0. .321, p<.001) and planning (b=2.657, p=.009).  The Rajasic personality was positively associated with denial (b=.287, p=.001) and focus on venting of emotions (b=.174, p=.048), and negatively with instrumental social support (b=-.226, p=.012). The Tamasic personality was positively associated with substance use (b=.264, p=.002), denial (b=.249, p=.004), focus on venting of emotions (b=.288, p<.001), and behaviour disengagement (b=.165, p=.050), and negatively with active coping (b=-.165, p=.040). Conclusion: The results offer preliminary data-based insight into the influence of Triguna on individual coping styles. The findings could be useful for the indigenous psychology researchers who are interested in cross-cultural implications of eastern spiritual concepts