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M. M. Anila ¹, D. Dhanalakshmi ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Applied Psychology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, IN

Abstract

The objective of this investigation was to analyze the relationship between hope, happiness, general health and well-being among the elderly. The sample consisted of 100 elderly people and that sampling technique used for the present study was convenience sampling. The age of the participants ranged between 60-80 years. The tools used for the study were General Health Questionnaire by Goldberg&Williams, Oxford Happiness Questionnaire by Hills&Argyle, Well-Being Index by World Health Organization (WHO), and Adult Dispositional Hope Scale by Synder. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated and a significant positive correlation was found between happiness and well-being (r= 0.215: p<0.05, n=100). Independent samples 't' test was done in order to find out whether gender differences existed in hope, happiness, general health and well-being of elderly. The result clearly indicates that there is no significant difference between elderly men and women on hope, happiness, general health and well-being. In addition, regression analysis indicates that happiness significantly predicts wellbeing (β=.206, p=.039) among elderly. Perceived happiness helps to improve the mental and physical well-being of the individual and it also influences their interpersonal relationships. Positive activity interventions (PAI) which includes regular practice of gratitude, optimism, kindness and meditation may increase their happiness and therefore well-being.

Keywords

Hope, Happiness, General Health, Well-Being, Elderly

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M. M. Anila ¹, D. Dhanalakshmi ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Applied Psychology, Pondicherry University, RV Nagar, Kalapet, Puducherry, IN
2 Department of Applied Psychology, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry, IN

Abstract

The objectives of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) intervention for reducing anxiety, enhancing self-control and improving academic performance among adolescent students. The present study consisted of 300 adolescent students in the age group of 15-18 years, selected through random sampling. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory by Spiel berger et al. and Self-control Scale by Tangney et al. were administered to 150 boys and 150 girls and their academic scores were collected from their performance in continuous assessment. Pre-test and post-test with randomized control group design was used for the present study. MBSR was given to the students in the experimental group for a period of 8 weeks while the control group did not receive the intervention, following which a post-test was carried out. Statistical analyses such as Independent sample't' test, Paired t test, Multi variate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and Multi variate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) were used for this study. The results indicate that MBSR is effective for reducing anxiety, enhancing self-control and improving academic performance among adolescent students. This intervention ensured that students could use it for their well-being not only at the present, but also in the future circumstances. Therefore, MBSR may be included in the school curriculum in order to help adolescent students who cope with the expectations and challenges of educational demands.

Keywords

Anxiety, Academic Performance, Self-Control, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Adolescents.

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