Understanding the Nexus of Spirituality, Coping Mechanisms and Wellbeing through the Lens of Ethnicity

Abstract

This research looks into the complex relationships among coping strategies, spirituality, and the personal well-being of Tripura's B.Ed. (Bachelor of Education) trainees in light of their professional and academic backgrounds and demographic variables. This Ex-Post-Facto research design is based on a quantitative survey that collects data using standardised instruments. The data was gathered using a stratified random sampling technique from three B.Ed. colleges in Agartala (S=300). GHQ-12 was utilised to screen for any psychiatric issues among the participants, with the Coping Scale by Hambay, Grych & Banyard (2013) and the Spiritual Experience Index-Revised (SEI-R) by Genia (1997). The information regarding respondents’ well-being was gathered using Carol Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale. Descriptive statistics, like standard deviation and mean, are employed, and the descriptive data is interpreted using inferential statistics like regression, correlation, and T-test. Research indicates a statistically significant positive relationship between spirituality, coping mechanisms & well-being. Thus, the results show that people with stronger spiritual inclinations typically use more adaptive coping mechanisms when faced with life's stressors. The results show tribal trainees score more in all variables than non-tribals. The result also manifests that tribal females are more spiritually inclined and have better subjective well-being when compared to tribal males.  Furthermore, it was evident that the non-tribal females scored better in all the variables as compared to their counterparts.