Association Between Manas Prakriti And Anxiety Level: A Cross Sectional Observational Study Among Healthy Students
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Abstract
Background:
Anxiety and related disorders are emerging as major health challenges in the present day lifestyle. Ayurveda defines health as a balanced state of Dosha, Dhatu Mala, Agni, Indriyas along with mental (Manas) and spiritual (Atma) well being. As Manas is considered a fundamental component of the body, understanding its influence on psychological health is essential.
Objective:
To evaluate the association between Manas Prakriti (mental constitution) and anxiety levels in healthy students using standardized Ayurvedic and modern psychometric tools.
Study design:
A cross-sectional observational study.
Setting and participants:
The study was conducted among 150 healthy undergraduate students aged between 18 and 25 years both male and female. Individuals with known psychiatric and physical illness were excluded.
Methods:
Data on Manas Prakriti were collected using the Ayusoft C-DAC proforma. Anxiety levels were measured using the SCAT( Sharma’s comprehensive anxiety scale) , a validated psychometric scale. Both tools were administered through structured and objective questionnaires. Statistical analysis, including correlation and group comparisons was performed to assess associations between anxiety levels and Manas Gunas (Satva, Rajas, Tamas).
Result:
Participants with higher Rajas dominance exhibited increased susceptibility to anxiety, while those with predominant Satva traits were relatively less vulnerable. Tamas did not demonstrate any consistent or statistically significant correlation with anxiety levels.
Conclusion:
The study shows that an increase in Satva shows less vulnerability towards anxiety in both sexes. Increase in Raja is showing more vulnerability towards anxiety in both males and females while Tama is showing no such trend in relation to increase or decrease in anxiety. These insights highlight the potential for integrating Ayurvedic personality profiling into mental health assessment tools.