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Positive Psychology in India: A Review

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Abstract

The current chapter introduces positive psychology (PP), Indian psychology (IP) and connection between two. Broadly both focus on well-being but with different angle; PP focuses more on external sources of happiness and IP focuses more on internal sources of happiness. The present chapter addresses PP in India by considering both the points of view. The major distinguishing factor was in the approach and methodology. Indian sages focus on ‘experiential state’ as the method of enquiry whereas Western scholars focus on observed facts. Contrasting Indian vision of behavior emphasizes interdependence and interrelatedness based on caste, class, family, community, gods, etc., which shapes one’s ego identity (Dalal and Misra, 2011). The current chapter is divided into four main parts; Indian research on universal PP constructs, Indian constructs contribute to understand human nature, PP scales developed and validated in India and intervention modules implemented in India. Finally, the chapter concludes with future recommendations.

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Singh, K., Junnarkar, M., Kaur, J. (2016). Positive Psychology in India: A Review. In: Measures of Positive Psychology. Springer, New Delhi. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-3631-3_1

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