This paper was presented at the
National Seminar on
Indian Psychology: Theories and Models
SVYASA, Bangalore,
December 26 - 28, 2007
 

Quality of life: a yogic view using qualitative and quantitative research

Shilpa Ashok Pandit — University of Madras, Chennai

Perspective on quality of life and methods of quality of life interventions according to the Indian thought present a contrasting picture to the perspectives on QOL in mainstream Psychology. There is a need, therefore, to understand the Indian perspective on what “Quality of Life” is. It is also important to understand techniques in health interventions and quality of life outcomes within the Indian cultural context. “Quality of Life” has emerged as an important indicator in health interventions in recent decades. Yoga has been utilized in synergy as an adjunct modality for interventions in health care. Therefore it is important to know the fallacy of using the main stream conceptual perspective of quality of life in yoga intervention studies for health care and assessing the outcomes through tools based on the western perspectives of quality of life.

In the present study, Quality of Life as a cultural relevant concept was systematically studied using both the qualitative as well as quantitative research approaches. Within the qualitative frame works, in-depth interviews about “Quality of Life” were conducted. The data content was analyzed and themes that emerged are described.

This was contrasted and built-up with the quantitative research wherein; a quality of life scale was constructed. The items were pooled and content analyzed. Reliability and other psychometric properties were established. The implications are discussed.

Email the author, Ms. Shilpa Ashok Pandith, at panditshilpa@hotmail.com