A self-rating scale to measure states of tridosha in children

Abstract

Background: In Western psychology, inventories are available for state (temporary change) and trait (which is the basis of personality-character) aspects of personality. Ayurveda inventories for measuring tridosha (which is the basis of both trait and state of personality) in children have been developed and standardized, which pertains to trait aspect of personality. There is no scale to assess the state aspects of tridosha in children. Methods: The design of the study was descriptive type. Sampling design was purposive sampling. The 6-item Tridosha State Scale for Children (TSSC) was developed on the basis of translation of the Sanskrit verses describing the states of vāta, pitta, and kapha prakriti, which represent the temporary change in tridosha and by taking the opinions of experts (ten Āyurveda experts and three psychologists who helped in judging the items and assessed. The study was carried out in Bapuji School, Davangere. The scale was administered on 108 children in the age group of 8–12 years (mean age: 9.75 ± 1.30). Moreover, for 30 children, the scores are compared with Caraka Child Personality Inventory (CCPI) – a self-rating scale to measure the trait aspects of prakriti). Results: TSSC was associated with excellent internal consistency. The Cronbach's alpha for Vataja, Pittaja, and Kaphaja scales was 0.826, 0.885, and 0.911, respectively. Scores on Vātaja, Pittaja, and Kaphaja scales were inversely correlated, suggesting that they are mutually exclusive. Correlation of scores on subscales with CCPI was 0.97, 0.92, and 0.94, respectively, for Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Conclusions: The state of tridosha in children can be measured reliably by this instrument. This can be utilized by clinicians and researchers to check the immediate effect of the interventions.

Keywords

• health
• state
• tridosha