Psychology

An Empirical Study of Ancient Wisdom: Effect of Anasakti (Non-Attachment) and Ahamkara (Ego) on Well-Being Amongst Indians

An Empirical Study of Ancient Wisdom: Effect of Anasakti (Non-Attachment) and Ahamkara (Ego) on Well-Being Amongst Indians

Anasakti (“non-attachment”) was found to be a significant factor in ensuring life satisfaction and experiencing positive emotions.

Authors

Kriti Gupta, Assistant Professor, Jindal School of Psychology and Counselling, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India.

Jyotsna Agrawal, National Institute of Mental Health Neurosciences, Department of Clinical Psychology, Bengaluru, India.

Summary

Introduction: According to Indian psychology, anasakti (non-attachment) and ahamkara (ego) play a significant role in determining true happiness.

Aims: To study the role of anasakti (non-attachment) and ahamkara (ego) on the level of well-being amongst Indian adults.

Methods: For the current study, 240 educated, urban Indian adults (Females = 104, Males = 136) were surveyed to investigate the relationship of anasakti (non-attachment) and ahamkara (ego) with well-being variables.

Results: Anasakti (“non-attachment”) was revealed to be a significant factor in ensuring life satisfaction and experiencing positive emotions. Although ahamkara (“ego”) contributed significantly toward higher cognitive well-being and affective states, it better predicted negative emotions.

Conclusions: The current study’s findings may widen our understanding of “What makes people happy?” and may add to the global well-being literature.

Published in: European Journal of Mental Health

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