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Survey Study: Original Article

A Preliminary Study on Correlation between Stress and Satva sara among

Students of Ayurveda College

Abstract Resmy A. Raj,

Introduction: Stress is a physical, mental, or emotional factor that causes physical or psychological M. Abhilash1,
tension. Various researches conducted in the field of stress revealed that stress is the common Chitra M. Gawande,
inhibitor on academic performances and students in professional colleges exposes to higher levels
of stressors than their peers. In addition to stressors of everyday life, the medical students must deal Jeevan Jagadeesh
with stressors such as examinations, chances of failure, lack of leisure time, workload, relationships Kulkarni2
with peers, etc. Therefore, early detection and estimation of stress and its intervention is very Departments of Shareera Kriya
much essential to prevent or minimize the effects of distress on the students in future. Methods: and 2Samhitha and Sidhantha,
200 students of 1st and 2nd year BAMS were selected for the study. Their stress as evaluated with SDM Institute of Ayurveda and
Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka,
perceived stress scale-10. Satva sara was evaluated with a validated Satvasara assessment tool. 1
Department of Shareera Kriya,
Statistical tests were employed to find out the prevalence of stress and correlational studies were Government Ayurveda College,
conducted to find out the relationship between stress and Satvasarata. Results and Conclusion: Tripunithura, Kerala, India
About 80% of Ayurveda College students were recorded as having moderate stress, 6% has mild
and remaining 14% suffer from high perceived stress. A significant negative correlation is found
in between stress and Satvasara with a spearman's correlation coefficient of - 0.332 and P < 0.001.
Implementing methods to enhance the Satvasara of subjects with behavioral therapies like chanting
mantra, yoga, meditation, pranayama could be more useful and effective in controlling stress among
medical students.

Keywords: Perceived stress scale scores, Rajas, Satva, Satvasara, stress, Tamas

Introduction stress compared to their peers from any

Stress is a physiological response of an
organism to any demand from the external
environment. It is the sum of the physical
and psychological tensions on a person that
developed due to negative effects of life
pressures and events. Physical and mental
health are affected adversely by major life
changes like the death of a close family
member, personal injury or illness, change
in financial state, etc., and also by day to
day experiences like conflicts with family,
relationship problems, changes in sleeping
or eating habits, change in residence or
schools, etc.[1]
Research conducted by American College
Health Association found out that stress
is the most commonly reported obstacle
to academic performance among college
students.[2] Various studies across the globe
have highlighted that the students who are
in professional courses, such as medical
and engineering streams are facing higher
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Attribution‑NonCommercial‑ShareAlike 4.0 License, which allows
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For reprints contact: WKHLRPMedknow_reprints@wolterskluwer.com
other courses.[3] The estimated prevalence
of stress in modern medical students is
71.9% in Saudi Arabian Medical School,
31.2% in the British universities, 41.9% in
Malaysian medical school and 61.4% in a
Thai medical school.[4]
Main stressors in the academic sector
include high academic ambitions, vast
syllabus, financial difficulties, peer pressure,
problems in romantic relations, difficulties
managing personal and academic life, long
hours of rote learning, semester grading Address for correspondence:
system, high expectations of parents, Dr. Resmy A. Raj,
concern about the future jobs, homesickness, Department of Shareera Kriya,
etc.[5] Stress has been found to be associated SDM Institute of Ayurveda and
Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka,
with anxiety, sleep problems and lower India.
academic performance. It was also E‑mail: resmyraj.bala@gmail.
reported to decrease concentration, impede com
decision‑making, and reduce student's
abilities to establish good relationships
Access this article online
with patients resulting in the feeling of
dissatisfaction with clinical practice in the Website: www.journayu.in
DOI: 10.4103/joa.joa_32_20
Quick Response Code:
How to cite this article: Raj RA, Abhilash M,
Gawande CM, Kulkarni JJ. A preliminary study
on correlation between stress and Satva sara
among students of Ayurveda college. J Ayurveda
2021;15:181-8.
Submitted: 28‑Aug‑2020 Revised: 18-Apr-2021
Accepted: 21‑Apr‑2021 Published: 25-Sep-2021

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Raj, et al.: Stress and Satva Sara among college students

Table 1: Participant’s general characteristics (n=151) definitely meant to enhance the Satvaguna (qualities
Participants’ characteristics Frequency, n (%) of mind) of the individual and thus help in building
Gender mindfulness. Ayurveda describes life as the complex
Male 34 (22.52) combination of Sharira (body), Indriya (senses),
Female 117 (77.483) Satva (mind), and Atma (soul).[8] Knowledge occurs
Age group when self (Atma), mind (Manas), sense organs (Indriya)
17-18 32 (21.19) and objects (Indriyartha) are connected in sequence.[9]
19-20 110 (72.85) Satva (equanimity), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (inactivity)
21-22 9 (5.96) are identified as Mano guna (quality of mind). Mano
Religion doshas (Raja and Tamas) are responsible for the attachment
Hindu 141 (94) of self to worldly pleasures.[10] Just as synchronization of
Muslim 5 (3.31) tridoshas produce physical health, harmony of triguna
Christian 2 (1.32) produces mental health. Satvaguna always accompanies
Others 3 (1.98) rajas and tamogunas for normal functioning of mind.
Socioeconomic status
Features of Satvasara also signify that ideal Manasaprakruti
Upper middle class 120 (79.47)
is having a predominance of Satva then Rajas and then Tamas.
Lower middle class 31 (20.53)
Acharya Charaka has explained 13 Satvasara lakshanas
Diet
in Vimanasthana of Charakasamhita.[11] Smriti (memory),
Vegetarian 66 (43.71)
Bhakti (devotion and submission to one’s commitment),
Mixed 85 (56.291)
Krutanja (gratefulness), Prajna (interest to update
Exercise
knowledge), Suchi (Cleanliness in body, speech and in mind),
Yes 90 (59.60)
Suvyavasthitagati (ability of a person to concentrate on work
No 61 (40.4)
Prakruti
till its completion), Gambheerabuddhicheshta (decision
Pitta Kapha 95 (62.91)
making and problem‑solving capacity) and
Pitta Vata 29 (19.20) Kalyanaabhinivesham (positive attitude) of Satvasara is
Pitta 15 (9.94) contributed by Satvaguna and Mahotsaha (Enthusiasm to
Kapha 4 (2.65) do the activities), Daksha (Skillful), Dheera (Courageous)
KaphaVata 8 (5.3) and Samara vikranta (constant and steady efforts to
Sara win) contributed by Rajoguna. Ignorance is attributed to
Twak 31 (20.53) Tamoguna. Tamoguna helps a person to ignore unpleasant
Rakta 2 (1.33) emotions and this is vital for the maintenance of normal
Mamsa 37 (24.50) mental health.
Medas 4 (2.65) The imbalance of satva, rajas and Tama from the normalcy of
Asthi 44 (29.14) psychic functions may lead to Mano vikaras (psychic disease).
Majja 16 (10.6) Among the Ashtavidha dhatu sara pareeksha, examination
Shukra 17 (11.26) of Satva sara gives inference of mental health. Satvasarata
is of 3 types: Pravara (high), Madhya (moderate), and
future. These facts confirmed the association of distress avara (low). The threshold for allostatic load will be higher
with mental, emotional, and physical morbidity. Such in pravara dhatu sara. Madhya satva persons can endure the
situations perpetually affect patients’ lives and the health of diseases, due to their, medium pain bearing capacities. Hina
the community.[4] satva persons are more easily susceptible to wear and tear on
the body due to chronic and repeated exposure of stressors
The experience of too much stress over time can have
and they are susceptible to more diseases.[12]
adverse consequences on the physiological system and
produce ailments like increase heart rate and blood Due to faulty diet and lifestyle, derangement (Vibhramsha)
pressure, tension, migration type of headache and it also of Dhee (acquisition of new information) Dhriti (regulation,
can affect brain‑gut communication, may trigger pain, retention, and processing of the new information) and
bloating and other gut discomfort too.[6] Studies have also Smriti (memory) happens and it leads to unwholesome activities.
shown that short‑term stress can boost the immune system, Due to these intellectual errors (Pranjaparadham), the tridosha
but chronic stress has a significant negative effect on the and triguna imbalance occurs and it, in turn, creates a favorable
immune system as it raises catecholamine and suppress environment for various physical and psychological disorders
T‑cells levels, which suppress the immune system.[7] like stress, anxiety, and depression, etc.[13]
Different behavioral therapies have already been practiced Hence, at present, one needs to focus on the early detection
for the reduction of stress like meditation, pranayama, of stress to reduce it and to achieve high academic, clinical
breathing exercises, mantra chanting, etc. These therapies outcomes from students. Studies should be conducted to

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Raj, et al.: Stress and Satva Sara among college students

70
60
50 Never

40 Almost Never

30 Sometimes

20 Fairly often

10 Very often

0
Question No-1 Question No -2 Question No-3 Question No 6 Question No 9 Question No 10

Graph 1: Stress scores in negatively stated questions of PSS‑10

80

70

60
Never
50
Almost Never
40
Sometimes
30
Fairly Often
20 Very Often
10

0
Question No-4 Question No-5 Question No-7 Question No-8

Graph 2: Stress scores in positively stated questions of perceived stress scale‑10

find out the association of stress and Satvasara so that the
probable mechanism of action of alternative behavioral
therapies like Mantra, meditation, Pranayama, etc.,
on stress can be corroborated in‑front of the scientific
community and the same can be used as an effective
intervention in the management of stress.
Review of literature
Various textbooks, journals, etc., were reviewed for the
current study. All related literature regarding stress were
collected. The details of stress assessment scales, stress
ailments, educational stress, and Ayurvedic concept of
Satva, Raja, Tama, Satvasara assessment tool were also
reviewed.
to cope. To date, there are three standard versions of the
PSS: The original 14‑item form (PSS‑14), the PSS‑10,
and a four‑item form (PSS‑4). PSS‑10 was developed
after removing four poorly performed items from PSS 14.
It contains four positively stated items and 6 negatively
stated questions. Each item is rated on a on a five‑point
Likert scale (0 = never, 1 = almost never, 2 = sometimes,
3 = fairly often, and 4 = very often). The Scores on PSS
10 demonstrated moderate convergent validity and high
reliability (0.78). As a result, PSS‑10 was chosen as the
best form of the PSS and recommended its use in future
research. Hence the scale was administered to rate the
stress of students in the present study.[14]
Satvasara assessment tool

Methodology Satvasara questionnaires were obtained from the dissertation

Materials used for the study
Perceived stress scale 10
The present study used Perceived stress scale (PSS) as a
psychological instrument to measure the perceived stress.
It was developed by Sheldon Cohen and his colleagues
and it measures the degree to which situations in one’s
life are appraised as stressful. The PSS was published
in 1983 and has become one of the most widely used
psychological instruments for measuring nonspecific
perceived stress. It is a self‑report measure intended to
capture the degree to which persons perceive situations in
their life as excessively stressful relative to their ability
“A descriptive study to develop a tool for the assessment
of satvasara” developed by DrAswathy V. This tool was
structured as a closed ended questionnaire anddesigned
like a self‑assessment tool for normal subjects. The tool
contains 36 items in a five point Likert scale format with the
scores ranging from one to five. There are 29 positive and 7
negative questions. The tool yields a quantitative measure of
intellectual domain, attitude domain and activity domain of
a person with 9 items assigned for intellectual domain, 22
items for attitude domain and 5 items for activity domain.
Overall range of possible scores is 133–655 considering the
total number of items. Higher scores indicate higher levels
of Satvasarata. The scores above 498 are considered as
Pravara satva sara and the scores in between 400–498 is

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Raj, et al.: Stress and Satva Sara among college students
Madhyama Satva sara and the scores below 400 is of Avara
in nature. Cronbach’s alpha was found to be 0.85 for the
refined tool. All dimensions of Satva sara are included in
the questionnaire which gave the tool a high content validity.
Face Validity was also done by subject experts and they
concluded that the tool can provide a good measurement
of Satvasarata. The tool was compared with emotional
intelligence inventory, a tool that measures a person’s
emotional development, maturity, and general mental health
and a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.6 is found out;
hence it proved the criterion validity of the scale as well.[15]
Topiwala National Medical College Prakriti 2004
questionnaire
Prakriti was assessed using a multiple‑choice TNMC
Prakriti 2004 questionnaire which was designed based on
literature in Ayurvedic texts and it comprising 37 objective
questions related to the person’s physical characteristics,
psychological make‑up, and physiological habits. Each of
the questions had three options to choose from referring
to a property attributed to Vata, Pitta, or Kapha. The
score obtained by a person for answers in these domains
were summed up and the person was identified as having
a specific prakriti depending on scores obtained. The
questionnaire was validated by pretesting where the results
obtained by the questionnaire were confirmed by the
clinical assessment of the prakriti independently by two
Ayurveda physicians in 30 participants. More than 90%
concordance was observed in the prakriti assessment by the
two clinicians by the questionnaire.[16]
Ethics statement
A detailed presentation of the study was done before
the ethical committee. The ethical committee analyzed
different aspects of the study including aims, objectives,
methodology collection of data, ethical issues, etc., and
granted permission to conduct the study with IEC no
SDMIAH/IEC/07/2019.
Working hypothesis
To estimate the prevalence of stress in students of Ayurveda
College.
To find out the association between stress and Satvasarata.
Data collection procedure
The study was planned as an observational study at SDM
Institute of Ayurveda College and Hospital in Bengaluru.
Two months were required for the data collection. 200
subjects were initially screened and 160 subjects of the
moderate stressed group were selected for the study.
Inclusion criteria
• Ist and 2nd‑year BAMS students who are willing to
participate in the study
• Subjects who are in the age group of 17–22 years
• Students who are mentally and physically healthy.
184
Exclusion criteria
• Subjects who refuse to give the written consent
• Subjects who are on medication
• Subjects who are having acute or chronic illness.
Study design
The study was carried out on 200 BAMS (1st and 2nd
year) students who were staying in the hostel/campus
of an Ayurveda College in Bengaluru and who were
devoid of any acute or chronic physical and mental
illness. Screening of stress was done with PSS‑10 and
160 students who were in moderate stress were selected.
Subjects were asked to fill a proforma related to their
socio‑demographic data concerning their age, gender,
economic status, Prakriti (TNMC 2004 questionnaire), etc.,
and were requested to sign an informed consent regarding
their willingness in participation in this study. Subject’s
Satvasara assessment were also done. Attrition rate of.
056% was observed for the study. The study was conducted
during January 2020.
Statistical analysis
Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 16 :233
South Wacker Drive, 11th Floor, Chicago, trademarks of
Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. Descriptive
analyses (such as percentages, means, and standard
deviations) were done for different variables. Spearman’s
correlation test was performed to investigate the possible
links between PSS scores and Satvasara. The significance
limit was set at P < 0.05.
Results
General characteristics of the sample
200 subjects were selected for initial screening. The final
sample consisted of 151 students who were under moderate
stressed group with 9 dropouts from the study, of whom
the majority was female participants (78.14%). The average
age was 19.06±0.94.Majority of participants belonging
to the Hindu religion (94%). Most of the students were
from upper‑middle‑class families (76.821%). This sample
included subjects who belong to mainly Pitta or a
combination of pitta with other doshajaprakriti (92.05%)
[Table 1].
Results of questionnaire used
About 80% of Ayurveda College students were recorded
having moderate stress and 6% has mild and the remaining
14% suffer from high perceived stress when analyzed with
PSS‑10 [Graphs 1 and 2]. questionnaire [Table 2]. 86.09%
of participants belong to Madhyama satvasara category,
12.58% from Avara group and the rest belongs to Pravara
satvasara group.
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Raj, et al.: Stress and Satva Sara among college students
Table 2: Scores of Perceived Stress Scale ‑ 10 scale and Satvasara tool
Participant’s responses to different questionnaires
PSS 10
Satvasara scores
Intellectual domain
Attitude domain
Activity domain
SD: Standard deviation, PSS: Perceived Stress Scale 10
Results obtained from perceived stress scale‑10
questionnaires
Distribution of stress scores in negatively stated perceived
stress scale questions
Distribution of stress scores in positively stated PSS
questions.
Results of the links between stress and domains of
Satvasara
Results showed a significant inverse association between
stress scores and Satvasara of subjects [Table 3].
A significant negative correlation is seen in the intellectual
domain of Satvasara against PSS 6th question. Attitude
domain of Satvasara tool shows significant negative
correlation 5th and 10th question of PSS. Significant positive
correlation was proven between the attitude domain
against 6th and 7th questions. In activity domain Satvasara,
significant negative correlations were observed in the 3rd
and 10th questions [Table 4].
No significant correlation found between perceived stress
score with variables like age, gender, economic status,
diet, exercise, Prakriti, Sara. Analyses did not show any
significant correlation between Satvasara score and the
above mentioned variables except gender [Table 5].
Discussion
Prevalence of stress evaluated in Ayurveda College
students sample
From the study, it gets proved that the majority of students
are either in moderately or in the highly stressed group.
As Ayurveda began to be incorporated into the modern
pattern of institutionization, some of the merits of ancient
Gurukula, the traditional teaching and learning system,
seem to have compromised. The system now focuses more
on time‑bound and memory‑oriented learning. Students
have to learn a lot of portions from modern medicine as
well as from Ayurveda. Many of the subjects including
the Sanskrit language are new to BAMS students after the
present intermediate level curriculums. All these factors
along with consistent medical academic stressors may
generate high stress among Ayurveda college students.[17]
Journal of Ayurveda ¦ Volume 15 ¦ Issue 3 ¦ July-September 2021
Number of participants (n) Mean±SD
200 (initial screening) 20.5128±5.58474
151 463.1523±37.1492
30.4238±4.24018
76.3245±8.14170
18.5099±5.26101
Link between the inverse relationship of stress and
Satvasarata
The body and mind are in inseparable relationship. Faulty
diet and lifestyle always have a negative influence on the
physical and psychological health of the human being.
Psychological health always depends on the quality of food
consumed and the wholesome rule of dietetics. Excessive
consumption of junk food, spicy, salty, incompatible, and
stale food results in physical and mental disorders. In the
present scenario, with the advent of newer technologies,
there are considerable changes in the life style like
excessive exposure to digital media, imbalances in duration
of sleep, alcohol, Faulty nicotine abuses, and lack of
mindfulness can adversely affect the mental health as
well.[18] All these misdeeds result in the derangement of
Dhee, Dhruti and Smriti.
Deranged Dhee interpret the knowledge incorrectly
and consider the beneficial as non‑beneficial and looks
immortal as mortal etc., Dhruti in its normal state prevents
mind and sense organs from doing harmful things whereas
when it gets disturbed, sense organs gets attracted into
harmful sense objects and lead to inappropriate behavioral
disorders. Disturbance of Smriti hampers decision‑making
and results in impairment of memory. A person with
deranged Dhee, Dhruti and Smriti subject himself into
unwholesome activities (Prajnaparadham) which is the
root cause of all physical and psychosomatic diseases.
Prajnaparadham aggravates Tridosha and Triguna
and thereby reduces Satvasarata and creates favorable
environment for psychological disorders like stress
ailments, depression, anxiety, depression, etc., From
the present study, an inverse relationship of stress with
Satvasara gets substantiated as well.
Correlation of Satvasara domains and stress scores
From the analysis, it’s found out that there is a significant
negative correlation in between stress scores and all
domains of Satvasarata. The negative correlations were
significant in attitude and activity domains.
Attitude domain of the Satvasara tool was formulated
with items; Bhakti (devotion and submission
to one’s commitment), Krutanja (gratefulness),
Suchi (cleanliness in body, speech, and in mind),
Dheera (courage), Samaravikranthayodhina (constant
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Raj, et al.: Stress and Satva Sara among college students

and steady effort to win), Tyakthavishada (pleasant
mind) and Kalyanabhinivesham (positive attitude)
are included. Activity domain includes statements
generated from Mahotsaha (enthusiasm to do the
activities) and Dakshya (skillfulness).The intellectual
domain consists of items from Smriti (emotional
memory), gambheerabudhicheshta (decision making and
problem‑solving capacity), Prajna (interest to update
knowledge), Suvyavasthithagati (ability of a person
to concentrate on work till its completion). All these
domains show an inverse relationship with stress scores.
All these domains show an inverse relationship with
stress scores.
Bhakti in attitude domains indicates obedience, respect or
devotion towards God, fellow being, job, etc. People with
Krutanja always have characteristics like mindfulness,
have a sense of abundance, appreciate simple pleasures like
those pleasures that are readily available to most people,
appreciate others contribution to their well‑being. Shuchi
trait of Satvasara explains the cleanliness in body, psyche
and speech. Persons with Samaravikranthayodhina attribute
of always have perseverance to achieve the goal. Those with
Tyakthavishadha quality always have a positive attitude
and optimistic mind to face obstacles. Kalyanaabhinivesha
represents positive attitude to him and to society.[19] It is
well understood that a grateful disposition, optimism,
self‑esteem, self‑restraint, self‑efficacy, etc., is associated
with life satisfaction, subjective well‑being, positive effect,
and stress‑free life.
As a coping strategy for stress, zest always established as a
proven method.
Intellectual domain of Satvasara tool analyze Smriti
by the recollection of objects which are seen, heard
and otherwise perceived. Prajna is the trait with which
a person has knowledge about science other than
Vaidyasaastra (medicine).Gambheerabuddhicheshta is
analyzed with processing of language which is vital for
new learning, creativity, and attention and also by the in
depth knowledge of language. Gambeeracheshta aspect has
been related to actively encoding, retrieval of information,
updating and maintaining the contents of working memory.
Steady mind and activities represent Suvyavasthitagati. It is
well understood that, the college‑going children with these
qualities must be highly goal and target oriented and they
should definitely have comparatively less stress scores than
their peers.
Gender differences with stress and Satvasara scores
Overall, psychological stress was higher in women than
men when it came to perceived stress. However, the
significant differences could not get proved between female
and male participants. In the present study, the women
outnumbered the men; hence the nonsignificant findings
may be attributed to lower power to detect an effect
also. This finding replicates with many previous research
performed by different scholars.[20]
Age differences with stress and Satvasara scores

Activity domains of the Satvasara tool include zest and When it comes to the link between stress and age, we
skillfulness. Zest is the mental and physical vigor and it’s found an insignificant inverse relation between these two
about approaching life with vitality, enthusiasm and hope. variables. This result is in line with some studies which
show a negative association between perceived stress and
age while some other studies denied this relation.[21,22] In the
Table 3: Results of the correlation between stress and case of age and Satvasara scores, a direct nonsignificant
Satva Sara scores relationship estimated.
Perceived stress (r) P
Satvasara scores −0.332 0.000 Link between stress, Satvasara scores and diet, exercise,
Intellectual domain −0.149 0.067 socioeconomic status in students
Attitude domain −0.355 0.000 The analysis indicates that as the diet shifted from
Activity domain −0.267 0.001 vegetarian to mixed, the Satvasara increases and perceived
*r: Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients, *P: Significant value stress scores decreases. But since the P value is not

Table 4: Bivariate analysis between each domain of Satvasarawith 10 questions of Perceived Stress Scale
Coefficient and P Q‑1 Q‑2 Q‑3 Q‑4 Q‑5 Q‑6 Q‑7 Q‑8 Q‑9 Q‑10
Intellectual domain
Rho −0.118 0.091 −0.118 0.091 −0.129 −0.185 −0.008 0.015 −0.077 0.012
P 0.149 0.265 0.149 0.265 0.115 0.023* 0.921 0.854 0.349 0.886
Attitude domain
Rho −0.299 −0.129 −0.096 0.091 −0.160 0.164 0.316 0.081 −0.035 −0.267
P 0.000*** 0.114 0.241 0.267 0.049* 0.044* 0.000*** 0.323 0.668 0.001**
Activity domain
Rho −0.156 −0.126 −0.167 0.062 −0.150 0.074 0.061 0.010 −0.126 −0.203
P 0.056 0.124 0.041* 0.453 0.068 0.370 0.456 0.905 0.124 0.012*
*P=0.05. **P=0.01. ***P=0.0001. r: Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients

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Raj, et al.: Stress and Satva Sara among college students
Table 5: Results of the links between stress and studied
factors
Factors Perceived stress (r) P Satvasara (r) P Conflicts of interest
Gender 0.063 0.444 −0.275 0.001
Age −0.046 0.571 0.140 0.086
Socioeconomic 0.078 0.343 −0.085 0.301
status
Diet −0.061 0.460 0.084 0.305
Exercise −0.035 0.671 0.021 0.799
*r: Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients, *P: Significant value
significant we can’t confirm the analysis. Here also the data
are insufficient to arrive at the conclusion.
Same contrary results obtained in exercise and in
socioeconomic status too. Since the proforma was a
self‑reporting one, these insignificant results might have
occurred.
Potential shortcomings and limitations
This research has a number of limitations. It is limited
by a small sample size, which reduced statistical power.
Participants mainly consisted of female subjects and were
principally recruited from only one Ayurveda college at
Bangalore, which is not representative of all Ayurveda
students’ population. In addition, our sample had around
nine dropouts too. The assessment was solely based on
self‑reported questionnaires and their results were not
validated by a semi‑structured interview. Additionally, the
cross‑sectional design of our study investigates associations
rather than causality. Thus, future research needs to
replicate these findings using a longitudinal design to
estimate the association between students’ stress, Satvasara
with age, exercise, gender, and socioeconomic status, etc.
Conclusion
This study presents evidence that high prevalence of
stress is seen among Ayurveda medical college students
with preponderance in female subjects and there is a
significant inverse relationship exists between stress and
Satvasarata. Future research should be done to include
more homogeneous samples with respect to gender, age,
etc., and to recruit students from Ayurveda colleges of
different states.
Acknowledgment
The author would like to thank all the participants at the
college for their participation in the study. Also special
thanks to Dr. Aswathy V, Assistant Professor, Dept of
Kriya sareera, Gov. Ayurveda College Trivandrum, for her
valuable advice regarding the Satva sara tool.
Financial support and sponsorship
The article is prepared as a part of preliminary research
project funded by Rajeev Gandhi University of Health
Sciences; Bangalore. The author acknowledges the
Journal of Ayurveda ¦ Volume 15 ¦ Issue 3 ¦ July-September 2021
University for the Immense Support given by the university
in carrying out the research project too.
There are no conflicts of interest.
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सारांश

परिचय : तनाव एक शारीरिक, मानसिक या भावनात्मक कारक है जो शारीरिक या मनोवैज्ञानिक तनाव का कारण बनता है । तनाव के
क्षेत्र में किए गए विभिन्न शोधों से पता चलता है कि तनाव अकादमिक प्रदर्शन पर आम अवरोधक है और पेशेवर कॉलेजों में छात्र अपने
साथियों की तुलना में उच्च स्तर के तनावों को उजागर करते हैं । रोजमर्रा की जिंदगी के तनावों के अलावा, मेडिकल छात्रों को परीक्षाओं
जैसे तनाव, असफलता की संभावना, खाली समय की कमी, काम का बोझ, साथियों के साथ संबंध आदि से निपटने की आवश्यकता
होती है इसलिए, भविष्य में छात्रों पर विपत्ति के प्रभावों को रोकने या कम करने के लिए तनाव और उसके व्यवधान का शीघ्र पता
लगाना और बीच-बचाव बहुत आवश्यक है अपितु आयुर्वेद कॉलेज के छात्रों में तनाव का अनुमान अभी तक नहीं लगाया गया है ।
विधियाँ: पहले और दू सरे वर्ष BAMS के 200 छात्रों को अध्ययन के लिए चुना गया था उनके तनाव का मूल्यां कन Perceived तनाव
स्तर (Perceived stress scale) के साथ किया गया था। सत्व सार का मूल्यां कन एक मान्य सत्व सार मूल्यां कन उपकरण के साथ
किया गया था। तनाव की व्यापकता का पता लगाने के लिए सां ख्यिकीय परीक्षणों को नियोजित किया गया और तनाव तथा सत्व सार
के बीच संबंध का पता लगाने के लिए सहसंबंधीय अध्ययन किए गए । परिणाम और निष्कर्ष: आयुर्वेद कॉलेज के 80% छात्रों को
मध्यम तनाव के रूप में दर्ज किया गया था, 6% को हल्के और शेष 14% उच्च कथित तनाव से पीड़ित हैं । स्पीयरमैन सहसंबंध गुणां क
-.332 और .001 के पी मूल्य के साथ एक महत्वपूर्ण नकारात्मक सहसंबंध सत्व सार और तनाव के बीच पाया गया है ।

188 Journal of Ayurveda ¦ Volume 15 ¦ Issue 3 ¦ July-September 2021