Development, validation and verification of a self-assessment tool to estimate Sadhaka Pitta (Mental strength)

Abstract

The holistic approach of Ayurveda, treating the patient as a whole, meaning intervention targeted toward complete physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. Sadhaka Pitta is the factor responsible for mental health and mental strength (weak and strong Sadhaka Pitta functions) assattva. It is the sub-dosha of pitta among the five types. The primary objective of the study was to develop and validate a self-assessment tool to estimate Sadhaka Pitta. The developed tool was evaluated for its reliability and validity by administering to 50 healthy volunteers of either gender belonging to 21 to 50 year age groups. Besides confirming the statistical validity and reliability, the applied utility of the newly developed tool was evaluated by mental health based on Sadhaka Pitta functions parameters of all the volunteers. The results show that the mental functions controlled by brain, vary significantly according to functions of Sadhaka Pitta. The tool therefore can be used to screen normal population to look for possible susceptibility to certain behaviours.