A Self aRating Ayurveda Scale to Measure the Manasika Prakrti of the Children
Background: Self-rating inventories to assess tridoshas (Vata,Pitta and Kapha) have been developed and validated for adults. The objective of this study was to develop and standardize self-rating scale to assess the Mānasika prakrti(Sattva,Rajas and Tamas) of the children according to Ayurveda . Method: The 54-item Sushruta Child Personality Inventory(SCPI) was developed on the basis of translation of Sanskrit verses describing Sattva (A), Rajas(B) and Tamas prakrti (C) characteristics, described in Ayurveda texts and by taking the opinions of 6 Ayurveda experts and two psychologists. The scale was administered on children of the age group 8-12 years in New Generation National Public school. Results: This inventory was named Sushruta Child personality inventory (SCPI) and showed high internal consistency. The Cronbach’s alpha for A, B and C scales were 0.60, 0.64 and 0.61 respectively. And the Split-Half reliability for A,B and C scales were 0.62, 0.68 and 0.54 respectively. Factor validity coefficient scores on each items was above 0.3 on Sattva , Rajas and Tamas scale. The result of SCPI was compared with parent rating scale Ayurveda Guna Inventory for Children (AGIC). Subscales of SCPI correlated highly positively (above 0.9) with subscales of AGIC, which was applied to check validation of SCPI with respect to AGIC. Conclusions: The Manasika prakrti (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas) of the children can be measured reliably utilizing Sushruta Child Personality Inventory (SCPI). Correlation with parent rating scale suggested criterion –related validity.
