Abstract Page

Title of the article: Men with and without alcohol dependence: A comparative

study of Triguna, Anasakti, Personality and Subjective Well-being

Abstract:

Context:Indian models of personality are seldom explored in relation with alcohol

dependence. Triguna is an Indian model of personality originating from Sankhya philosophy,

whereby three gunas, Sattva, Rajas and Tamas describe personality features. Anasakti has

been discussed extensively in Bhagavad Gita and is an equivalent for the concept of non-

attachment.

Aims:The current study discusses these two Indian concepts and attempts to explore their

relationship with personality and subjective well-being, among males with and without

alcohol dependence.

Methods and Material:A cross-sectional survey method was adopted, with a sample of 84

males from community without alcohol dependence, screened through AUDIT and 30 males

diagnosed with alcohol dependence. Informed consent was obtained from all the participants.

Statistical analysis used:The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, independent

sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test.

Results:The males without alcohol dependence scored significantly higher on variables such

as Sattva, extraversion and conscientiousness, positive affect and life satisfaction, than the

participants in the clinical group. Participants who were diagnosed with alcohol dependence,

scored significantly higher on Tamas, neuroticism and negative affect.

Conclusions:Using an Indian model of personality helps to understand the etiology of

alcohol use from the Indian context which is also helpful in the development of indigenous

interventions.
Key-words:Triguna, Anasakti, personality, alcohol dependence, subjective well being, life

satisfaction

Key Messages:

 Personality research is commonly done using models and tools developed in a

western culture. In the current study a holistic and indigenous concept of

Triguna, was used to understand alcohol dependence.

 Males with alcohol dependence were higher on Tamas guna, neuroticism and

negative affect. While males without alcohol dependence were higher on Sattva

guna conscientiousness, extraversion, life satisfaction and positive affect.

 In both the groups, Sattva was positively correlated with conscientiousness, life

satisfaction, positive affect and negatively correlated with neuroticism and

negative affect. Further, Tamas was positively correlated with neuroticism, and

negative affect and negatively correlated with conscientiousness, life

satisfaction, and positive affect.

 Text
Introduction:
Personality

Personality has been defined as the individual differences in characteristic patterns of

thinking, feeling and behaving.[1] In a much more recent definition of personality it is

understood from within the person, as well as the person in an interpersonal context. [2] Thus,

it is described as the specific mental organization and processes that produces an individual’s

characteristic pattern of behavior and experiences, which are the between- person or inter-

personal, and within- person or intra-personal senses of “personality”. Supporting the

anthropological perspective which emphasizes that culture influences personality, the cross-

cultural universality of trait structure needs to be approached with caution. [3] Hence, there is a

need to rediscover and reconsider the indigenous theories of personality. Though the

empirical research based on Indian concepts is still in its infancy, the potential of applying

this knowledge is abundant. Unfortunately, psychology in India has focused on constructing a

parallel world to western psychology there by ignoring the cultural differences, and the

problems faced by the Indian society. [4]

Indian psychology concepts:

The model of Triguna(i.e., Sattva, Rajas and Tamas)which is the Indian concept of

personality, has been mentioned in the Chandogya Upanishad and was fully described in

Samkhya Karika, Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali Yogasutras. Trigunamodel largely pertains to

the Samkhya philosophy, which describes two realities such as the spiritual and material,

known as Purusha and Prakriti respectively. Purusha is the supreme consciousness and

Prakriti is the matter. Surprisingly, in this model along with the physical body even the mind

is considered to be material, though subtle. The characteristics of the gunasare as follows:

Sattva gunais characterized by balance, peace, equanimity, and qualities such as cleanliness,

truthfulness, dutifulness, detachment, discipline, contentment, and staunch determination.

Attributes of Rajas includes intense activity, desire for sense gratification, little interest in
spiritual elevation, envy of others, and materialistic tendencies. Tamas guna is manifested in

dullness, lethargy, fatigue, and even depression. Other qualities associated with it include

mental imbalance, anger, ignorance, arrogance, and helplessness. [5]

As per Charaka Samhita, Prakriti has been divided into two; Saririka and Manasika

Prakriti. Further 16 varieties of manasika prakriti has been suggested by Charaka, Seven

types of Sattvika prakriti have been suggested by Charaka such as Brahma kaya, Mahendra

kaya, Varuna kaya, Kubera kaya, Gandharva kaya, risi and yamya kaya. Rajasa prakriti is

further divided into Asura kaya, Sarpa kaya, Raksasa kaya, Pishacha kaya and preta kaya.

Similarly Tamasic prakriti has been divided into pashu kaya, matsya kaya, and vanaspatya

kaya.[6]

The existing personality models used widely in psychological research such as the Big

Five model is based on the assumption that all individual personality differences are encoded

in language which people use to describe others. Thus, such a lexical approach collates a list

of adjectives and all the different words people use to describe personality. The five domains

as described in Five Factor Model are Neuroticism, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Openness

to Experience, and Conscientiousness.

Extraversion: one’s tendency to experience positiveemotions like joy, and excitement

Neuroticism: The individual differences in the tendency to experience negative emotions

such asanxiety, depression, irritability, anger, shame etc.

Conscientiousness: This reflects the variation in the mechanisms that allow people to follow

rulesand prioritise non- immediate goals.

Agreeableness: This represents the general tendency toward cooperation and altruism as

opposed to exploitation and lack of concern to others.

Openness/intellect: This represents individual differences in cognitive exploration, the

tendency to seek, detect, appreciate, understand, and utilise both sensory and abstract

information and to engage with it.[7]

Although there have been many studies on Triguna, only few studies have been carried
[8,9]
out in clinical populations. The levels of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas were comparedin a

sample of 20 patients diagnosed with mild- moderate depression with a community sample

and found that the clinical group was higher on Rajas, followed by Tamas and Sattva was

lowest. In the general population Sattva was found to be higher than the Rajas, followed by

Tamas. [10] Similarly, in patients with anxiety disorders and community controls, it was found

that the two groups differed significantly on Trigunaand clinical group scored higher on

Tamas and Rajas factors and the community group was high on Sattva. The study findings

also revealed that Sattva was positively correlated and Rajas and Tamas were negatively
[11]
correlated with quality of life. No study was found on Triguna and substance use. While

standardizing the Triguna tool the authors had screened a healthy sample for mental health

problems, alcohol drinking and smoking. However, no Triguna data was available for the

alcohol consuming respondents. [12]

Along with Triguna, the other indigenous concept studied in this study is Anasakti,

which has also been conceptualized as a personality variable. The literal meaning of Anasakti

is non-attachment (Sanskrit root word ‘Sakti’, which means attachment) and on a continuum,

one may believe it lies between attachment and active detachment. Nonattachment has been

variously described as the subjective quality of ease and balance, along with a lack of fixation
[13]
on mental representations, without implying lack of connectedness. Anasakti involves

absence of fixation on objects, ideas, images and mental independence, along with a genuine

interest in other people, and involves a responsive and caring involvement in the present
situation. [14,15] Earlier studies have reported non-attachment is associated with positive mental

health, however no published research on this aspect was found in the clinical populations. [16]

Subjective well- being

Subjective well-being (SWB) is defined as people’s conscious experiences- in terms of

hedonic feelings or cognitive satisfaction. [17] Thus, SWB measures both cognitive judgments

and affective reactions. [18] Affect pertains to the experience of a feeling or an emotion. It is a

broad term that is used to cover mood, feeling, attitude, preference and evaluations. [19] The

affective component of SWB refers to pleasure or happiness in terms of frequent positive

affect (PA) and infrequent negative affect (NA). Positive affect reflects the extent to which a

person feels enthusiastic, active, and alert, while negative affect is a general dimension of

subjective distress and unpleasurable engagement that subsumes a variety of aversive mood
[20]
states, including anger, contempt, disgust, guilt, fear, and nervousness. Further,

Circumplex model of affect is a dimensional approach that proposes two fundamental

neurophysiological systems as the basis of any affect. One system is related to valence, which
[21]
is a pleasure- displeasure continuum and the other is arousal or alertness. Thus, both

activated and deactivated positive affect (e.g. feeling excited vs. relaxed) and activated and

deactivated negative affect (e.g. feeling angry vs. exhausted) are part of affective repertoire.

In addition, cognitive component of SWB refers to life satisfaction. Life satisfaction is

defined as a global assessment of a person’s own quality of life, according to his/ her chosen
[22]
criteria. These chosen criteria form a subjectively set standard by the individual with

which he compares his level, in order to make a judgment of his satisfaction.

Table shows the relationship of the gunas and the psychological parameters used in the

study

Trigun Mental Attributes Psychological Parameters from the

a current study
Sattva Memory, devotion, skilful, Deactivated Positive affect
free from anxiety, Life satisfaction
 goal directed activities[23], Conscientiousness
Gita[24] Agreeableness
Rajas A common characteristic is agitation[25], Activated Positive affect
passion[26] Activated Negative affect
Extraversion
Openness to Experience
Neuroticism
Tamas Ignorance is the common characteristic[27] Deactivated Positive affect
Self centeredness, lack of regard for Deactivated Negative affect
consequences[28] Neuroticism

Alcohol dependence

The clinical population chosen for the study was those with alcohol dependence

syndrome. According to the International Classification of Diseases- 10, a dependence

syndrome is defined as a cluster of physiological, behavioral, and cognitive phenomena in

which the use of a substance or a class of substances takes on a much higher priority for a
[29]
given individual, than other behaviors that once had greater value. The desire to take

psychoactive drugs, alcohol, or tobacco is a central descriptive characteristic of dependence.

The diagnostic guidelines of the dependence syndrome includes, i) a strong desire to take the

substance, ii) difficulties in controlling the substance-taking behavior, iii) a physiological

withdrawal state, iv) evidence of tolerance, v) progressive neglect of alternative pleasures or

interests, vi) persisting with the substance use despite clear evidence of overly harmful

consequences.

Aim and rationale of the study

Although the role of personality and emotions in addictive behaviors is a well-studied

area, there has been little research interest in Indian models of personality, and exploring their

roles in addiction. We aimed to compare healthy males as well as males having alcohol

dependence on Indian concepts of Trigunaand Anasakti, along with their personality and
subjective well-being. This may help in developing innovative interventions based on Indian

psychology.

Subjects and Methods:

Participants

A cross sectional survey method was adopted for the current study and it was

conducted after approval by the institute ethics committee. Males between the age of 18-50

years with a minimum of 10 years of formal education was set as the inclusion criteria for the

study and AUDIT scale was used as a screening tool for alcohol dependence. For participants

with alcohol dependence (clinical group), a sample of 30 male patients diagnosed with

alcohol dependence admitted at the Centre for Addiction Medicine, at a tertiary mental health

care centre, were selected. An additional criterion of AUDIT score of 8 and above was also

required for the clinical group. For males without alcohol dependence (community group),

AUDIT score below 8 was the inclusion criteria and a total of 84 participants were selected

from colleges and various organizations.

Measures

A Socio-demographic datasheet was developed by the researcher to gather basic

socio- demographic data such as age, education, occupation, marital status, religion, living

arrangement, income and presence of alcohol use, and if present, the details about alcohol

use, such as duration, type and use of other substances, apart from alcohol. For all the

standardized measures which are not in the public domain, requisite permission was taken

from the authors for using in the study. Informed consent was taken from all the participants.

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-AUDIT [30]

AUDIT contains 10 questions with regard to the drinking pattern of the participants. It

can be administered as a self-report scale as well as in the form of interview. For the current
study, self- report version was administered. This scale has been validated in Indian sample

with a high internal reliability of 0.92. [31]

Vedic Personality Inventory (VPI) [5]

This inventory has 56 items to assess Vedic concept of Gunas, as related to

personality. It gives a standardized score for each Guna. The participants were asked to give

their agreement to the given statements on a 7- point scale. It has an internal consistency

ranging from 0.70 to 0.92 for the Gunas. Its reliability coefficient is in the range of 0.74-0.79

and it has been widely used in the Indian context. [5]

Non- Attachment Scale- NAS 7 [32]

This is the short version of a 30-statementscale developed by Sahdra, Shaver and

Brown (2010). It contains 7 statements rated on a 6-point scale which tries to understand the

view of the participant relating to the world, relationships and feelings. It has been used in

Indian context and has an internal consistency of 0.81. [15]

Big Five Aspect Scale (BFAS) [33]

Big Five Aspect Scale was used in this study to assess personality. It contains 100

statements, which the participant has to rate on a 5-point Likert scale from Strongly Agree to

Strongly Disagree, according to which suits the respondent the best. It has 5 broad domains

namely, Neuroticism, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Openness/ Intellect and

Conscientiousness. The test retest reliability of the scale ranged from 0.82 to 0.89 for the

domains.

Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) [34]

It is a five item Likert type scale, which has to be rated on a 7-point scale and the

scores fall in the range of 5(low satisfaction) to 35 (high satisfaction). The test-retest

correlation coefficient was found to be 0.82 and coefficient alpha was 0.87. [35]

PANAS Revised[36]
 The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) revised version was used to

assess the subjective well-being of the participants. It contains 26 words describing various

emotions and feelings and participants were asked to rate each word according to its

frequency in their life. It exists in both trait and state version. For the current study, the trait

version of the scale was used. The reliability of the Positive Affect scale ranged from 0.86 to

0.90, the Negative Affect scale from 0.84 to 0.87. This scale has been use in the Indian

setting. [35]

Procedure

During the pilot phase of the study, the data was collected from 2 clinical and 4

community samples, by administering the selected tools to understand the difficulties in

collecting data, time required to complete the test and obtain feedback on the same. Since no

published literature was found using Big Five Aspect Scale in the Indian context, we

established the test -retest reliability of the Big Five Aspect Scale in Indian population. For

this purpose, 30 students were recruited from a nursing college. The sample consisted of 24

females and 6 males belonging to the age group of 19-21 years. Informed consent was

obtained from the sample prior to the data collection. It was mentioned in the informed

consent that the respondents would be approached after a month for retest of the scale. The

test-retest coefficient was found to be satisfactory for Neuroticism (0.704), Extraversion

(0.801), Agreeableness (0.822), Openness/ Intellect (0.734) and Conscientiousness (0.715).

For the ten factors under these 5 domains, the coefficient ranged between 0.499 and 0.789,

suggesting an acceptable level of test-retest reliability. Subsequently the data was collected

from the clinical and community sample.

Statistical Analysis

A quantitative analysis was done using SPSS 20.0 version. Socio demographic details

of the samples were obtained through descriptive statistics such as mean, SD, frequency and
percentage. Correlations were obtained using both parametric and non-parametric measures

and comparison of means was done using t- test, for both clinical and community

sample.Chi- square, t-test and Mann Whitney U test were used to compare the clinical and

the community groups with respect to socio-demographic details and study variables.

Results:

Socio-demographic details of the participants

The study sample in both community and clinical group had a mean age of 33 years

(+9.6 years and +7.7 years respectively). Among the clinical sample, most of the participants

were educated up to Graduation (40%), were employed (66.6%), belonged to Hindu religion

(76.7%), and were unmarried (56.7%). Among the community sample, 71.4% were

graduates, and 62% were employed. Further, most of them belonged to Hindu religion (69%)

and were unmarried (47.6%).As mentioned earlier, in the community group AUDIT scores

were used as a screening tool, and those above the cut-off (8 and above) were removed from

the analysis. However, below the cut-off, there were 36.9% participants who reported using

alcohol and 6% used other substances occasionally. The clinical group was selected on the

basis of a clinical diagnosis of alcohol dependence, which was also corroborated with AUDIT

scores and 60% of this clinical group also reported using other substances along with alcohol.

The groups were also compared on these variables and chi square test indicated differences

with respect to education. Greater number of study participants in the clinical group were

educated up to PUC (12th std) while higher percentage of community sample had completed

graduation.

Comparison between clinical and community samples on the study variables

Normalcy of distribution was analyzed and normal distribution was not attained for

AUDIT score SWLS score, Rajas, positive affect-activated and positive affect-deactivated,

and negative affect-deactivated. The community and clinical group were further compared on
Triguna, Anasakti, and personality, satisfaction with life and positive affect and negative

affect, using independent sample t-test or Mann Whitney U test, depending on normalcy

results. The mean and SD values, along with the comparison results between the two groups

are given in Table 1.

Comparison on Triguna

On Triguna, clinical group scored higher on Tamas and lower on Sattva, and the two

groups were significantly different (p<.001). Rajas was not significantly different between

the two groups.

Comparison on Anasakti

The two groups were not significantly different on Anasakti, although a trend was visible

with clinical sample having slightly lower Anasakti (p = .80).

Comparison on Big Five Personality traits

Among the big five personality traits, clinical group was significantly higher on

neuroticism (p<.001) and lower on conscientiousness (p<.005) and also significantly lower

on extraversion (P value <.05). The groups were not significantly different on agreeableness

and openness/ intellect.

Comparison on Subjective wellbeing

The clinical group was lower on subjective wellbeing, in terms of significantly lower life

satisfaction (p<.001), total positive affect (p<.005) and deactivated positive affect (p<.001).

The clinical group was also significantly higher on total negative affect and activated

negative affect (both with p<.001), as well as deactivated negative affect (P value <.05).

There was a trend on activated positive affect with clinical sample being lower on that too

(p=.059).

Correlation of Sattva with other study variables

 In both the groups, Sattva was positively correlated with conscientiousness (clinical

group=0.72; community group=0.61), satisfaction with life, positive affect- total, activated

and deactivated, and negatively correlated with neuroticism, negative affect- total activated

and deactivated. In the clinical group it was also negatively correlated with the AUDIT

scores and in the community group, positively correlated with other personality traits such as

agreeableness, extraversion and openness.

Correlation of Rajas with other study variables

In both the groups, Rajas was negatively correlated with conscientiousness, positive

affect total and deactivated. In the clinical group it was also negatively associated with

agreeableness. Further, in the community group, it was also positively associated with

neuroticism, negative affect total, activated and deactivated and negatively associated with

life satisfaction, positive affect total and deactivated.

Correlation of Tamas with other study variables

In both the groups, Tamas was positively correlated with Neuroticism, negative

affect- total and activated and negatively correlated with conscientiousness, life satisfaction,

positive affect- total, activated and deactivated. In the community sample it was also

positively associated with deactivated negative affect, and negatively associated with

extraversion and openness.

Correlation of Anasakti with other study variables

In both the groups, Anasaktiwas negatively correlated with neuroticism. In the

community group, it was also positively correlated with agreeableness, extraversion and

openness, positive affect- total, activated and deactivated, as well as negatively associated

with negative affect total, activated and deactivated. Other correlations were not statistically

significant at 0.05/0.01 level, both clinical as well as community sample.

Discussion:
 Triguna conceptualizes a holistic understanding of personality, in terms of physical,

mental along with spiritual dimensions. It is not one guna that characterizes the personality,

but the interactions of the three gunas. The initial chapter of the ancient Ayurvedic texts

Susruta Samhita and AstangaHridaya discuss about Triguna. It is said that Triguna is

composes the psyche and an individual’s predominant gunais determined at the time of

fertilization itself, which is the first step in the development of a human being. The texts

further say that the predominance of guna varies from person to person as well as from time

to time.

In the current study, it was found that among people with alcohol dependence there is

predominance of Tamas guna. Tamas supposedly leads to a need to be inactive and feelings
[5]
of exhaustion along with anger, depression, helpless feelings, fear, sorrow, and uncertainty.

In our study, Tamas was also related to neuroticism, tendency to be sensitive to negative

emotions, and negatively associated with conscientiousness, all of which may explain

dependence on substances. In past similar findings were reported where a group of patients

with anxiety disorder were higher on Tamas, when compared with a community sample.[11]

Past literature has also suggested that depression and anxiety could be causal factors for

dependence on substances, including alcohol.[37] Alcohol dependent individuals show

significantly high neuroticism, extraversion, anxiety and depression.[38] Therefore, it is

possible that Tamas, leads to negative emotions, which in turn makes one vulnerable to

alcohol dependence. However due to small sample size, such analysis could not be done.

Sattva, on the other hand, was relatively lower in the clinical participants. Community

group was higher in Sattva, a trait which is also associated with higher conscientiousness,

satisfaction with life, positive affect, agreeableness, extraversion, openness and lower

negative affect. This goes with the theory that Sattva is associated with a state of mental

equilibrium and contentment and may incorporate a range of desirable qualities. [5] Some of
the items in the Vedic Personality Inventory also captured these qualities such as

contentment, cleanliness, and dutifulness,

Rajas was not significantly different between the two groups. Probably modern

lifestyle pushes people in general towards higher Rajas, in terms of materialistic attitudes,

action orientation, passion, having high energy and drive. Thus, Rajas did not emerge as a

differentiating factor between the community sample and those diagnosed with alcohol

dependence. More empirical research is required to understand the consequences of dominant

Rajas on the mental health, in modern times. While it may be suggested that such increased

activity, enthusiasm, passion and movement are essential for goal achievement, the negative

consequences of it will be attachment towards materialistic needs, dyscontrol over emotions,

dissatisfaction, and desire for need gratification. All of these negative consequences may

affect the well-being of a person and make them vulnerable to episodes of depression.
[10]
Current study results too support this, where Rajas was associated with lower life

satisfaction, lower positive affect and higher negative affect. Rajas was also associated with

lower conscientiousness and agreeableness, and higher neuroticism. In an interesting cross -

cultural study, it was reported that higher Rajas in the Indian sample, as compared to

Americans and Czechs. [8] However, generalisability of this particular study results may be

limited. Thus, overall Sattva seems to be associated with well-being while Rajas and Tamas
[39,
are associated with mental illness such as anxiety, depression and alcohol dependence.
8,10,11]

Counter intuitively,Anasaktiwas not significantly different between the two groups,

and only a trend level difference was found. It has been reported that people consider
[13]
attachments and possessions as normal state of functioning. Probably, the kinds of

attachments differed in both the groups, but they still had similar levels of

Asakti/attachment. Additionally, Anasaktiwas positively associated with agreeableness,

extraversion and openness, along with positive affect and negatively with neuroticism and

negative affect.

Examining the subjective wellbeing of the participants, positive affect and negative

affect were significantly different between the two groups. In the clinical participants, the

affect was predominantly negative in nature. While positive affect and life satisfaction was

significantly higher in the community group. As mentioned earlier, Triguna also influences

affect, and vice versa. The need to experience positive affect, more frequently and intensely,

can be one reason for substance use. Approach and avoidance of alcohol, is related with

negative and positive affect and elevated negative affects showed significantly higher

approach rate for alcohol, and elevated positive affect showed higher avoidance rate for
[39]
alcohol. The clinical group also had lower life satisfaction. Alcohol dependence can lead

to decreased repertoire of activities, leading to lost opportunities, since some of these

activities might have enhanced the individual’s well-being. On the other hand, low life

satisfaction may also lead to more alcohol consumption, thus accounting for the

comparatively lower life satisfaction in the clinical group. [40]

Specifically, while conceptualizing alcohol dependence, it can be understood that

increased Tamas, decreased Sattva, lower positive affect and life satisfaction, and high

negative affect, altogether may lead to vulnerability for dependence. However, our study

findings are not conclusive of the influence of Rajasic characteristics and Anasakti, on

alcohol dependence.

Limitations

The Indian psychological concepts explored in the study (Triguna and

Anasakti) are abstract, and available tools may not be able to capture the exact construct. This

might also explain the results associated with Rajas, and Anasakti, some of which did not

emerge significantly, as expected from the theory. Cross sectional design and purposive
sampling was used and quantitative analysis was done, which has its limitations when it

comes to gaining in-depth insight. Sample was selected only from urban Bengaluru due to

language constraints, there was a requirement to include only educated population and hence,

the study may not be representing population who differ with respect to education or life in a

rural area.

Furthermore, considering the relationship of Sattva gunawith life satisfaction and

affect, it can also be presented as an indigenous concept, whose characteristics can be

explained referring to the personality as well as affect. Also, the scope of conceptualizing

Triguna as a trans-diagnostic model, using it for early detection, and planning for prevention

of alcohol and other substances can be studied further. All three gunasare considered

essential for the existence of the individual. However, the predominance of Sattvikagunais

considered essential to one’s well-being and psych-spiritual growth. This does not mean that

the other gunas must be destroyed, but it is the harmony among the three, that leads to the

wellbeing. Charaka Samhita, an Ayurvedic text suggests life styles that lead to the

development of Sattva guna.[41]Mental wellbeing cannot be confined just to the psychological

aspects of a person. Mental health is holistic in nature, influenced by the biological and social

correlates as well. Considering this, treatment approaches that are suitable to this model can

be developed.

Conclusion

The overall findings of the study suggest that people dependent on alcohol exhibit

more of Tamasic guna, which are similar to the neuroticism traits and the association is found

to be statistically significant.

People who are not dependent on alcohol or other substances exhibit more of Sattvic

nature
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Table 1

Comparison of scores between clinical and community sample

Scales Clinical Community P Value
Mean (SD) Mean

N=30 (SD)

N=84
Alcohol dependence (AUDIT) 23.2 (9.56) 1.27 (2.13) .000**
Triguna
Sattva 35.8 (7.11) 43.55 (6.59) .000**

Rajas# 31.24 (3.87) 30.97 (3.71) .774

Tamas 32.96 (4.83) 25.48 (4.37) .000**

Anasakti 27.87 (7.64) 30.19(5.57) .080

Big Five Personality traits

Neuroticism 65.27 (11.88) 55.9 (8.4) .000**

Agreeableness 68.17 (10.66) 70 (6.1) .271

Extraversion 65.76 (10.33) 69.5 (7.1) .038*

Conscientiousness 63.13 (8.5) 68.43 (8.3) .004**

Openness/ Intellect 70.33 (11.43) 71.02 (6.5) .690

Subjective wellbeing
Satisfaction with Life# 19.3 (7.36) 24.82 (5.19) .000**

Positive Affect- Total 41 (10.02) 47.24 (8.6) .002**

Positive Affect- Activated# 26.4 (6.66) 29.17 (5.59) .059

Positive Affect- Deactivated# 14.6 (4.54) 17.96 (3.76) .000**

Negative Affect- Total 37.1 (11.17) 27.94 (8.9) .000**

Negative Affect- Activated 24.1(7.56) 17 (5.74) .000**

 Negative Affect- Deactivated# 13 (4.33) 10.81(3.60) .026*
Comparison using independent sample t-test, # Mann Whitney U test. * p <.05, **p<.01

Table 2

Correlation of Triguna and Anasakti with other scales

Sattva
Rajas# Tamas Anasakti
Scales
Clin. Comm. Clin. Comm. Clin. Comm. Clin. Comm.
Alcohol dependence -.37* -.13 .37 -.11 .26 .21 -.24 -.10

(AUDIT)#

Big Five personality Traits

Neuroticism -.57** -.72** .26 .58** .56** .56** -.48** -.33**
Agreeableness .12 .46** -.43* -.22 .14 -.43** -.24 .33**

Conscientiousness .72** .61** -.67** -.38** -.52** -.59** .29 .13

Extraversion .09 .36** .001 -.22 -.14 -.39** -.25 .31**

Openness/ Intellect .34 .32** -.33 -.15 -.19 -.38** -.30 .33**

Subjective wellbeing
Life Satisfaction# .47** .37** -.29 -.43** -.46* -.26* .18 -.03

Positive affect- Total .54** .46** -.37* -.20* -.53** -.53** .18 .55**
Positive Affect- .45* .42** -.28 -.16 -.45* -.46** .12 .49**

Activated#
Positive Affect- .52** .48** -.45* -.29** -.49** -.47** .23 .63**

Deactivated#
Negative affect- Total -.52** -.71** .24 .50** .49** .65** -.25 -.48**

Negative Affect- -.52** -.67** .23 .47** .53** .59** -.31 -.46**

Activated
Negative Affect- -.42* -.64** .27 .43** .32 .59** -.11 -.42**
Deactivated#
Note: Correlation by Pearson method, #Correlation by Spearman.

*Correlation significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed), **Correlation significant at the 0.05 level

(2-tailed).