India is currently the world’s largest democracy, with a population that exceeds 1.4 billion. Its rich and diverse tapestry of festivals, languages, traditions, cuisines, and architecture makes it an ecosystem of multiculturalism. Despite facing real challenges such as poverty and unemployment in certain parts of the country, India continues to grow in most sectors, such as information technology, healthcare, and renewable energy.

Psychology is very popular as a course of study in India. Indian psychological themes can be found in ancient texts such as the Vedas and the Upanishads and the philosophical literature of Jainism, Buddhism, Sufism, and many more (Ciccarelli & Meyer, 2008). Many of these writings are now contributing to global solutions. For example, mindfulness-based interventions for individuals with trauma draw upon Pathanjali’s Yoga Sutras (Rao et al., 2018).

Narendra Nath Sen Gupta is widely regarded as the Father of Modern Psychology in India, establishing the first Department of Psychology in India at the University of Calcutta in 1916; Girindra Shekar Bose founded the Indian Psychoanalytic Society in 1922. Sudhir Kakkar is widely regarded for his contribution to psychoanalysis connected to spiritual practices in India. In 1995,  Susarla Krishna Shankar founded the Brain Bank at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bangalore. The Brain Bank is a pioneering facility supporting neurological and psychiatric research. With the advent of psychology as an academic discipline in 1916 at the University of Calcutta, there has been no looking back. Most premiere institutions in the country offer psychology from the secondary school level, and its rigor and importance are getting their due credit.

Girishwar Misra, PhD, is one of the leaders in the emergence of psychology in India. He is the former head of the psychology department at Delhi University and has worked at Gorakhpur, Allahabad, and Bhopal universities. His research work includes applied social and culturally relevant psychology in India. He has been the president of the National Academy of Psychology and the special issue editor of the journal Psychological Studies. Apart from his numerous publications, he has authored and edited works that focus on relevant challenges India faces, such as poverty, deprivation, social concerns, and social disadvantages.

Tissy Mariam Thomas, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology at the University of Kerala. Dr. Thomas has made significant contributions to research and academia in India via books and publications in gender studies, social and cultural psychology, and positive psychology. She has published a monograph on the gender identity and status of hijras (transgenders) in gharanas (clan communities) in Bangalore. She has completed a consultation research project on the development of psycho-social profiles for reintegrating young girls at shelter homes, and her study focused on the role of emotional health and sociodemographic factors in predicting resilience among child sexual abuse survivors under institutional care in Kerala.

Dimpy Mahanta, PhD, is a mental health expert. She is currently an Associate Professor of Psychology at Cotton University and the President of the North East Indian Association of Applied Psychology. She has been recognized for her relentless role in creating mental health awareness in North East India and for conducting research for the welfare of marginalized communities. One of her studies investigates self-efficacy, resilience, and hope among flood victims in Assam.

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1. Key differences

• In Triguna theory, personality traits are mealleable; in the Big Five, they are fixed.
• The Triguna theory emphasizes spiritual growth and the dynamic interplay of inner qualities. the Big Five does not.
• The Triguna theory is more qualitative; it relies on introspection and philosophical inquiry. The Big Five theory is quantitative, assessed through standardized tools like self-report questionnaires.

2. Similarities

• Both theories recognize that traits or qualities exist along a spectrum and that individuals may display varying degrees of each trait or guna.
• Both theories acknowledge that personality is shaped by the interaction of multiple factors.
• Both theories allow for modification or evolution of personality over time.

3. Importance of spirituality

Spirituality can be highly important in discussions about personality, especially for those who see it as central to their identity or growth. However, its significance is not universal and should be considered alongside other dimensions of personality, ensuring a holistic and inclusive understanding.

Spirituality includes not only religious beliefs but also a sense of connection to something larger than oneself. Research suggests that spirituality can enhance emotional well-being and mental health.

For many people, spirituality is deeply intertwined with their sense of self. It can influence values and priorities (e.g., compassion, humility), behavior  (e.g., seeking purpose or ethical living), and how one copes with challenges.

Overemphasizing spirituality in personality discussions can sometimes marginalize those who don’t identify as spiritual. It may also overlook other important influences like biology or social environment.

Going deeper

To learn more about the Triguna theory, watch the following video.