Building Spiritual Strength and Resilience in Bihar's Rural Women through Self-Help Groups
Singh, Harender
Research Scholar, P.G Department of Psychology, Veer Kunwar Singh University, Ara
Abstract
This study explores the relationship between spiritual well-being and emotional resilience among rural women engaged in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Bihar. Using validated psychometric tools—the 10-item Spiritual Well-Being Scale and the 6-item Brief Resilience Scale—data were collected from 100 participants across diverse SHGs. Findings reveal a significant positive correlation between spiritual well-being and emotional resilience, suggesting that SHGs offer more than financial empowerment: they foster inner strength and adaptive coping. The study advocates for integrating spiritual support into community-based interventions to enhance holistic well-being.
Keywords: Spiritual, Resilience, Interventions, Empowerment, Emotional.
About Author
Harender Singh is a Research Scholar in the P.G. Department of Psychology at Veer Kunwar Singh University, Ara, Bihar, India. His academic and research pursuits focus on understanding human behavior, emotional well-being, and psychological resilience, particularly in the context of community and rural development. As an emerging researcher, he is deeply interested in exploring the intersections of psychology, spirituality, and social empowerment. Through his ongoing research, he aims to contribute to the development of holistic models that promote mental health, emotional balance, and community resilience among marginalized populations. His scholarly engagement reflects a commitment to advancing the role of psychology in fostering personal growth, social harmony, and sustainable development.
Impact Statement
The empowerment of rural women in Bihar through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) represents a transformative social movement that extends beyond economic inclusion to encompass emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being. Rooted in the values of collective strength, mutual trust, and shared purpose, SHGs have become catalysts for fostering both material and inner empowerment among women. From a holistic perspective, the integration of spiritual practices, mindfulness, and value-based education within SHG activities nurtures resilience, emotional balance, and a sense of self-worth among rural women who often face socio-economic marginalization.
This spiritual empowerment not only enhances individual coping mechanisms but also strengthens community solidarity and moral consciousness. Through meditation, reflective dialogue, and cooperative decision-making, women develop the capacity to manage stress, overcome adversity, and sustain hope amid challenges. The SHG framework thus evolves into a platform for spiritual and social transformation, aligning economic independence with inner peace and moral strength.
The long-term impact of this initiative lies in creating resilient women who are not only financially self-reliant but also spiritually grounded and socially responsible. Such holistic empowerment contributes to sustainable rural development, promoting a culture of empathy, cooperation, and ethical leadership at the grassroots level.
APA 7th Style Citation
Singh, H. (2025). Building spiritual strength and resilience in Bihar’s rural women through self-help groups. Shodh Sari – An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 4(04), 127–130. https://doi.org/10.59231/SARI7868
Chicago 17th Style Citation
Singh, Harender. “Building Spiritual Strength and Resilience in Bihar’s Rural Women through Self-Help Groups.” Shodh Sari – An International Multidisciplinary Journal 4, no. 4 (2025): 127–130. doi:10.59231/SARI7868.
MLA 9th Style Citation
Singh, Harender. “Building Spiritual Strength and Resilience in Bihar’s Rural Women through Self-Help Groups.” Shodh Sari – An International Multidisciplinary Journal, vol. 4, no. 4, 2025, pp. 127-30, doi:10.59231/SARI7868.
Introduction
In the socio-cultural landscape of rural Bihar, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as transformative platforms for women’s empowerment. Traditionally focused on microfinance and livelihood generation, these collectives have begun to nurture deeper dimensions of well-being—particularly spiritual and emotional resilience. Spirituality, often embedded in everyday practices and communal rituals, serves as a quiet but potent force in coping with adversity. Emotional resilience, meanwhile, enables women to navigate personal and collective challenges with strength and adaptability. Despite growing interest in psychosocial dimensions of community development, few studies have examined how SHGs contribute to inner growth and psychological fortitude. This research bridges that gap by investigating the interplay between spiritual well-being and emotional resilience among SHG members. By doing so, it highlights the potential of culturally rooted, community-driven models to foster holistic empowerment.
Literature review
Singh and Verma (2019) examined spiritual engagement among tribal women in Jharkhand, finding that regular participation in culturally embedded spiritual practices was associated with lower anxiety and higher resilience. Their findings underscore the importance of contextually grounded spirituality in enhancing emotional well-being.
Nair and Tankha (2013) explored the psychosocial dimensions of self-help groups (SHGs), demonstrating that participation fosters self-efficacy, emotional support, and collective identity. These elements contribute to resilience by creating safe spaces for shared experiences and mutual empowerment.
Sharma and Gupta (2020) investigated the role of spiritual narratives within SHGs, highlighting how devotional songs, rituals, and shared beliefs cultivate emotional solidarity. Their qualitative study revealed that such practices not only strengthen group cohesion but also serve as informal mechanisms of psychological support.
Kumar and Mishra (2018) addressed the challenges of adapting psychometric tools for Indian populations, cautioning against direct translations that overlook cultural nuance. They advocated for bilingual and context-sensitive adaptations, which aligns with the present study’s approach to measuring spiritual intelligence and emotional resilience in rural Bihar.
Objective
To examine the relationship between spiritual well-being and emotional resilience among rural women participating in Self-Help Groups in Bihar.
Hypothesis
H₁: Higher levels of spiritual well-being are positively associated with greater emotional resilience among rural women in SHGs.
Sample
– Size: 100 rural women
– Sampling Method: Purposive sampling from active SHGs across three districts in Bihar
– Inclusion Criteria: Women aged 18–60, active SHG members for at least one year.
Methodology
Research Design
A cross-sectional, correlational design was employed to assess the relationship between spiritual well-being and emotional resilience.
Instruments
Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS): A 10-item Likert-type scale measuring existential and religious dimensions of spirituality.
Brief Resilience Scale (BRS): A 6-item scale assessing the ability to bounce back from stress and adversity.
Procedure
Participants were approached during SHG meetings and informed consent was obtained. The scales were administered in Hindi, with bilingual support provided where necessary. Confidentiality and ethical standards were strictly maintained.
Statistical Analysis
Data were analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics were computed, followed by Pearson’s correlation to test the hypothesis.
Results
The analysis revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between spiritual well-being and emotional resilience (r = +0.62, p < 0.01), supporting the hypothesis.
Discussion
The findings affirm that spiritual well-being significantly contributes to emotional resilience. SHGs, often viewed through an economic lens, also serve as platforms for spiritual and emotional growth. This dual empowerment—financial and psychological—can be a cornerstone for sustainable community development.
The strong correlation suggests that spiritual practices embedded in SHG culture—such as collective prayer, storytelling, and mutual support—may enhance members’ capacity to cope with stress and adversity. These findings align with previous research on spirituality as a buffer against psychological distress, especially in collectivist cultures.
Implications
For Practice
– SHG facilitators should incorporate spiritual reflection and emotional support into regular meetings.
– Community health workers can use culturally adapted tools to assess and foster resilience.
References
Kumar, R., & Mishra, S. (2018). Cultural adaptation of psychometric tools in Indian contexts: Challenges and strategies. Indian Journal of Psychology, 54(2), 112–125.
Nair, T. S., & Tankha, A. (2013). Self-help groups in India: A study of empowerment and social capital. Economic and Political Weekly, 48(6), 59–66.
Narayan, D. (2005). Measuring empowerment: Cross-disciplinary perspectives.
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Paloutzian, R. F., & Ellison, C. W. (1982). Spiritual well-being scale.
Sharma, M., & Gupta, R. (2020). Spirituality and resilience in women’s self-help groups: A qualitative exploration. Journal of Community Psychology, 48(3), 715–729.
Singh, A., & Verma, P. (2019). Spiritual practices and psychological resilience among tribal women in Jharkhand. Indian Journal of Social Work, 80(1), 45–62.
Singh, R. K. (2022). Community resilience and spirituality in Rural India.
Smith, B. W. et al. (2008). Brief resilience scale.