Depiction of Health Psychology in Buddhist Concepts
 
Dr. Swarupa Charan
Visiting Faculty, Department of Buddhist Studies, Dr. B.R.
Ambedkar University of Social Sciences (Mhow)
Dr. Ambedkar Nagar, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Email: swarupacharan@gmail.com
 
Abstract: Health psychology investigates how biological, psychological, behavioral, and social factors interact to influence health and illness. While this field formally emerged in the twentieth century, its fundamental concepts—mind-body interaction, the role of behavior in health, and the integration of mental and moral well-being—were articulated by the Buddha more than 2,500 years ago. The present paper explores the depiction of health psychology in Buddhist concepts, highlighting the holistic framework of physical, mental, social, and spiritual health as found in early Pāli sources such as the Dhammapada, Girimānanda Sutta, Cūḷa-Kammavibhaṅga Sutta, Sakkapañha Sutta, and Sigālovāda Sutta.
The study analyzes how Buddhist teachings anticipate the modern biopsychosocial model of health and examines the relevance of these insights in contemporary psychological and educational contexts. In particular, it emphasizes how Buddhist principles can inform the development of health psychology, counseling, and value-based education systems. The paper employs qualitative textual analysis, correlating canonical passages with modern psychological theories to reveal convergences in understanding health, illness, and well-being.
The findings suggest that Buddhism offers a comprehensive health model rooted in ethical conduct, mental discipline, and insight, which remains highly relevant for modern health psychology and school-based counseling. This interdisciplinary approach bridges ancient wisdom and contemporary science, providing a transformative vision of health as harmony within the self and with the world.

Keywords: Buddhism, Health Psychology, Dhammapada, Counseling, Mindfulness, Education, Well-being, Pāli Canon