PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL WELLBEING OF KADAR TRIBES IN THRISSUR DISTRICT

This study explores the psychological and social well-being of the Kadar tribes, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in South India and examines how these dimensions influence their overall quality of life. A descriptive and cross-sectional research design was adopted, focusing on selected Kadar settlements in the Thrissur district of Kerala. Using purposive sampling, data were collected from 326 respondents representing diverse age groups, genders and socio-economic backgrounds. A structured interview schedule was used to gather information on demographic profiles, psychological well-being and social well-being. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in the local language with support from trained field investigators and community facilitators. The findings reveal that 68.7% of participants reported low psychological well-being and 60.1% reported low social well-being. Significant associations were observed between well-being and factors such as gender, age and educational level. Statistical analyses including ‘Z’-test, Chi-square and ANOVA confirmed that psychological and social well-being significantly influence the overall quality of life. Key contributing factors to reduced well-being include poverty, limited education, inadequate healthcare access and social marginalization. The study emphasizes the urgent need for culturally sensitive mental health services, inclusive development initiatives and targeted policy interventions to enhance the well-being and quality of life among the Kadar tribe.