Page No 200-210
Rachana Bhangaokar, Maria Kathawala, Aarushi Kapoor
The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara
.
The study examined effects and experiences of a ‘21-days kindness challenge’
undertaken by college students between the ages of 18-22 years from Vadodara city.
The kindness challenge involved completing an assigned ‘kind act’ every day for three
weeks. Pommier’s (2011) scale was administered a week before and after the challenge
to measure compassion for others. After conducting the kind acts, participants wrote daily
reflection journals and attended weekly circles to share their experiences and challenges.
Descriptive statistics and paired t-test were used to analyse levels of compassion for
others, while reflection journals were analysed qualitatively. Statistical analysis revealed
significant increase in levels of compassion for others after participating in the kindness
challenge. Qualitative analysis revealed increased psychological well-being, bonding in
interpersonal relations, self- confidence, and empathy towards others and their work. The
study recommends the replication of such experiences for positive youth development.