Raina Chhajer
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- Raina Chhajer
Dr. Raina Chhajer holds the position of Assistant Professor (psychology) at the Indian Institute of Management Indore, India. In addition, she currently serves as the coordinator for the Centre of Wellness and Inclusion at the institute. Dr. Chhajer conducts research in the fields of positive psychology, nature connectedness, yoga, breathwork, and meditation. Her academic research articles have been published in peer-reviewed journals including Mindfulness, BMC Public Health, Frontiers in Psychology, Neuroscience Insights, Frontiers in Public Health. Her teaching portfolio includes delivering innovative courses to management students across various programs at the institute. Some of her courses include Thriving at Work, The Art and Science of Yoga, and Nature and Well-being reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to education. She is a certified forest therapy guide by the Association of Forest and Nature Therapy (ANFT), USA. She is committed to integrating nature-based practices into her work, aligning with her research interests in nature connectedness. She is also a certified yoga instructor by the Sri Sri School of Yoga and conducts research on the impact of yoga on well-being. Dr. Raina is a dedicated academic, researcher, and practitioner who actively contributes to positive psychology, nature connectedness, and the promotion of well-being in both academic and professional settings.
Courses: Thriving at Work, Positive Psychology and Positive Organizational Scholarship, The Art and Science of Yoga, Nature and Well-being
Research: Positive Psychology Interventions, Yoga-based Interventions, Nature Connectedness, Forest Bathing, Thriving, Meaning, Well-being, Loneliness, Urban Youth/Adults
Research Paper Publications
Chhajer, R., Chaudhry, S. & Mishra, A. (2024). Combating the mental health challenge of loneliness among urban youth: could finding meaning in life and experiencing thriving enhance their well-being?. BMC Public Health, 24: 3586. (SJR-A, Q1, Impact Factor 3.5)
Dagar, C., Chhajer, R. & Rai, H. (2024). To Connect Within and Be Agentic: A Field Experiment Examining the Impact of a Yoga-Based Intervention on Well-being. Mindfulness. (SJR-A, Q1, Impact Factor 3.1)
Poddar, A. & Chhajer, R. (2024). Detection and disclosure of workplace mental health challenges: an exploratory study from India. BMC Public Health, 24:1874. (SJR-A, Q1, Impact Factor 3.5)
Chhajer, R. & Dagar, C. (2024). Examining the impact of a restorative breath-based intervention ‘Sudarshan Kriya Yoga’ at work: A field experiment. Frontiers in Psychology, 15:1327119. (SJR-A, Q2, Impact Factor 3.8)
Chhajer, R. & Hira, N. (2024). Exploring positive psychology intervention and mindfulness-based intervention in nature: Impact on well-being of school students in India. Frontiers in Public Health, 12:1297610. (SJR-A, Q1, Impact Factor 5.2)
Chaudhry, S. & Chhajer, R. (2023). Enhancing Psychological Well-being of School Teachers in India: Role of Energy Management, Thriving, and Stress. Frontiers in Psychology, 14:1239587. (SJR-A, Q2, Impact Factor 3.8)
Dutta, T., Chhajer, R., Nag, S. & Dhir, S. (2023). Impact of intolerance of uncertainty on well-being during COVID-19 pandemic in India: Does practicing gratitude and mindfulness help? IIMB Management Review. (ABDC-B, Q2, Impact Factor 0.52)
Chhajer, R., & Shukla, S. D. (2022). Sleep quality of Covid-19 recovered patients in India. Neuroscience Insights, 17 (1), 1-9. (SJR-A, Q2, Impact Factor 3.6)
Chhajer, R., Lal, V., & Tandon, A. (2022). Motivating women to travel in India: Embodying safety as an organizational purpose. Frontiers in Psychology, 13:883593. (SJR-A, Q2, Impact Factor 3.8)
Chhajer, R., & Chaudhry, S. (2022). What makes Indian management students thrive? Role of decision-making discretion, broad information sharing, and climate of trust. Frontiers in Psychology, 13:795262. (SJR-A, Q2, Impact Factor 3.8)
Dutta, T., Bhatia, N. & Chhajer, R. (In press). Validating the Big Five Aspect scale amongst B-School students in India. International Journal of Business Innovation and Research. (SJR-B, Q2, Impact Factor 0.32)
Chhajer, R., Tandon, A., & Joseph, T. (In press). Recovering from crisis: Designing and implementing a positive change initiative. International Journal of Business Innovation and Research. (SJR-B, Q2, Impact Factor 0.32)
Chhajer, R., Dutta, T., & Joseph, T. (2022). Role of social connectivity and job engagement in positive change: Evidence from the Middle East. International Journal of Business Excellence, 28 (3), 375-396. (SJR-B, Q3, Impact factor 0.33)
Chhajer R. & Dutta T. (2021). Gratitude as a mechanism to form high-quality connections at work: Impact on job performance. International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management, 22 (1), 1-18.
Yaqub, Y., Dutta, T., Chhajer, R., & Singh, A. K. (2020). Impact of supervisory support in training transfer: An empirical study. Indian Journal of Industrial Relations, 56(1), 73-88. (ABDC-C)
Chhajer R., Rose E. L. & Joseph, T. (2018). Role of self-efficacy, optimism, and job engagement in positive change: Evidence from the Middle East. Vikalpa: The Journal of Decision Makers, 43(4), 222-235. (SCOPUS)
Case Study Publications
Chhajer, R., Lal, V., & Ranganathan, R. (2019). F5 Escapes – A purpose driven organization. (Case 4-798-982). WDI publishing, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan.
Baker, W., Joseph, T., & Chhajer, R. (2018). UAE Exchange: The RACE for Positive Organizational change. (W73C38-PDF-ENG). Boston: Harvard Business Publishing.
International Conference Presentations
Russo-Netzer, P. & Chhajer, R. (July 2025). Awakening to synchronicity: A journey through nature’s wisdom. Invited to lead a pre-conference workshop at the International Positive Psychology Conference (IPPA) to be held in Brisbane, Australia.
Chhajer, R. (July 2025). Yoga as a green exercise: Examining the impact on mental health and well-being of young urban adults. Accepted for presentation at the International Positive Psychology Conference (IPPA) to be held in Brisbane, Australia.
Russo-Netzer, P. & Chhajer, R. (July 2025). Sacredness in everyday life: Narratives from India and Isreal. Accepted for presentation at the International Positive Psychology Conference (IPPA) to be held in Brisbane, Australia.
Chhajer, R. & Dagar, C. (July 2025). Examining the impact of a restorative breath-based intervention ‘Sudarshan Kriya Yoga’ at work: A field experiment. Accepted for presentation at the International Positive Psychology Conference (IPPA) to be held in Brisbane, Australia.
Carter, H. & Chhajer, R. (July 2025). Soul flow dance: Explore the power of dance for emotional regulation. Accepted for presentation at the International Positive Psychology Conference (IPPA) to be held in Brisbane, Australia.
Chhajer, R. (July 2025). Enhancing well-being through Yoga: A trauma-sensitive approach. Accepted for presentation at the International Positive Psychology Conference (IPPA) to be held in Brisbane, Australia.
Chhajer, R. & Passmore, H.A. (July 2024). Reconnecting with nature for psychological well-being: An experiential workshop. Invited speaker to lead a pre-conference workshop at the European Positive Psychology Conference (ECPP), Innsbruck, Austria.
Hira, N. & Chhajer, R. (July 2024). Enhancing well-being of urban school students in India: A comparative study of two interventions in a natural setting. Presented at the European Positive Psychology Conference (ECPP), Innsbruck, Austria.
Chhajer, R., & Bapat, S. (June 2024). Exploring the impact of nature connectedness on well-being among urban young adults from 25 most populated cities in India. Presented at the Nature Connections Conference, University of Derby, UK.
Popat, N., & Chhajer, R. (July 2023). Are Indian expatriates flourishing in the post pandemic era? An exploratory study. Presented at the World Congress of the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA), Vancouver, Canada.
Chhajer, R. (April 2023). How to enhance resilience among marginalized tribal women in Rajasthan, India? A pilot intervention. Presented at ResilienceCon 2023, Nashville, USA.
Chhajer R., Lal, V., & Tandon, A. (Nov 2021). Motivating women to travel: Organizational purpose as a pull factor. Presented virtually at the 8th International Conference on Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Chhajer, R., Al Jenebi, N., Alzahmi, R. A., & Saleh, A. (July 2021). PERMA to enhance wellbeing of expatriates in the United Arab Emirates. Presented virtually at the World Congress of the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA).
Chhajer R., Dutta T., & Nag, S. (Aug 2020). An online positive psychology intervention to enhance wellbeing during COVID-19 lockdown. Presented virtually at the International Society for Quality of Life Studies Conference.
Chhajer, R. (July 2019). Role of task enabling to foster high-quality connections at work: A randomized wait-list control trial. Presented at the World Congress of the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA), Melbourne, Australia.
Choudhary, S., Yadav, Y., & Chhajer, R. (July 2019). Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, How I wonder what you are? Effect of awe on purchase intention. Presented at the World Congress of the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA), Melbourne, Australia.
Chhajer, R., Chhajer, N., & Baidya, M. (Mar 2019). RangSutra – Empowering Indian Artisans. Presented at Asian Management Research and Case Conference, UAE University, Al Ain, UAE.
Chhajer R., Joseph, T., & Rose E. L. (Aug 2016). Linking psychological capital and performance: Mediating role of positive affect and work intensity. Presented at the Academy of Management Annual Meeting, Anaheim, USA.
Joseph, T., & Chhajer R. (June 2015). Linking positive social capital and MNE performance: The mediating role of job engagement in a multi-cultural Middle East context. Presented at the Academy of International Business Annual Meeting, Bangalore, India.
National Conference Presentations
Chhajer, R. Chowdary, S., & Chhajer, N. (2025). Impact of stress and anxiety on psychological well-being of school teachers in India: Evidence from rural schools in Rajasthan. Accepted for presentation at the Annual Conference of National Association of Psychology (NAOP), Christ University, New Delhi, India.
Chowdary, S. & Chhajer, R. (2024). Manage your energy to thrive at work: Impact on psychological well-being. Symposium presented at Annual Conference of the National Association of Psychology (NAOP), GITAM, Vishakhapatnam, India.
Poddar, A. & Chhajer, R (2024). Measures to combat workplace mental health challenges in India: An exploratory study. Presented at Annual Conference of the National Association of Psychology (NAOP), GITAM, Vishakhapatnam, India.
Chhajer, R., & Mishra, A. (2024).How do Indian urban youth combat loneliness? A pilot exploration. Presented at Annual Conference of the National Association of Psychology (NAOP), GITAM, Vishakhapatnam, India.
Chhajer, R. (2023). Enhancing well-being of school students in India: Role of poetry. Presented virtually at the National Positive Psychology Association Conference.
Gokhale, S., & Chhajer, R. (2023). How emotions experienced at home impact employee’s stress at work: A study on Indian working professionals. Presented at International Conference on Evidence Based Management 2023, BITS Pilani.
Chadha, A. & Chhajer, R. (2023). Does learning enhance the psychological well-being of employees at work? A pilot exploration. Presented at International Conference on Evidence Based Management 2023, BITS Pilani.
Yaqub, Y., Dutta, T., Chhajer, R., & Singh, A. K. (2021). How Does Training Intervention Design Improve Training Transfer? The Mediating Mechanism of Motivation and Volition to Transfer. Presented at Annual Conference of the National Association of Psychology (NAOP), Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India.
Chhajer R. & Dutta T. (2020). Gratitude as a mechanism to form High-Quality Connections at work: Impact on job performance. Presented at the Indian Academy of Management conference, Indian Institute of Management, Trichy, India.
Chhajer R. & Chowdary, S. (2019). Supportive class environment: An enabler for thriving students. Presented at Annual Conference of the National Association of Psychology (NAOP), Pondicherry University, India.
Chhajer, R. (Feb 2019). Enabling thriving at work: Practices for organizations and individuals (Best paper award – Innovative HR practices track). Presented at ICIOP conference, MS University, Vadodara, India.
Chhajer, R. (Feb 2019). Linking High-Quality Connections with performance: Evidence from an Indian Textile Firm. Presented at ICEBM conference, BITS Pilani, India.
Chhajer, R. (Dec 2018). Building high-quality connections at work: A pilot experiment. Presented at the Annual Conference of the National Association of Psychology (NAOP), University of Delhi, India.
Chhajer R. (Dec 2017). Fostering positive relational ties at work – A qualitative study. (NAOP best paper award) Presented at the Annual Conference of the National Association of Psychology (NAOP), Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India.
Chhajer R. & Joseph, T. (Dec 2017). Role of social connectivity and job engagement in positive change: Evidence from the Middle East. Presented at the Pan-IIM world management conference, Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow, India.
Chhajer R. & Joseph, T. (Dec 2017). Positive Organizational Change: Practices, Mechanisms, and Impact. Presented at the Indian Academy of Management conference, Indian Institute of Management, Indore, India.
Chhajer R., Joseph, T., & Rose E. L. (Dec 2016). Role of self-efficacy, optimism and job engagement in positive change: Evidence from the Middle East. (Nominated for the conference best paper award) Presented at the Pan-IIM world management conference, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmadabad, India.