Case study providing
Proof of concept and
Proof or value
In Indian contexts
Anam cara support for sustainability of young persons' decisions in challenging contexts
Jyotika Bedi* and Patrick Humphreys**
*Kinetic Potential Explorers, India;
**Psychology and Behavioural Science Department, London School of Economics, UK
Abstract
This qualitative study explores how young people in India sustain difficult decisions—particularly the act of saying “no”—in challenging social and personal contexts. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 15 participants aged 18–25, the study examines the role of anam cara (“soul-friend”) relationships in supporting emotional resilience and decision sustainability. Using thematic analysis, four key relational roles emerged: Emotional Witness, Moral Anchor, Social Translator, and Future Mirror. These roles enable individuals to move beyond the limitations of linear Rational Choice models—which often result in overthinking—towards values-aligned decision-making within a Circular Model of Choice grounded in the Logic of Appropriateness. The findings suggest that anam cara relationships function as psychological anchors that provide emotional validation, identity reinforcement, and sustained decision support in moments of uncertainty. This study contributes to the literature by proposing a relational framework that integrates identity, emotional support and decision-making. While exploratory, the findings highlight the importance of relational support systems in fostering emotionally sustainable decision-making among young people.
Keywords: Sustainable decision support; Anam Cara relational support, Positive affirmation, Circular model for sustainable choice, Indian young people
