Effect of Pranayama and Meditation on Emotional Intelligence among Undergraduate Students: A Randomized Controlled Study

A 10-week program of daily pranayama and mindfulness (vipassana) meditation, practiced for 60 minutes each day, improved emotional intelligence and reduced anxiety, depression, and stress among undergraduate students aged 18 to 23. The randomized controlled trial with 150 students found significant enhancements in emotional intelligence and significant decreases in anxiety, depression, and stress in the experimental group compared to the control group, which continued usual activities. These results suggest that combining breathwork with mindfulness meditation can support emotional coping and mental well-being in university students.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Introduction: Emotional intelligence (EI) manages emotional disturbances, thereby making a substantive contribution to cognitive aptitude and mental health amelioration among university students. Mindfulness yoga enhances the positive connectivity between mind and emotion, thereby enhancing mental and emotional well-being. The objective of present study is to determine the effectiveness of pranayama and mindfulness (vipassana) meditation on EI among undergraduate (UG) students. Methods: One hundred fifty university students (aged 18-23 years) were employed for this randomised control trial. The students were randomly allocated into two groups: experimental (n=75) and control (n=75). The experimental group practiced daily 60 min intervention of pranayama and mindfulness (vipassana) meditation for 10 weeks. The control group carried out their daily routine activity.Data were analysed through SPSS 24.0, and the repeated measures ANOVA test followed by Bonferroni adjusted post hoc analyses were applied. The participants were accessed for emotional intelligence, anxiety, depression, and stress using standard measures. Results: The findings of the study showed that pranayama and mindfulness (vipassana) meditation practices enhance the level of EI (p<0.001) and manage mental health by decreasing the level of anxiety (p<0.001), depression (p<0.001) and stress (p<0.001) in UG students.These effects were observed within and between groups comparison following the 10 weeks intervention period. Discussion: The study findings emphasise the potential of pranayama and mindfulness (vipassana) meditation practices in positive effects on emotional coping behaviour and mental well-being in students. Conclusion: The study suggests that pranayama and mindfulness (vipassana) meditation can be useful to enhance EI and reduce anxiety, depression, and stress in UG students.