Self-Esteem Mediates the Effect of Yoga-Induced Mindfulness on Adolescents’ Emotional and Behavioral Problems and Pro-Social Behavior
Mangesh Pandey, Krishna Kumar Dwivedi, Narayan Behera
Youth & Society January 18, 2025 DOI: 10.1177/0044118x241313065 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA two-arm randomized trial tested the effects of a 6-week yoga program on adolescents aged 11 to 15. The intervention, which included physical postures, breath regulation, relaxation, and affirmations, was held 5 days per week for 50 minutes per session. Compared to a control group following usual school activities, the yoga group showed significant improvements in physical fitness, mindfulness, cognitive task performance, and reductions in emotional and behavioral problems. Mindfulness influenced pro-social behavior and emotional issues, with self-esteem mediating 31% of the effect on emotional problems and 30% on pro-social behavior. The authors suggest integrating yoga into school curricula could enhance adolescent development and well-being.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 90 |
| Population | Adolescents aged 11 to 15 of both genders |
| Intervention | Yoga |
| Dose | 50 minutes per session, 5 days per week for 6 weeks |
| Duration | 6-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Self-esteem Clinical psychology Psychotherapist Developmental psychology |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key finding | Yoga improved physical fitness, mindfulness, cognitive performance, and reduced emotional and behavioral problems in adolescents, with self-esteem mediating part of the effects on emotional problems and pro-social behavior. |
Abstract
Emotional and behavioral problems represent a spectrum of issues that impact adolescents’ optimal growth and development. This two-arm randomized trial assessed yoga’s role in improving physical fitness, mindfulness, self-esteem, cognitive functions, and emotional and behavioral problems in 90 adolescents, aged 11 to 15, of both genders. Participants were randomly assigned to either the yoga or control group. The yoga intervention followed a holistic approach, incorporating physical postures, breath regulation, relaxation techniques, and affirmations. The practices were conducted over 6 weeks, with sessions held 5 days a week, each lasting 50 minutes. The control group followed their usual school activities. The findings indicated significant improvements in physical fitness, mindfulness, cognitive task performance, and reductions in emotional and behavioral problems. Additionally, mindfulness influenced pro-social behavior and emotional issues, with self-esteem mediating 31% of the effect on emotional problems and 30% on pro-social behavior. Integrating yoga into school curricula could enhance adolescent development and well-being.