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)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 90 |
| Population | Adolescents aged 11 to 15 of both genders |
| Intervention | Yoga |
| Duration | 6-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Self-esteem Clinical psychology Psychotherapist Developmental psychology |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key findings | 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.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 8
- Promoting mental health and wellbeing in schools: the impact of yoga on young people's relaxation and stress levels Frontiers in Psychology May 17, 2023
- Gray Matter Changes in Adolescents Participating in a Meditation Training Frontiers in Human Neuroscience August 14, 2020
- Neural correlates of breath work, mental imagery of yoga postures, and meditation in yoga practitioners: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study Frontiers in Neuroscience March 21, 2024
- Mindfulness and its relationship to academic achievement among university students Frontiers in Education June 28, 2023
- Positive Psychological Effects of School-Based Yoga and Mindfulness Programs for At-Risk Hispanic Adolescents. Contemporary School Psychology September 20, 2022
and 3 more in the library