INTEGRATING PYRAMID MEDITATION AND YOGIC PRACTICES TO IMPROVE EMOTIONAL STABILITY: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

Introduction. Experimental research exists regarding the efficacy of breath-focused meditation in the management of anger and anxiety. However, research on pyramid meditation is limited, and there is no empirical research examining the effects of pyramid meditation on psychological conditions. To evaluate the efficacy of breath-observing pyramid meditation combined with regular yogic practices on the levels of anger and anxiety in female college students residing in institutional hostels. Materials and Methods. The current study is a simple randomized controlled trial comprising two groups: the Pyramid Meditation with Yogic Practices Group (PMYPG), an experimental group, and the Control Group (CG). Initially, 116 students were randomized into PMYPG and CG equally, with each group consisting of 58 students. The PMYPG students participated in pyramid meditation with yogic practices for 1 hour, 5 days a week, for four months. The CG students followed their regular lifestyle without undergoing any intervention. Data were gathered for anger and anxiety using standardized questionnaires such as the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory – 2 (STAXI - 2) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults (STAI AD), respectively, at baseline and post-intervention. Results. The results revealed significant improvements in psychological variables following the intervention. Within the PMYPG, paired t-test analysis showed significant reductions in state anger (23.39 ± 4.97 to 20.74 ± 3.79; p = 0.004), trait anger (24.19 ± 4.09 to 20.15 ± 5.94; p < 0.001), anger expression index (37.13 ± 9.63 to 33.43 ± 7.66; p < 0.001), state anxiety (52.26 ± 15.24 to 48.69 ± 16.78; p < 0.001), and trait anxiety (51.38 ± 11.99 to 47.64 ± 15.27; p = 0.004). Between-group comparisons at post-test indicated significantly lower values in PMYPG compared to CG for state anger (20.74 ± 3.79 vs. 24.49 ± 3.01; p < 0.001), trait anger (20.15 ± 5.94 vs. 23.28 ± 4.92; p = 0.004), anger expression index (33.43 ± 7.66 vs. 36.55 ± 7.23; p = 0.035), and trait anxiety (47.64 ± 15.27 vs. 54.45 ± 15.71; p = 0.027). However, no significant difference was observed in state anxiety (p = 0.823). Conclusions. Pyramid meditation combined with yogic practices can effectively reduce anger and anxiety among female college students. Higher educational institutions can incorporate the proposed yogic practices and pyramid meditation techniques into their emotional regulation programs and yoga class sessions to assist college students in improving their emotional management.