Perceived Stress Among Students and Their Perceptions of Mindfulness and Therapeutic Yoga Practice in Bhutan: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.
Phuntsho Wangdi, Choki Wangmo, Sonam Wangzin Rabjay, Sonam Lhundrup, Ugyen Chophel, Kinley Wangchuk, Karma Galey, Jamyang Yeshi Dorji, Thinley Dorji
Public health challenges September 2026 DOI: 10.1002/puh2.70348 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Comparative cross-sectional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1,035 |
| Population | Students in Classes IX–XII from four selected secondary schools in Punakha and Pemagatshel, Bhutan |
| Intervention | Mindfulness and Therapeutic Yoga Practice (Sorig Zhiney and Luejong) |
| Measures | Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Adolescent health Coping skills Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy Stress Students |
| Key findings | Students in schools with and without the Mindfulness and Therapeutic Yoga Practice program had similar levels of perceived stress, with high stress reported by 5.87% versus 6.25% and mean PSS scores of 19.15 versus 19.18; program availability was not associated with high perceived stress (adjusted OR 0.91). Female sex, Class XII, very frequent disconnection from family, and poor appetite were associated with higher odds of high perceived stress. Students in program schools reported generally favorable perceptions and experiences. |
Abstract
Student stress is an important public health concern. Mindfulness and Therapeutic Yoga Practice (Sorig Zhiney and Luejong) has been introduced in selected Bhutanese schools to promote student well-being, but evidence regarding students' perceived stress and experiences of these practices remains limited. This comparative cross-sectional study included 1035 students in Classes IX-XII from four selected secondary schools in Punakha and Pemagatshel, Bhutan, 2025. Schools were purposively selected according to program implementation, and students were randomly selected from eligible student lists. Stress levels were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and factors associated with high perceived stress were identified using logistic regression. Data from 490 students in schools implementing the program and 545 in schools without the program were analyzed. High perceived stress was reported by 28 (5.87%) students and 33 (6.25%) students, respectively (p = 0.946), mean PSS scores were similar (19.15 ± 4.87 vs. 19.18 ± 4.76; p = 0.910). Program availability was not associated with high perceived stress (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39-2.10; p = 0.823). Female sex, Class XII, very frequent disconnection from family, and poor appetite were associated with higher odds of high perceived stress. Among students in program schools, 392 (83.76%) practiced a few times weekly, 333 (68.38%) reported perceived benefits, and 435 (89.51%) recommended the practices to others. Students in schools with and without the program had similar levels of perceived stress. Students in program schools reported generally favorable perceptions and experiences.