Harvard Medical School has released a study, co-led by Jessica Noggle, Ph.D., on the psychological benefits of yoga on teenagers in 11th and 12th grade.

The Study, which is Published in the April issue of the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, concludes that yoga may “serve a preventative role in adolescent mental health” by providing teens with beneficial ways to deal with stress and trauma, instead of falling into the dangerous and destructive behavioral patterns so prevalent among 11th and 12th graders.

How the study is conducted:

The study included 51 high school students who were randomly assigned for a 10 week programme, either regular Physical Education (P.E.) classes, or Kripalu-style yoga classes that included asana, pranayama, relaxation exercises, and mediation.

Pre and Post 10-week program, the students were given multiple tests and questionnaires regarding their levels of anxiety and stress, their anger management abilities, and their mindfulness and resilience in the face of challenges.

The results revealed that students who took yoga were better equipped to deal with life’s ups and downs than those in the regular P.E. classes.
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