Implementation of a non-randomized controlled trial of yoga-based intervention to reduce behavioural issues in early adolescent school-going children in Sri Lanka.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a yoga-based intervention package, including mindfulness meditation, in reducing behavioral problems among grade 8 school children in a post-conflict setting.
Results Summary
The intervention significantly reduced emotional and peer problems in students, improved prosocial behavior according to teachers, and showed positive effects on school achievements, family dynamics, and individual health. Control group comparisons confirmed these benefits.
Population
Grade 8 school children (early adolescents) in Jaffna Province, Sri Lanka, a post-conflict region.
Effective Dosage
Mindfulness meditation for 5-6 minutes, along with other yoga-based practices (slow breathing for 5-6 minutes and Surya-namaskaram for 6-8 minutes).
Duration
6 months
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
yoga-based intervention package | decrease | emotional issues | grade 8 school children (early adolescents) | - | reduced | #1 |
yoga-based intervention package | decrease | total difficulty score | grade 8 school children (early adolescents) | - | reduction | #2 |
yoga-based intervention package | increase | prosocial scores | grade 8 school children (early adolescents) | - | improved | #3 |
yoga-based intervention package | decrease | emotional problems | grade 8 school children (early adolescents) | - | reduction | #4 |
yoga-based intervention package | decrease | problems with peers | grade 8 school children (early adolescents) | - | reduction | #5 |
- | increase | emotional problems | control group | - | increased | #6 |
- | decrease | prosocial scores | control group | - | reduced | #7 |
- | increase | emotional problems | control group | - | increased | #8 |
yoga-based intervention package | increase | school achievements, family dynamics and individual health | students | - | had an overall positive effect | #9 |
yoga-based intervention package | decrease | externalizing and internalizing symptoms | adolescents | - | effective in reducing | #10 |
Surya-namaskaram, breathing control techniques and mindfulness meditation | decrease | externalizing symptoms (conduct problems and hyperactivity) | - | - | significantly reduced | #11 |
Surya-namaskaram, breathing control techniques and mindfulness meditation | decrease | internalizing symptom (emotional problem and peer problems) | - | - | significantly reduced | #12 |
BACKGROUND: Adolescence can be difficult to navigate and the post-conflict environment in Jaffna Province, Sri Lanka compounds existing issues for adolescents. Conduct problems, hyperactivity along with emotional problems are challenges faced by adolescents, particularly in fragile, post-conflict settings. This study was a non-randomized controlled trial carried out in 4 educational zones over 6 months. The study implemented a yoga-based intervention package: two types of slow breathing for 5-6 min, Surya-namaskaram for 6-8 min, and mindfulness meditation for 5-6 min. Pre/post quantitative assessments were conducted with intervention and control groups. A focus group was conducted with the intervention group. The aim was to evaluate. Effectiveness of implementing a yoga-based intervention package in grade 8 school children (early adolescents) to address behavioural problems. RESULTS: Paired t-test and independent t-tests were completed for both arms using statistical product and service solutions (SPSS21). Parents' assessments of emotional issues reduced for the intervention group (n = 584) [t(584) = 11.41, p = 0.001] along with reduction of the total difficulty score [t(584) = 28.12, p = 0.001]. Teachers' assessments indicated prosocial scores improved in the intervention group [t(584) = - 28.5, p = 0.001]. Students' self-assessments in the intervention group indicate a reduction in emotional problems [t(584) = 6.4, p = 0.001], and reduction in problems with peers [t(584) = 14.4, p = 0.001]. Within the control group (n = 499), teachers' assessments indicated emotional problems increased [t(499) = - 9.5, p = 0.001] and prosocial scores reduced [t(499) = 13.5, p = 0.001]. Students' self-assessments in the control group indicated emotional problems increased [t(499) = - 27.1, p = 0.001]. A comparison of post-test scores revealed a statistically significant difference between groups. Focus group results indicate students felt the intervention had an overall positive effect on school achievements, family dynamics and individual health. CONCLUSIONS: This yoga-based intervention package appeared to be effective in reducing both externalizing and internalizing symptoms in adolescents. Practicing Surya-namaskaram, breathing control techniques and mindfulness meditation significantly reduced both externalizing symptoms (conduct problems and hyperactivity) as well as internalizing symptom (emotional problem and peer problems). It is recommended this intervention be scaled up across Sri Lanka and other similar post-conflict regions.