Effects of an Integrated Yogic Intervention on Anxiety, Emotional Regulation, Sleep Quality, and Academic Motivation Among School Children: An Experimental Study

Revathi Dama; Larry Seidlitz

doi:10.63300/aathiyoga404062026.08

Authors

Revathi Dama Ph.D. Scholar, Vedic Wellness University, Orlando, FL 32801, United States. United States Author
Dr Larry Seidlitz Ph.D. Guide, Vedic Wellness University. Orlando, FL 32801, United States India Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63300/aathiyoga404062026.08

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of an integrated yogic intervention on anxiety, emotional regulation, sleep quality, academic motivation, and behavioral outcomes among school children aged 8-12 years in Tamil Nadu, India. Employing a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design, 31 participants were allocated to an experimental group (n = 18) receiving a 56-day integrated yogic program comprising Bhramari Pranayama with Adi Mudra, Navasana, and Yoga Nidra, and a control group (n = 13) engaged in structured non-yogic activities. Data were collected through validated self-report questionnaires, teacher observation scales, and qualitative feedback. Quantitative analysis using independent-samples t-tests, paired-samples t-tests, and Cohen's d effect sizes revealed statistically significant improvements in the experimental group across all measured domains. Anxiety levels decreased significantly (Experimental: M = 8.22 to M = 2.28; t(29) = -9.112, p < .001, d = 3.32), emotional regulation improved (M = 5.00 to M = 7.22; t(29) = 4.134, p < .001, d = 1.51), sleep quality enhanced (M = 4.33 to M = 6.61; t(29) = 5.043, p < .001, d = 1.84), academic motivation increased (M = 8.50 to M = 12.00; t(29) = 5.333, p < .001, d = 1.94), and teacher-observed behavioral outcomes improved substantially (M = 18.06 to M = 25.28; t(29) = 9.886, ps < .001, d = 3.60). The control group showed negligible changes across all domains. Mann-Whitney U tests corroborated these findings non-parametrically (all p < .01). Qualitative observations further supported quantitative results, with participants reporting increased calmness, enhanced self-awareness, and improved emotional processing. These findings demonstrate that structured, integrated yogic interventions can serve as effective, cost-efficient, school-based programs for promoting holistic emotional and behavioral well-being in children. The study contributes to the growing evidence base supporting the integration of yogic practices into educational curricula for comprehensive child development.

Keywords:

Integrated yoga, emotional regulation, anxiety reduction, sleep quality, academic motivation, school children, Yoga Nidra, Bhramari Pranayama, quasi-experimental design, behavioral outcomes, holistic education

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Author Biographies

Revathi Dama, Ph.D. Scholar, Vedic Wellness University, Orlando, FL 32801, United States.

Revathi Dama^*,Ph.D. Scholar, Vedic Wellness University, Orlando, FL 32801,
United States.

*Corresponding Author: dr.revathi@dssa.in
Dr Larry Seidlitz, Ph.D. Guide, Vedic Wellness University. Orlando, FL 32801, United States

Dr Larry Seidlitz, Ph.D. Guide, Vedic Wellness University. Orlando, FL 32801,
United States

*Corresponding Author: dr.revathi@dssa.in

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