36.1 A SCHOOL YOGA PILOT PROGRAM TO PROMOTE PSYCHOSOCIAL WELL BEING AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this presentation is to implement and evaluate a yoga-based psychoeducation program in a school setting Methods: The program consisted of a 35-minute session once weekly for 8 weeks Each session introduced a psychosocial theme, breathing exercises, yoga poses, and relaxation techniques Both sites had the same instructor and program, and ran from January to March 2020 Multiple measures of mental health were completed before and after the program Results: A total of 33 students from 2 high schools participated Of those, 29 students (88%) participated in at least 6 sessions, and all (100%) participated in at least 5 of 8 sessions The mean age was 14 8 ± 0 8 years Nineteen (57 6%) were female, and 14 (42 4%) were male Seventeen (51 5%) were Asian, 5 (15 2%) were White, 3 (9 1%) were Hispanic/Latinx, 4 (12 1%) identified as other, and 4 (12 1%) were unknown Of the 29 survey respondents, 28 (96 6%) responded that the program helped their psychosocial problems The Outcomes Rating Score (ORS) showed no significant differences before the program (M = 29 0, SD = 7 8) compared to after the program (M = 28 9, SD = 5 6 [t = 0 03;p = 0 49]) The Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM) also showed no difference before the program (M = 72 6, SD = 9 8) compared to after the program (M = 72 9, SD = 9 9 [t = –0 097;p = 0 46]) In addition, the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) showed no differences from pre- (M = 9 2, SD = 4 6) to postprogram (M = 10 1, SD = 6 2 [t = –0 49;p = 0 32]) Controlling for sex and ethnicity did not change the results for all 3 measures Conclusions: This study demonstrated the feasibility of implementing a yoga-based psychoeducation program in schools with positive student feedback However, there were no significant differences in outcome measures before and after the program The discrepancy between the participants’ feedback and the lack of significant changes in outcome measures may be attributable to a couple factors, including the possible impact of COVID-19 and the participant group being a healthy population For future studies, we recommend a larger sample size with a control group We also recommend considering repeating the program with a clinical population with a screening process or using measures more specific for healthy populations CAM, SC, WL