Development and validation of Yoga Module for Anger Management in adolescents

Abstract

BackgroundDevelopment of anger management programs and in particular, yoga module for anger management has not been well researched. Being a complex emotion, anger poses serious challenges in developing a comprehensive anger management program. While various theories of anger are dealt in modern psychology, several anger management techniques are set forth in Indian traditional texts. Yoga, which is considered as a holistic and integrated approach is explored in this study to develop and validate a school-based yoga program for anger management in adolescence. Materials and methodsIntegrated Approach to Yoga Therapy (IAYT) principles and literary review formed the basis for deriving the concepts of anger management. The methodology includes construction of the yoga module, validation of the module by 22 experts followed by a pilot non-randomised control study (n-50) to assess feasibility and initial effectiveness. Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and paired t-test were employed to analyse the experts’ rating and pilot-study data respectively. ResultsEmergence of IAYT based yoga program for anger management. Based on CVR ratio, 16 out of 18 yogic techniques qualified for the final module. The pilot study revealed viability of the module and its recognition as an anger management program. Significant reduction of anger scores in yoga group substantiates initial effectiveness of the module. ConclusionThe developed and validated yoga module for anger management is recognised as a well-accepted and effective yoga program for anger management in adolescents.