Effect of Yoga on the Intrapersonal Emotional Intelligence among Adolescent Girls

Abstract

Bar-On (1997) defines emotional intelligence as an array of emotional, personal, and interpersonal abilities that influence one's overall ability to cope with environmental demands and pressures. As such, one's emotional intelligence is an important factor in determining one's ability to succeed in life. It directly influences one's general emotional well-being.The Bar-On model comprises five major dimensions: Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Adaptability, Stress Management, and General Mood. In turn, each of these broad dimensions comprises a number of sub components, which are related abilities and skills.The present study focused on the Intrapersonal dimension of this model. It consists of five related abilities: a) emotional self awareness, the ability to recognize and understand ones feelings; b) assertiveness, the ability to express feelings, beliefs and thoughts; c) self-regard, the ability to accurately appraise oneself; d) self-actualization, the ability to realize one's potential capacities; and e) independence, the ability to be self-directed and self-controlled in one's thinking and actions and to be free of emotional dependence.Saami (1999) has Usted some of the emotional skills that are important for the adolescents to develop. Among them, the skills to understand and handle one's emotions are given prime importance. Similarly Bar-On (1997), in his theory of Emotional Intelligence, places these abilitiesto recognize, handle and appraise one's emotionsin the Intrapersonal Dimension.The emotional self-awareness is considered to be the basic element that influences our productivity in different walks of life, be it work or intimate relations (Goleman, 1995; Bar-On 1997). Various methods have been studied and found to improve these skills (Tice, 1992). Aerobic exercise, relaxation techniques and cognitive restructuring are some among them (Goleman, 1995). This makes way for other methods like Hatha Yoga to contribute in the development of these intrapersonal emotional skiUs among individuals.Hatha Yoga is that branch of Indian Philosophy which deals with the physical bodyits careits well beingits healthits strength and all that tends to keep it in a normal state of health. Traditional Hatha Yoga is a holistic yogic path, including moral disciplines, physical exercises (e.g., Asanas (postures) and Pranayama (breath control), and relaxation (Yogi Ramacharaka,1904).Hatha Yoga corresponds in several areas to the psychology of flow, and therefore provides a useful model that would help us to be in better charge of psychic energy. The similarities between Yoga and flow are extremely strong; in fact it makes sense to think ofYoga as a very thoroughly planned flow activity. Both try to achieve a joyous, self-foigetful involvement through concentration, which in turn is made possible by a discipline of the body (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990). Studies have shown that the practice of Hatha Yoga is beneficial in the treatment of physical and mental ailments. It has also helped in the all-round personality development of individuals (Siar, 2004; Beets & Mitchell, 2007; Clinician's Guide to Yoga for Mental Health, 2009).The above observations indicate that Yoga helps in the maintenance of general physical and emotional well-being. It can also aid in better emotional management among individuals. As seen, it is very necessary for the population of adolescents to develop their emotional skills. Therefore the present study is conducted to know whether Yoga has an effect on the Intrapersonal Dimension among adolescents.In order to respond the research problem the following question was developed:Does Yoga have an effect on the Intrapersonal Emotional Intelligence among Adolescent Girls?Objectives of the studyThe following objectives were developed to respond to the research question.* To develop a module for the intervention programa package for 15 days.* To assess the Intrapersonal Emotional Intelligence (Factor A) of Bar-On EQI-YV among Adolescent girls (both control and experimental groups) before and after the intervention. …