Efficacy of Yoga-meditation in Managing Mental Stress of Generation Z Pupils

Abstract

Introduction: Research on yoga meditation has shown the effectiveness of meditation in alleviating stress and anxiety. However, its efficacy on Generation Z (Gen Z) pupils, who mostly experience mental stress, remains unknown in many cases. As at the deep root of their stress lies their inability to look at things as they are, meditative practice, and non-judgmental awareness, are useful for them in alleviating stress. The present study focuses on the efficacy of meditation in managing the mental stress of Gen Z pupils. Materials and Methods: Apart from the qualitative analysis of stress and mental health from a yogic perspective through a host of relevant literature, a quasi-experimental study was conducted at Philosophy Department, Nowgong College (Autonomous) Institution on 92 students 18–23 years of age selected through purposive sampling as subjects from three educational institutes of Assam, India, from October 2022 to December 2022. Participants received meditation classes online for 90 days. Data collected through the Stress Scale questionnaires developed by Dr. M. Singh was analyzed with statistical tools and t-tests. Results: The study showed a positive change in the stress level of the participants as a result of meditation practice. The observed results are – t = 8.18, P = 1.646*10-12 or 0, P ˂ 0.001. Conclusions: Meditation practice is an effective way to release the mental stress of Gen Z pupils. The practice may be recommended as a regular use for them.