Perceptions of Children Who Participated in a School-Based Yoga Program

Abstract

This study investigated students' perceptions of an 8-week school-based yoga program designed as a preventive intervention to reduce stress and improve behavior in students at risk for learning problems. The program was implemented in a low-income, urban neighborhood with 24 third grade students. The program included yoga poses and exercises, meditation, and slow breathing. After the 8 weeks, 21 students were interviewed in small focus groups (n = 4–5) regarding their perceptions of the program. Three themes emerged from the focus groups: The yoga program helped students (a) feel calm and focused, (b) gave them strategies to control their behavior in stressful situations, and (c) supported a positive self-esteem. School-based interventions such as yoga programs may help to prevent behavioral problems, improve social participation, and help students to engage in classroom learning.