Impact of a Therapeutic Yoga Pilot Program on Mental Health Difficulties and Resilience of College Students

Abstract

College students, and particularly, students from minority ethnic backgrounds, have been found to be disproportionately affected by stress, anxiety, and depression. This study explores the impact of a 6-week therapeutic yoga pilot program, Yoga for Mood, on the following mental health outcomes among college students: perceived stress, symptoms of anxiety, symptoms of depression, and resilience. A total of 8 students participated in the evaluation of this pilot program during the Spring 2018 semester at a university with a minority-serving-institute classification. Mental health outcomes were measured by self-reported questionnaires composed of previously validated instruments; assessments were completed before and after the completion of the program. Quantitative analyses comparing means from pre and post questionnaires showed a significant decrease in perceived stress (Mean difference = 0.53, p < 0.04) and symptoms of depression (Mean difference = 0.65, p < 0.053). Qualitative data were analyzed from participant survey responses to support quantitative findings. Some participant responses showed that students developed coping skills to assist with mental health difficulties. This study contributes to public health literature by further exploring mental health among college students. It also provides some evidence for the positive impact of a holistic approach to increasing mental health. Some recommendations can be used to improve future evaluations of this, and similar, programs such recruiting participants from special group spaces to increase attendance of students with minority backgrounds, using a Quasi-Experimental research design, interviewing participants, or facilitating a focus group to gather more qualitative data, as well as conducting follow-up assessments to further determine program impac