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Perceived Benefits of Yoga among Urban School Students: A Qualitative Analysis
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: eCAM
Short Title: Evid Based Complement Alternat MedPerceived Benefits of Yoga among Urban School Students
Format: Journal Article
Publication Date: Nov 30, 2015
Pages: 8725654
Sources ID: 61681
Visibility: Public (group default)
Abstract: (Show)
This study reports on the findings of a qualitative evaluation of a yoga intervention program for urban middle and high school youth in New York City public and charter schools. Six focus groups were conducted with students who participated in a year-long yoga program to determine their perceptions of mental and physical benefits as well as barriers and challenges. Results show that students perceived the benefits of yoga as increased self-regulation, mindfulness, self-esteem, physical conditioning, academic performance, and stress reduction. Barriers and challenges for a yoga practice include lack of time and space. The extent to which the benefits experienced are interrelated to one another is discussed. Suggestions for future research and school-based programming are also offered.