Efficacy of Yoga-meditation in Managing Mental Stress of Generation Z Pupils
International Research Journal of Ayurveda & Yoga January 31, 2024 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.48165/irjay.2024.70106 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
A 90-day online meditation program significantly reduced self-reported stress among 92 Gen Z college students in Assam, India. Participants aged 18–23 showed measurable improvement in stress levels after the intervention, as assessed by a standardized stress scale. The findings suggest that regular meditation practice can be an effective tool for managing mental stress in this age group.
Study at a glance
| Design | quasi-experimental study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 92 |
| Population | Gen Z college students aged 18–23 from three educational institutes in Assam, India |
| Key finding | Meditation practice led to a statistically significant reduction in stress levels among Gen 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.