Enhancing Self-Confidence and Study Skills in Adolescent Girls: The Role of Yoga and Om Chanting in Holistic Development

Abstract

Background:

Adolescence is a dynamic and often challenging period marked by rapid changes—physically, cognitively, and emotionally. Students at this stage frequently navigate increasing academic expectations, social pressures, and the complexities of self-identity, all of which can impact their confidence, focus, and learning behaviors (Smith et al., 2022; Gupta & Rao, 2021). In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the need for holistic approaches that support not only academic achievement but also psychological resilience and well-being (Kumar et al., 2023).Yogic science, with its integration of physical postures, breathwork, relaxation, and meditative practices, is increasingly viewed as a promising strategy for fostering mind–body balance among young people (Patel et al., 2020). Foundational yogic texts, such as the Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, emphasize mental equilibrium and the regulation of thought processes as keys to well-being and success—principles now echoed in contemporary research on mindfulness and emotional regulation (Brown & Francis, 2024; Sharma, 2022).

This study explored whether an integrated yoga and Om chanting intervention could enhance self-confidence and study skills among adolescent girls, promoting holistic performance through mind–body integration.

Methods:

In a randomized controlled trial, 30 adolescent girls (aged 13–17) from high schools in Chennai, India, were assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. Over 12 weeks, the experimental group participated in daily 60-minute sessions combining yogic postures, pranayama (breathwork), guided relaxation, and Om chanting. The control group continued their usual physical education classes. Validated instruments were used to assess self-confidence (Agnihotri Rekha Self-Confidence Questionnaire) and study skills (M. Kanchana Study Skills Scale) before and after the intervention. Statistical analyses included paired-sample t-tests, ANOVA, and ANCOVA.

Results & Conclusion:

Girls in the yoga and Om chanting group experienced significant improvements in self-confidence and study skills compared to the control group, echoing recent findings that yoga-based interventions can boost emotional regulation, concentration, and academic behaviors (Choudhury et al., 2023; Wang & Prasad, 2024). Increases in post-test scores for both outcome measures suggest that integrating yogic practices into daily routines can meaningfully support adolescent well-being and learning.

These results highlight the value of yoga-based approaches as accessible, non-invasive tools for nurturing physical, psychological, and emotional health in adolescents. By strengthening self-belief and learning strategies, integrated yogic interventions may serve as effective additions to school health and wellness programs (Mehta & Singh, 2023). As schools globally seek evidence-based solutions for whole-student development, bringing yoga and mindfulness into the classroom could prove a powerful way to support youth resilience, confidence, and academic success (Patel et al., 2020; Brown & Francis, 2024).