Date Approved
2009
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department or School
Health Promotion and Human Performance
Committee Member
Roberta Faust, Ph.D., Chair
Committee Member
Brenda Riemer, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Joan Cowdery, Ph.D.
Abstract
Stress is a problem for many children in our society. Previous research has shown how yoga can be used to help reduce stress levels. Twenty-seven fourth- and fifth-grade students from an urban elementary school participated in a three-week yoga unit during their physical education class, as a stress management unit. Using a repeated measures design, the participants’ self-perceived stress level, stress coping skills, and perception of yoga was measured. The current study found no significant change in the participants’ self-perceived stress level or stress coping skills after the yoga implementation. There was a significant change in student perceptions of yoga as both physical activity and for relaxation purposes. During the pre-test, 41.8 % of participants viewed yoga as both physical activity and relaxation; this number increased to 77.8% at the post-test six weeks later.
Recommended Citation
Smith-Vogtmann, Holly, "The effects of yoga on children’s self-perceived stress and coping abilities" (2009). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 246.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/246