Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A50]

How Does Yoga Benefit an Adolescent Brain and Body?

Presenter: Amy Almonte

Faculty Sponsor: Amy Cameron

School: Northern Essex Community College

Research Area: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences

ABSTRACT

The adolescent years are a developmental period marked by physical growth, emotional instability, and academic and social pressures. This study focuses on how yoga can help the adolescent brain and body overcome issues such as anxiety, stress, and depression that can interfere with their daily lives. Yoga is a practice that includes breathing exercises, meditation, and movement. Research has shown the benefits of yoga for high school adolescents, who deal with anxiety, stress, and depression when it comes to academics. A controlled trial by Hagin and Rundle (2016) found that students who attended 1 year of high school yoga lessons improved their GPAs at the end of the study, compared with those in a physical education group. The study also focused on the mental health aspect when Wang and Hagins (2016) found that high school students who were practicing yoga learned how to control emotions such as anger and react in a positive way, which helped them have a more open and mindful way of thinking. In conclusion, yoga can help adolescents improve their emotional well-being and reduce stressors.