Self-Esteem And Academic Performance Among College Students Following A Hatha Yoga Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: The increased academic pressure, social change, and self-evaluative stress that college students experience can damage their self-esteem and impair their ability to perform academically. Hatha yoga has been suggested as an accessible, non-pharmacological strategy to enhance psychological well-being and, indirectly, academic outcomes. It combines physical postures (asanas), breath management (pranayama), and relaxation. Goal: To assess how a three-month organised Hatha yoga program affects college students' academic performance and sense of self. Methods: In a randomised controlled experiment, 180 college students were split evenly between a control group (n = 90, no structured intervention) and an intervention group (n = 90, Hatha yoga, 3 times per week for 12 weeks). The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was used to evaluate self-esteem, while a perceived academic self-efficacy measure and cumulative grade point average (CGPA) were used to measure academic achievement. At baseline and twelve weeks after the intervention, assessments were carried out. Results: [Placeholder—to be filled up with real results]. Self-esteem and academic performance indicators indicated statistically significant gains in the intervention group compared to the control group (p<0.01), with medium-to-large effect sizes (Cohen's d = 0.39–0.85). In conclusion, a 12-week Hatha yoga intervention may significantly boost college students' self-esteem and academic achievement, encouraging its incorporation into student-support and campus health initiatives.