Affiliation:
1. International Association for Human Values Wasington D.C. USA
2. Lifelong Learning Institute Nova Southeasern University Fort Lauderdale Florida United States
3. University of Toronto Toronto Canada
4. Stanford University Stanford California USA
Abstract
AbstractIntroductionOver one‐third of US adolescents engage in health risk and problem behaviors. Additionally, significant percentages of problem‐free youth aren't flourishing. Left unaddressed, the lifetime mental/physical health and financial burdens may be substantial. Social‐Emotional Learning (SEL) and Positive Youth Development (PYD) programs have proliferated to address the drivers of adaptive versus risk behaviors. Research suggests SEL/PYD program outcomes can be improved by adding techniques that physiologically induce calmness, yet few studies exist.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial of 79 urban eighth‐graders examined a standardized bio‐psycho‐social program, SKY Schools, which incorporates a physiologically calming component: controlled yogic breathing.ResultsRepeated‐measures ANOVAs demonstrated that compared to controls, SKY graduates exhibited significant improvements in emotion regulation, planning and concentration, and distractibility. After 3 months, significant improvements were evidenced in emotion regulation, planning and concentration, identity formation, and aggressive normative beliefs.ConclusionSEL/PYD programs may benefit by incorporating biologically‐calming techniques to enhance well‐being and prevent risk/problem behaviors.