Evaluating the efficacy of yoga intervention in reducing anxiety among college students: A pre-post experimental study in Jaipur

Mental health concerns among college students have surged in recent years, with anxiety emerging as one of the most prevalent issues. In urban academic settings like Jaipur, increasing academic pressure, digital stress, and career uncertainty contribute significantly to elevated anxiety levels among youth. While pharmacological interventions are available, there is growing interest in holistic, non-invasive alternatives such as yoga. Rooted in ancient Indian traditions, yoga integrates physical, mental, and spiritual practices and is widely recognized for its stress-relieving and mind-calming effects. The present study investigates the effectiveness of a structured yoga intervention in reducing anxiety among college students in Jaipur.
The study was conducted on a stratified sample of 250 undergraduate and postgraduate students from various academic streams and colleges in Jaipur. A pre-test post-test quantitative research design was adopted. Data were collected using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) before and after a 6-week yoga intervention program that included asanas, pranayama, and meditation. A pilot study ensured feasibility and reliability of the tool. Statistical techniques including paired sample t-tests, regression analysis, and gender-based comparisons were employed using SPSS.
The findings revealed a statistically significant reduction in anxiety scores, with the average score decreasing from 69.98 (pre-intervention) to 59.90 (post-intervention). The paired t-test yielded a t-value of 19.84 (p < 0.001), confirming the effectiveness of the intervention. Regression analysis showed a high predictive value (R² = 0.792) of pre-scores on post-scores, indicating that students with higher baseline anxiety benefited the most. Gender-based analysis showed slightly higher reductions among female students, but this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), supporting the hypothesis that yoga is equally effective across genders.
In conclusion, the study affirms that yoga is an effective, low-cost, and inclusive intervention for reducing anxiety among college students. It supports the integration of yoga-based mental health modules within higher education frameworks. Based on these outcomes, the paper recommends: (1) institutionalizing yoga sessions in college curricula, (2) setting up campus wellness centers, (3) incorporating regular mental health screenings, (4) training peer mentors and faculty in basic yoga, and (5) collaborating with national wellness agencies for standardized program delivery. These steps can holistically support students’ mental well-being and academic success.