Effects of scheduled qigong exercise on pupils' well-being, self-image, distress, and stress.
OBJECTIVE
Psychologic problems is increasing among pupils and has become a major problem in Sweden as well as in other Western countries. The aim of this study was to explore whether scheduled qigong exercise could have an effect on well-being at school, psychologic distress, self-image, and general stress.


METHODS
Pupils, 13-14 years, were assigned to either a qigong group or a control group.


METHODS
The qigong group had scheduled qigong 2 times a week for 8 weeks.


METHODS
Self-reported well-being at school, psychologic distress, self-image, and stress were measured pre- and postintervention.


RESULTS
The control group had reduced well-being at school during the semester and the qigong group was stable. The qigong group reduced psychologic distress and stress, and had a tendency to improved self-image, whereas no changes were found in the control group. Self-image explains 47% (R(2) = 0.47) of well-being at school, and stress explains 29% (R(2) = 0.29) of psychologic distress.


CONCLUSIONS
Scheduled qigong, meditative movement, is a possible way to improve well-being at school.
Terjestam
Yvonne
Y
School of Education, Psychology and Sport Science, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden. yvonne.terjestam@lnu.se
Jouper
John
J
Johansson
Caroline
C
D000293:Adolescent; D001945:Breathing Exercises; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019122:Meditation / Q000523:psychology*; D008603:Mental Health; D012574:Schools; D012649:Self Concept; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*