title: Perceived Benefits of Yoga among Urban School Students: A Qualitative Analysis.
abstract: This study reports on the findings of a qualitative evaluation of a yoga intervention program for urban middle and high school youth in New York City public and charter schools. Six focus groups were conducted with students who participated in a year-long yoga program to determine their perceptions of mental and physical benefits as well as barriers and challenges. Results show that students perceived the benefits of yoga as increased self-regulation, mindfulness, self-esteem, physical conditioning, academic performance, and stress reduction. Barriers and challenges for a yoga practice include lack of time and space. The extent to which the benefits experienced are interrelated to one another is discussed. Suggestions for future research and school-based programming are also offered.
authors.affiliation: Social Work Department, Long Island University, Brooklyn, Health Science Building 248, 1 University Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA.
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Long Island University, Brooklyn, 1 University Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA.
authors.forename: Marshall
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hagins