A study on the effect of integrated yoga programs on self-esteem, self-regulation, loneliness, behavior problem and physical fitness among orphan children

Orphaned children often experience challenges such as low self-esteem, loneliness, behavioural issues, and poor physical fitness due to a lack of support, love, and peer relationships. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an Integrated Approach to Yoga Therapy (IAYT) program on self-esteem, self-regulation, loneliness, behaviour problems, and physical fitness among orphaned children. A randomized pre-post study was conducted with 40 orphan children from the Janaseva Foundation, Pune, divided into a yoga group (n=20) and a control group (n=20). The yoga group underwent one-hour sessions, five days a week, for 45 days, while the control group received no intervention. Standardized assessments, including the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Children's Loneliness and Social Dissatisfaction Scale, the Adolescent Self-Regulatory Inventory, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and the Kraus-Weber Test, were used for evaluation. Results showed significant improvements in self-esteem (p=0.020), loneliness (p=0.030), emotional problems (p=0.02), hyperactivity (p=0.02), peer problems (p=0.030), and physical fitness (p=0.00) in the yoga group compared to the control group. However, no significant changes were observed in self-regulation, conduct problems, prosocial behaviour, or impact supplement scores. The control group showed no significant improvements in most parameters. These findings suggest that regular yoga practice over nine weeks can positively influence psychological well-being and physical health in orphaned children. Thus, integrating yoga interventions into orphan care programs may serve as an effective approach to enhancing overall development in this vulnerable population.