Effects of Yoga and Combined Yoga with Neuro-Linguistic Programming on Psychological Management in Mothers of Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Adolescent parenting presents significant challenges for mothers, often leading to elevated levels of stress and anxiety that can adversely affect their well-being and parenting effectiveness. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of yoga alone and in combination with Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) in managing stress and anxiety among mothers of adolescent children. In this randomized controlled trial, 90 participants aged 35-55 years (mean age 44.56±4.58 years), each with at least one child aged 13-19 years, were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control, yoga, or yoga with NLP. Interventions were conducted over 12 weeks, with outcome measures assessed pre- and post-intervention by trained research assistants blinded to group allocation. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), were utilized to evaluate outcomes. Both intervention groups demonstrated significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress levels compared to the control group. The yoga with NLP group exhibited superior improvements across all primary outcomes, with statistically significant differences noted in depression (mean difference =7.1, p<0.001), anxiety (mean difference =5.1, p<0.001) and stress levels (mean difference =5.5, p<0.001). Additionally, sleep quality improved significantly in both intervention groups, with the yoga with NLP group showing greater benefits. This study provides evidence that yoga, particularly in combination with NLP, is an effective non-pharmacological approach for reducing stress and anxiety and improving sleep quality among mothers of adolescents. These findings support the integration of mind-body practices into mental health care, highlighting the potential synergistic benefits of combining physical and cognitive interventions. Future research should explore long-term effects and the mechanisms underlying these improvements.