Benefits of yoga education in high school curriculum for anger management: A randomized control study

Abstract

Adolescent anger is one of the key contributors of adolescent mortality and many negative developmental outcomes. Research studies indicate, escalated anger issues in schools and colleges across the globe including India. Anger being multidimensional construct, assessment of anger and its management remains a significant challenge. Despite a number of studies done on anger, it is still an emotion that is very much misunderstood. While, the available adolescent anger theories and inventories provide considerable direction towards the way forward, they lack clarity in terms of providing a comprehensive approach in assessment and management of anger. Considering negative developmental outcomes and the far reaching consequences of adolescent anger, there is a growing consensus among researchers, educators and health professionals to develop effective school based anger management programs. Indian Classical texts, mainly Vedic science provides immense conceptual resources to understand the concept of anger and its dynamics. There is an increasing trend of adopting spiritual concepts and practices for promoting mental health. Yogic Science having its strong roots in spirituality as well as evidence based approaches acceptable to modern science will be able to provide holistic approach to anger assessment and anger management.