STUDENT RESEARCH
The Effects of Yoga on Anxiety in Female College Students :
A Trial Protocol
Elena Yanchenko , Nicole Pugliese , Vanessa Sharma | Endeavour College of Natural Health
Abstract Anxiety is a widespread mental health condition experienced as an array of symptoms in varying degrees in sufferers from all walks of life . The life of a student today can trigger or aggravate anxiety symptoms , leading to poor student outcomes and quality of life . The need for easily accessible and affordable treatment for anxiety for university students has led to the development of this theoretical study proposal . Yoga has been shown to assist in the management of anxiety symptoms . This proposal seeks to outline how a study could be conducted and analysed to further the research on females using yoga to manage anxiety symptoms , looking specifically at how this may benefit female students studying in tertiary institutions .
Thematising
Anxiety is a mental health condition that can cause an array of emotional , physical , cognitive and behavioural symptoms , which can be experienced uniquely by each individual . Common symptoms include nervousness , restlessness , sweating and trembling , insomnia or restless sleep , irritability , worry , muscle tension , fatigue , and an inability to focus , memorise , and keep up with study load . In addition , people with anxiety have a tendency to avoid certain places and activities that may trigger or aggravate their symptoms . 1
Studying at a tertiary institution is one of the most critical periods of life . Students can experience many stressful events associated with studying , sometimes on a daily basis .
Anxiety is a key issue that affects academic performance , quality of life , and well-being of students today . 2 The prevalence and frequency of anxiety in students varies between different countries and universities , from 47 % to 88.4 %, with scores significantly higher for female students . 3
Anxiety is one of the most common reasons students seek mental health support , but many universities fail to provide adequate mental health services . Students often wait weeks before seeing a counsellor , and the number of sessions made available may be limited . 4 , 5 Even when help is available , anxiety can be difficult to recognise and diagnose , and its effects are often underestimated . Unfortunately , not all students with clinical anxiety will be diagnosed , which can potentially prolong recovery from other illnesses or worsen pre-existing health conditions . Furthermore , anxiety may lead to chronic diseases and health consequences , including other mental health problems . 5 , 6
Commonly used treatment options include psychotherapy , pharmaceuticals , lifestyle coaching , support groups , herbs and supplements , and other modalities of alternative medicine . 1 , 6 Existing studies suggest an urgent need for interventions and preventative measures to support and improve the mental health of students . 4
Research has shown that yoga can reduce anxiety and increase mental and emotional well-being . 7-15 Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that focuses on
152 | vol27 | no3 | JATMS