Final Merged - Document, 2

ISSN (Online): 2395-4892
Volume 02, Number 01, January March 2016
OJMR
-----------------------------------------------
Online Journal of
Multidisciplinary
Research
Quarterly, Peer-reviewed, International Indexed Journal
Published By: Association for Indian Psychology, Rishikesh, India
www.ojmr.in

Volume 02, Number 01, January March 2016
Online Journal of
Multidisciplinary
Research
(OJMR)
Quarterly, Peer-reviewed, International Indexed Journal
Published By: Association for Indian Psychology, Rishikesh, India
www.ojmr.in
Online Journal of Multidisciplinary Research

Members
EDITORIAL BOARD
Prof. Hemadri K. Sao Professor and Head, Dept. of Psychology, Dev Sanskriti University, Haridwar, India
Dr. Santosh K. Vishwakarma Associate Professor, Dept. of Psychology, Dev Sanskriti Univ., Haridwar, India
Dr. Abhishek K. Bhardwaj Scientist, Dept. of Yoga Research, Patanjali Yogpeeth, Haridwar, India
Dr. Gaurav Agrawal Assistant Professor, Dept. of Psychology, Dev Sanskriti University, Haridwar, India
REVIEW BOARD
Dr. Ratna Mookherjee - Professor and Head, P.G. Dept. of Psychology, T. M. B. Univ., Bhagalpur, India
Dr. Naresh Chandel Principal, K.L.P. College, Rewari, Haryana, India
Dr. S.K. Siya Associate Professor, Dept. of Psychology, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, India
Dr. P.K. Khatri Associate Professor, National P.G. College, Lucknow, India
Dr. Parul Saxena Scientist, Patanjali Herbal Research Department, Patanjali Yogpeeth, Haridwar, India
Dr. Carolina Baptista Menezes- Assistant Professor, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Brazil
Dr. Vedpriya Arya - Scientist E, Patanjali Herbal Research Department, PYP, Haridwar, India
ADVISORY BOARD
Prof. S. P. Mishra - Ex Vice Chancellor, Dev Sanskriti University, Haridwar. India.
Prof. N.K. Verma Ex Vice Chancellor, T. M. Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur, India
Prof. B.D. Joshi Head of Research Committee, Dev Sanskriti University, Haridwar, India
Prof. M.S. Khan - Dept. of Psychology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
Prof. B.S. Sandhu - Head, Dept. of Psychology, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India
Prof. C.P. Khokhar - Head, Dept. of Psychology, Gurukul Kangri University, Haridwar, India
Prof. Ishwar Bhardwaj Head, Dept. of Human Consciousness and Yogic Science, Haridwar, India
Dr. Naval Kishore Kumar - Professor and Head, Dept. of Botany, B. N. College, Bhagalpur, India
Prof. Suraj Bhan Yadav - Head, Dept. of Psychology, J.N.V. University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Prof. G N R Tripathi - Emeritus Faculty, University of Notre Dame,Notre Dame, Indiana 46556. USA
Prof. N.K. Agrawal Dept. of Zoology, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Garhwal, India
Dr. Kalyani Raghavan, MD - Asstt. Medical Director, Division of Pain, Sedation and Palliative Care, Hartford,
Connecticut, USA
Online Journal of Multidisciplinary Research

Vol. 02, No. 01; January - March 2016
CONTENTS
1. Effect of Surya Namaskar and Meditation on Aggression

of Adolescents..
Joshi, B.P., & Agrawal, K.
1-5
2. Analysis of Mental Health and Yogic Interventions for

Mental Health Coverage in Newspapers of Uttarakhand.
Vashishta, S.
6-13
3. Importance of Ethical Yogic Practices in Adjustment

Problems: An Analytical Study.
Malvi, J.
14-20
4. Effect of 12-weeks comprehensive yoga on self-esteem

in prisoners.
Das, C.
21-27
Instructions for Authors
Online Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (OJMR)

February 2016, 2(1), 1-5
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
OPEN ACCESS
Effect of Surya Namaskar and Meditation

on Aggression of Adolescents
Dr. Bhanu Prakesh Joshi1* and Krishana Agrawal2
Assistant Professor Yog, Uttarakhand Open University, Haldwani, India
M. B. Govt. P.G. College, Haldwani, India
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1
Article History:
---------------------------
Summary:
Received: 05-12-2015
Revised: 15-01-2016
Accepted: 20-01-2016
Published: 21-02-2016
The aim of the present study was to observe the

effect of Surya Namaskar and Meditation on the
Keywords:
--------------------------Surya namaskar, Meditation,
Aggression
aggression level of male adolescents. For this study
Article code: OJMR211
(Uttarakhand) by using simple random sampling
Access online at: www.ojmr.in
without replacement. Aggression scale designed
Source of support: Nil
45 subjects (college boys) were randomly selected

form M. B. P. G. Govt College, Haldwani, Nainital,
and standardized by Roma pal and Dr. Tasnem

Naqvi was administered to collect the data before
Conflict of interest: None declared
intervention and after giving intervention of one
Indexed in: Open J-Gate, Indian Science,

Google Scholar, Scientific Indexing Services
month. Results indicated that the Surya Namaskar
*Corresponding Author:
Dr. Bhanu Prakesh Joshi
Assistant Professor Yog,
Uttarakhand Open University
Haldwani, India
E-mail: bhanujoshi@uou.ac.in
and
meditation
significantly
decrease
the
aggression level of the participants.
OJMR 2016 | January - March 2016 | Volume 2 | Issue 1 | Pages 1-5

Published online by Association for Indian Psychology, Rishikesh, India

Quarterly, Peer-reviewed, Int. Journal
Joshi & Agrawal / Surya Namaskar and Meditation on Aggression of Adolescents
Background
This
research work has attempted to
observe the effect of Surya namaskar followed

by meditation on the aggression level of the
participants and to highlight the holistic
approach of yoga practices to reduce the
aggression.
Aggression is any action or series of
actions in which the direct purpose is to cause
to harm or damage. Aggression is nearly
always classed as antisocial behavior caused
by poor environmental conditions. Here are
instances when aggression has positive
consequences, for example when it may be
used to bring about positive social change in
life. The major explanations of aggressive
behavior are biological. For example,
aggression may be a product of overcrowding
and a need to establish a territory. Recent
research has established the possible role of
the neurotransmitter serotonin in aggressive
behaviors of chimpanzees with a suggestion
that same role may be observed in humans.
Psychological Theories such as the
frustration- aggression theory see as an as
inevitable consequence of blocked or
frustrated goal. A typical example would be
the driver who gets stuck in traffic and takes it
out on other road users, so called road rage.
Social theories, such as the social learning
recognize the importance of imitation in the
acquisition of aggressive behavior. Children
pick up their aggression through watching the
aggression of other who we rewarded or not
punished in some way.
All of these different types of
aggression have consequences for the
reduction of aggressive behavior. Biological
and psychological theories, with their
emphasis on biological inevitability or

psychological abnormality, may marginalize
aggressive behavior. Social psychological
theories, on the other hand, are far optimistic
about the control and reduction of aggressive
behavior. Levwr (1976) thought that steps
should be taken to reduce the degree of
frustration during childhood to develop
frustration tolerance in the children and
finally to channelize frustration thought
socially acceptable behavior. Rosenweig and
Braun (1969) coded that male subjects were
socially taught to be more aggressive than
females subjects regarding competitiveness
with the other people. Frequency of
aggression was negatively correlated with the
degree to which the child can solve the
problem. Uma et al. (1989) have found that a
significant improvement in IQ and social
adaptation parameters occurred in the Yoga
Group as compared to the control group.
Brikel & Edgren, (2000) have found a
significant increase in the vital capacity of
college students after intervention of Hatha
Yoga
Practices.
Grossman
(2005)
demonstrated a significant improvement in
perceived stress and trait anxiety, well being,
vigor fatigue, depression, physical well being,
headache and back pain of the participants
after the yoga training.
On the basis of existing body of the
knowledge between independent variables
and dependent variables the following
directional hypothesis has been constructed:
Surya namaskar and Meditation significantly
decrease
the
aggression
level
of
practitioners.


Research methods:
Sample and Sampling
Simple
random
sampling
without
Replacement was used to select 45 boys age
range 14-20 from M. B. PG Govt. College,
Haldwani, (Uttrakhand).
Research Design
Single group Pre - post test design was used.
Test
Aggression Scale was prepared by Roma Pal
and Tasneem Naqvi with 30 items and was
valid for age range 14-24. In the used scale,
reactionary attitudes namely irritation, drive
for dominance, love for
fighting, anger
behavior,
aggressive
tendency,
rude
traditional social customs and rules,
preference for fighters and for counter
behavior, competitiveness etc. were involve in
test item construction and for measuring
aggression level.
Procedure
Surya namaskar followed by meditation was
given as intervention to the subjects for one
month and scale was administered among
them avoiding time bar for its completion, but
in direct observation.
Results:
Percentage Table
Observation
Pre
Post
< Average
(<60)
40%
54%
Average
(61-89)
29%
33%
>Average
(>90)
31%
13%
2 x3 Contingency Table
Observ
-ation
<Average
(<60)
Average
(61-89)
>Average
(>90)
Total
Pre
Post
Total
18(21)
24(21)
42
13(14)
15(14)
28
14(10)
6(10)
20
45
45
90
X2= 4.2 df = 2
Significant at 0.05 level.
Computed value of X2 is 4.2 for df =2 at

0.05 level of significance whereas tailgated
value of X2 is 4.065. Hence the directional
hypothesis, Surya namaskar and meditation
significantly decrease the aggression level of
practitioners is accepted at 0.05 level of
significance.
Discussion and Interpretation
Calculated value of X is 4.2 for df =2 at
0.05 level of significance is greater than
tabulated value of X 4.065. Hence the
directional hypothesis, Surya namaskar and
meditation
significantly
decrease
the
aggression level of practitioners is accepted
at 0.05 level of significance. Pre-percentage of
respondents with aggression level below
average was 40 % while it was 53 % in the
post test thereby showing 13% reduction.
Similarly, Pre percentage of respondents with
average aggression level was 29% which was
found 33 % in the post test there by showing
reduction of 4%. In above average percentage
of respondents was met 13% in post test
thereby showing reduction of 18 % in the
number of respondents.
Thus, researchers came to know that
reduced aggression of respondents met at the
post test is not due to sampling fluctuation or
chance factor but is due to the practice of
Surya namaskar followed by meditation.
Hasta Utthanasana gives good
message to the abdominal contents and
improves digestion and elimination. It causes
pranic movement in the upper body part and
activates thyroid gland and Vishuddhi chakra.
Pranamasana induces a state of relaxation and
calmness. Padhastasana gives good message
to the abdominal region, causing better blood
and panic flow. It puts pressure on all the
major glands and stretching on the hamstring
and calf muscles. The CNS used its lower
centers of integration for the maintenance of


posture and equilibrium. These centers are

situated in the medulla and pons (reticular
activating system), brain stem nuclei,
cerebellum and basal ganglia. The involuntary
control depends on the information coming
from the proprioceptors, situated in muscles.
Joints, tendons and soles. Postural reflexes
and the muscles tons are very well regulated
by the lower centers quits independently and
efficiently even when the higher center in the
cortex are not involved.
SN done correctly accentuates the
exchange of air to and from the lungs opens
and expanded the intricate alveoli or air sacs
of the lung tissue and exercise the muscles of
the thoracic region the lungs are emptied of
impurities and stale air and hence body and
brain get revitalized by the extra supply of
oxygen they receive.
Frequent exhalation and inhalation
accompanying with visceral contraction
causes tension in the surface area of elastic
tissue lining the inner of the lungs .Once they
extended their surface remains almost
remained for ever as they are elastic in nature.
Retention followed by deep inhalation
provides more time in increased surface area
of lung for oxygen absorption. Hence oxygen
supply in blood gets improved.
Breathing awareness occur during SN
practice tackles the ANS. Other autonomic
region and causes endocrine secretion get
regulated.
Ashwasanchalanasana gives relaxation
to the back muscles, massage to the
abdominal region and causes upward pranic
flow. Parvatasana strengthens the nerve and
the arms and legs tighten the spine and
activate Vishuddi chakra causing downward
flow of prana.
Astanga namaskara accentuates the
normal spine curve and facilitates blood flow
which results in rejuvenating effect of the
nerves and cause downward pranic

movement to the Navel Chakra.
Bhujangasana facilitates digestion,
elimination, pranic flow in the whole spine
and activation in Swadhisthan Chakra. In
general, SN tones up the nerves and
simultaneously awakens the associates brain
centers.
Thus it can be said that the SN
preformed with breathing pattern and
devotion includes peace of mind, reduce
emotional conflict and stress, purify heart and
mind. It balances bio-plasmic energy and
removes blockage in the nadis through it
flows.
Meditation provides Deep peace of mind and reduces stress
Enhances inner empowerment and
spiritual development.
Enhances emotional and mental
aptitudes and attitudes.
Improve relationships and heals the
past
Activates the expression of virtues and
integrates the faculties of will power,
love and creative intelligence.
Devotional practice of meditation
enhances
secretion
of
Dopamine,
Acetylcholine, GABA, Serotonin, Endorphin
and Encephalin which cause an inner
happiness, concentration, memory, emotional
maturity and overall fitness of the body and
mind (Sharma, 2005).
References:
1.
2.

Acharya, S. S. (2000). The

astonishing power- biophysical and
subtle energy centres of human
body, Shantikunj- Haridwar.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders (2005). (Indian
First edition), Herican Psychiatric
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Association Jaypee Brothers, p.66366.

Gore. M.M. (1995). Anatomy and
Physiology of Yogic Practices,
Kanchan Kashan, p.171-216.
Iyengar
B.K.S.
(1995).
The
Illustrated Light on Yoga. Harper
Collins Publishers, New Delhi, India.
Malshe, P.C. (2005). Yoga Book for
Doctors, Antar Prakash Centre for
yoga, Haridwar.
Carwell, M. (1999). Dictionary of
Psychology, UK .
Mohanty, G. (2004). Text Book of
Abnormal Psychology, Kalyani
Publishers, India.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Mayers,
D.G.
(2005).
Social
Psychology,
Tata
McGraw-hill
Station, India.
Ray, S. D. (2003). Yoga Exercises:
Physiological and Psychic Process,
Jaypee
Brothers,
Medical
Publishers, New Delhi.
Saraswati, S. S. (2004). Asana
Pranayama Mudra Bandha, YOGA
Publication trust. Munger, Bihar,
India.
Taylor,
S.E.
(2006).
Health
th
Psychology (6 edition), McGraw
Hill.
How to cite this article:

Joshi, B.P., & Agrawal, K. (2016). Effect of Surya Namaskar and Meditation on
Aggression of Adolescents. Online Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 2(1): 1-5.



February 2016, 2(1), 6-13
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
OPEN ACCESS
Analysis of Mental Health and Yogic

Interventions for Mental Health Coverage in
Newspapers of Uttarakhand
Dr. Smita Vashishta
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Communication, Center of Journalism & Mass Communication,
Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Hardwar, India
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Article History:
---------------------------
Summary:
Received: 16-12-2015
Revised: 20-01-2016
Mental Health is a state or condition in which every
Keywords:
--------------------------Mental health, Prevention,
Hindi Newspapers, English Newspapers,
Yogic Interventions
stressors of life, and still tries to remain productive. The
individual is aware of his or her own capabilities and

capacity, and successfully copes with the normal
present study focuses on coverage of mental health

issues and yogic interventions in mental health in major
Hindi and English newspapers of Uttarakhand. The

objective of the study was to find out that information

(news, features, and articles) which supported the pre
intervention, prevention, and promotion of mental
health issues and yogic intervention for mental health.

The research methodology used is content analysis. The
Corresponding Author:
Dr. Smita Vashishta
Assistant Professor,
Dept. of Communication,
Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya,
Hardwar, India.
E-mail: smita.vashishta@dsvv.ac.in
result indicates that little effort is made in the field of

pre intervention but still there is a lack of information on
of diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. The research
based writings are missing in both English and Hindi
newspapers.


Vashishta, S. / Mental Health Coverage in Newspapers of Uttarakhand
Background
Media
plays
an
important
role
in
informing, entertaining and educating people

(Kumar, 2013). People refer to newspapers
for information and keeping them update.
Newspapers publish materials in variety of
formats like news stories, articles, opinion
pieces like editorials, queries of readers in the
form of question-answers, interviews etc.
Various supplements have started
special coverage on health as it is emerging as
a topic which needs special attention and
global approach. Newspaper coverage on
mental Health too is gaining attention, but
newspapers from small cities still lack
understanding and exposure to it.
Uttarakhand has a population of 10.8
million. Mental health disorders are emerging
as another issue that has not been given due
recognition. According to the national survey
of mental health resources carried out by the
Directorate General of Health services (2002),
the population policy of Uttaranchal states
that mental disorders are emerging as another
issue that has not been given due recognition.
Violence, stress and depression are the main
problems.
According to the recent article in the
Hindi Daily Newspaper (Janvani, Feb 12,
2015) the State Mental health Institute
(Dehradun) reported that the number of
mental patients in Uttarakhand were more
than 7 lakhs. The district wise data is as
follows; Haridwar - 1,34,800; Dehradun 1,18,900; Udham Singh Nagar - 1,15,300;
Nainital - 66,800; Pauri Garhwal is at 5th
number where there are 66,800 patients; on
6th place is the educated district Almora with
43,500 patients; on 7th place there is Tehri
Garhwal where there are 43,100 mental
patients; Pithoragarh is at 8th place with

34,000 mental patients on 11th and 12th place
are Bageshwar and Champawat where there
are 18,000 same, last number is Rudraprayag
with 16,500 patients.
Stress, depression and doubts are the
main problems and the situation was so worse
that the mental health institutes at Bareilly
and Agra had refused to take new admissions.
According to Diagnostic & statistical
manual of mental disorders, or the
International classification of diseases (ICD),
there were different types of mental illnesses
& each of these could occur with a varying
degree of severity. Mental illnesses included
mood disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar
disorders),
psychotic
disorder
(schizophrenia),
eating
disorders
and
personality disorders.
With respect to the policies of
newspaper industry, lot of effort has been
made by appointing editors and reporters for
the health coverage but still an understanding
and approach of writing mental health aspects
are missing.
Media has a strong responsibility of
not only to act as a jargon tool but to be a
facilitator between the health centers and the
target group. ER Wig, (1997) reported that
unfortunately role which media in India had
played in perpetuating is the prejudice against
mental disorders. Byrne (1997) opined that in
cinema and television mental illness was the
substrate for comedy. The mental health
stigma has deep roots in Indian society and
lack of awareness is not hidden. But Indian
media and especially press has a big
responsibility to cater this need of the society.
Gronfein (2000) told that mental illness was


always shown as something to ridicule,

something to laugh at, or something which
was bizarre, disgusting.
Yogic intervention and media
The conceptual background of yoga has its
origins in ancient Indian philosophy. Khalsa
(2004) described that there were numerous
modern schools or styles of yoga (i.e., Iyengar,
Viniyoga, Sivananda, etc.), each having its own
distinct emphasis regarding the relative
content of physical postures and exercises
(asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama),
deep relaxation, and meditation practices that
cultivated awareness and ultimately more
profound states of consciousness.
Yogic practices are getting a wide
coverage through various schools like Bihar
School of Yoga, Asana-Journal, life positive,
Ayush darshan, Akhand Jyoti and newsletters
of various teaching institutes that are
promoting awareness regarding it. Writing in
a magazine is quite different than writing in
newspaper. The demand of giving the paper
on daily basis, or assigning to a reporter
somehow lacks its relationship with a
common man, secondly its approach to nonscientific implications in nature do not inspire
the readers to subscribe to it.
Newspapers could focus on the mental
health issues too. Yoga s positive benefits on
mental health have made it an important
practice tool of psychotherapy. It has been
shown to enhance social wellbeing through a
sense of belonging to others, improve the
symptoms of depression, attention deficit and
hyperactivity, and sleep disorders (Yoga and
Mental Health, Huffington Post, 2013).
Objectives
The study has been carried out with the
following objectives:
1. To explore the relationship of and

mental health and yogic intervention
for mental health information in
newspapers of Uttarakhand
2. To analyze the coverage of mental
health issues and yogic interventions
in English and Hindi Newspapers of
Uttarakhand
3. To explore the role of newspaper in
pre and post interventions, promotion
and prevention of mental health issues
Literature review
India has made a great effort in the field of
media and in spite of emergence of highly
technological media gazettes and user friendly
mass media like television and internet the
dependence of Indian readers on newspaper
is quiet visible and multiplying. Numerous
research studies have been carried out to find
out the status of mental health but newspaper
coverage studies on yogic intervention are few
which are as following:
Press portrayals on causes of addiction
problems from four European Welfare
Societies
Hellman et al. (2011), studied on addiction
related problems from politically independent
daily newspapers in Finland, Italy, the
Netherlands, and Poland (1991, 1998, 2011)
reported a synchronized qualitative coding
performed for discerning the descriptions of
the genesis to the problems in terms of
described causes to and reasons for why they
occur. A general worry over societal change is
tied into the explanations of accumulating
addiction problems and underpins the press
reporting in all countries.
Suicide coverage in newspapers: an ethical
consideration


Ziesenis (2008) reviewed the article on

imitative suicide and discusses implications of
suicide stories on people in crisis. In addition,
it explores the reasons for suicide coverage
and gives suggestions for more ethical
coverage that could save people's lives, rather
than reinforcing suicide as an option.
Mental disorders stigma in the media based
on production, content, and influences
Klin & Lamish (2008) reviewed decades of
research regarding the mass media's role in
shaping, perpetuating, and reducing the
stigma of mental illness. It concentrates on
three broad areas common in media inquiry:
production, representation, and audiences.
The analysis revealed that descriptions of
mental illness and the mentally ill are
distorted due to inaccuracies, exaggerations,
or misinformation. The analysis concluded
with suggestions for further research on mass
media's inter-relationships with mental
illness.
Coverage of mental illness in Spanish
newspapers reinforcing stigmatization
Aragones et al. (2014) studied and analyzed
the content and form of news items related to
mental illness in Spanish newspapers in order
to understand their role in propagating or
attenuating stereotypes, prejudices, and
stigma. The authors conducted a crosssectional descriptive study on the basis of a
review of news items related to mental illness
appearing in the Spanish print media. A
sample was taken from articles published on
the subject in the 20 Spanish newspapers with
the widest circulations over the course of the
year 2010. The authors appeal to the press's
responsibility to society and advocate an
active role in reducing the stigma towards
mental illness.
Nationwide
newspaper
coverage
of
posttraumatic
stress:
a
community
structure approach
Pollock (2014) studied the community
structure approach to analyze newspaper
coverage of posttraumatic stress (PTS) in
veterans in 26 U.S. cities. The study examined
whether media placed responsibility for PTS
treatment on government or society through a
review of 353 articles from March 20, 2003, to
March 20, 2013. A regional finding was
noteworthy: Media in the Midwest supported
government responsibility more than other
regions. This indicates that coverage in major
cities
generally
favors
government
responsibility for veterans' PTS treatment,
and Pearson correlation results may
represent differences in the degree of support
and demographic characteristics influencing
this support.
Coverage of mental illness its challenges
and solutions
Subramanian (2014) conducted study on USbased print journalists who had won awards
for stories about mental illness were
interviewed to determine how the coverage of
mental illness might be improved. The study
looked at 300 newspaper articles containing
the key phrase mental illness from 6
different newspapers for 1989 and for 1999.
Each article was read and rated with respect
to a variety of elements, including what
specific disorders were named, what the main
themes of each article were, and what was the
overall tone of the article. Results indicated
that there was more coverage of issues of
stigma and mental health insurance parity,
fewer themes of dangerousness, and fewer
articles with negative tone in 1999 than in
1989.


Media content with a case study of

newspaper coverage of dowry in India,
19992006
Borah (2008) studied employs three methods
to understand media content. First, the study
examines the peak periods to ascertain the
pattern of coverage. Second, with a sample of
4058 articles the study examines the
prominent frames used by newspapers. Third,
with the help of interviews of journalists from
the same newspapers, the study examines the
factors that influence the way these frames
are created in the first place. Results show
that, in general, the driving force of this
coverage is marketability of the stories. This is
implied by the overall coverage as well as the
responses of Journalists.
A study was conducted on yoga related
coverage in Indian newspapers and
magazines. With the help of Interviews it was
found out that sensation and attraction were
the criterion for selection of news and
features. There was a least coverage of yoga
related news than yogic practices.
Methodology:
The aim of the study was to find out the
coverage of mental health in newspapers
content analysis was used. Media content
analysis is a specialized sub-set of content
analysis,
a
well-established
research
methodology. Weber (1990) said that content
analysis is a research method that uses a set of
procedures to make valid inferences from
text.
Mental health issues which included
early prevention, prevention and promotion
of mental health information and yogic
intervention for mental health information
were treated as unit of analysis and the
percentage of information (news, articles,
features) were considered for percentage
tables.
Research Methods:
Early prevention/Pre intervention

Early intervention includes the help given to
young people and their family s treatment and
support information to help them make
sense of what s happening. It includes
information on psychiatrist, psychologist,
community psychiatric nurses, social workers
and support workers.
Sampling:
Three newspapers in Hindi and two English
newspapers with Dehradun and Haridwar,
Uttarakhand , India, has been selected for the
study. These newspapers are:
English Newspapers: The Times of India,
Hindustan Times
Hindi Newspapers: Dainik Hindustan, Rashtriya
Sahara, and Dainik Jagran
Three months newspapers were
selected from October 2014-December 2014.
The sample has been selected by
simple random sampling method. In total
(n=200) information (news, articles and
features) have been analyzed.
Operational definitions
Operational definition of mental health issues
were selected from WHO guidelines on Mental
Health: Evidence & Research Dept. of mental
health & Substance Dependence, Geneva
Prevention: means to keep something from

happening,
which
includes
strategy
preventing the disease itself, the severity of
the disease or the associated disability.
Targeting the general people, group, subgroup
who could have disorder in future and
rehabilitation


Promotion: the process of enabling people to

increase control over and to improve their
health.
yogic Interventions
Hindi newspapers
Statistical tools:
Percentage has been calculated to see the
coverage of mental health and yogic
intervention in newspapers.
English newspapers
41%
59%
Data analysis:
Table1: Coverage of mental health issues
in Hindi and English newspapers
Newspapers
(no. of
information)
Hindi(145)
No. of Percentage
items (%)
68
47
English(55)
25
53
Table 3: Coverage of mental health issues

in relation to promotion and prevention in
Hindi and English newspapers
Newspapers
(no. of
information)
Hindi(145)
English(55)
mental health issues

Hindi Newspapers
No. of Percentage
items
(%)
8
4
Hindi newspapers
57
43
English newspaper
English Newspapers
43%
47%
57%
53%
Findings and Discussion

Table 2: Coverage of yogic interventions in
Hindi and English newspapers.
Newspapers
(no. of
information)
Hindi(145)
English(55)
No. of Percentage
items (%)
77
30
59
41

The results reveal that 47% of mental

health issues are covered in Hindi
newspapers and 53% in English
newspapers. Among these issues very
few features were written on the
various aspects of mental health.
Mental health not only includes the
symptoms and diagnosis but it does
include the pre intervention of illness.
But articles and features based on

scientific enquiry are missing. Lot of
information could be given on
research based articles promoting the
good side of human behavior. The
focus of the information is only on
commonly discussed issues on mental
health, but there are issues which
could be in the form of interviews and
basic terminology which could be
communicated to the common man.
keeping this in consideration lot of

research
based articles
would
encourage the acceptance of readers.
Colourful images and writings
applicable in practical life would be
considered. Tools of new type of
writings could be in the form of dairy
writing, poems, narratives, interviews,
cartoon
series,
with
graphics,
campaign writings etc.
References:
The results reveal that 59% of Hindi

newspapers and 41% of English
newspapers covered news, article and
features on yogic intervention. Yogic
practices is gaining a new phase and is
globally accepted and due to its basic
and deep roots in Indian Philosophy it
is a part of Indian Living style in
various forms of rituals, and practices.
Hindi newspapers papers, has written
in various forms of Column. But very
few references of the texts and
scriptures of yogic writings have been
mentioned. There are features on
importance of asanas, breathing styles
and discourses. There is a lack of
research based articles. English
newspapers have tried to cater this
need in pre preventive phase.
The results reveal that 57% of the
information is based on three
criterions
that
are on early
prevention/Pre-intervention,
Prevention and promotion and 43 %
of English newspapers have fulfilled
the criteria. There is a lack of research
based information. Lot of writing is
missing
for
rehabilitation
and
acceptance in the society. Yoga has
been acknowledgment worldwide and
1. Aragones, E., Judit, L. M., Santiago, C. &

Joseph,
B. (2014). Reinforcing
Stigmatization: Coverage of Mental
Illness in Spanish Newspapers; Journal
of
Health
Communication:
International Perspectives, 12481258.
2. Byrne (1997). Psychiatric stigma: Past,
passing and to come; Journal of the
royal medicine, 618-20.
3. Borah, P. (2008). Examining media
content: A case study of newspaper
coverage of dowry in India, 1999
2006;
Asian
Journal
of
Communication; 18(4).
4. Gronfien (2000). Essentials of Global
Mental Health; Cambridge University
Press.
5. Hellman, M., Majamaki, M., Sara, R.,
Micha, B., & Paul, L. (2011). What
Causes
Addiction
Problems?
Environmental,
Biological
and
Constitutional Explanations in Press
Portrayals From Four European
Welfare Societies, 50(4), 419-438.
6. Kumar, M. (2013). Comparison of
science coverage in Hindi and English
newspapers of India; Global Indian
Journal.


7. Klin, A. & Lemish, D. (2008). Mental

Disorders Stigma in the Media: Review
of Studies on Production, Content, and
Influences;
Journal
of
health
Communication:
international
Perspective, 13.
8. Nirala, A. (2008). A study of Yoga
related Coverage in Print media;
unpublished
Ph.D.
thesis,
Dev
Sanskriti University, Haridwar.
9. Pollock, C. J., Gratale, S. A., Emaleigh, K.
& Kelly, J. (2014). Nationwide
Newspaper Coverage of Posttraumatic
Stress: A Community Structure
Approach;
Atlantic
Journal
of
Communication, 22(3-4), 275-291.
10. Khalsa, S. B. S. 2004 . Yoga as a
therapeutic
intervention:
a
bibliometric analysis of published
research studies, )ndian Journal of

Physiology and Pharmacology, 48(3),
269285.
11. Subramanian, R. (2014). Covering
Mental
Illness
Challenges
and
solutions; Journalism Practice, 8(6).
12. Wig,
E.
R.
(2000).
De
institutionalization, social reflection
and the self-esteem of former mental
patients; Journal of Health and Social
Behavior.
13. Weber, R. (1990). Basic content
analysis (2nd ed.). Newbury Park, CA:
Sage.
14. Ziesenis, B. E. (2009). Suicide
Coverage in Newspapers: An Ethical
Consideration, Journal of mass media
ethics: exploring morality, 6, 234-244.

Vashishta, S. (2016). Analysis of Mental Health and Yogic Interventions for Mental
Health Coverage in Newspapers of Uttarakhand. Online Journal of Multidisciplinary
Research, 2(1): 6-13.



February 2016, 2(1), 14-20
REVIEW ARTICLE
OPEN ACCESS
Importance of Ethical Yogic Practices in

Adjustment Problems: An Analytical Study
Jyoti Malvi
Ph.D. Scholar, Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar. India
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Summary:
Article History:
--------------------------Received: 20-12-2015
Revised: 20-01-2016
Keywords:
--------------------------Yama, Niyama, Adjustment,
Upanishad

Jyoti Malvi
Ph.D. Scholar,
Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya,
Haridwar. India
E-mail: smita.vashishta@dsvv.ac.in
Adjustment problem is the root cause of mental

health problems and personality disorders like stress,
anxiety, depression and many other problems like family
destruction; emotional pains are result of lack of
adjustment. Yoga has the ability to direct the mind
exclusively towards an object and sustain focus in that
direction without any distractions. Astanga Yoga helps in
the process of transition of attitudes and life style. The first
two limbs (Yama and Niyama) of astanga yoga known as
ethical yogic practices. The Yama and Niyama are
commonsense code recorded also in the Upanishads. Yama
is a discipline that will help to find harmony with our
external environment and niyamas are those practices that
will help to attain internal harmony. Yamas are the social
discipline to guide us in our relationship with others. The
ten Upanishadic yamas are: Ahimsa (non-harming), Satya
(truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (divine
conduct), Kshama (patience), Dhriti (steadfastness), Daya
(compassion), Arjava (honesty), Mitahara (moderate
appetite), and Shauca (purity). Niyamas are how we interact
with ourselves, our internal world. The ten Upanishadic
niyamas are: Hri (remorse), Santosha (contentment), Dana
(giving), Astikya (faith), ishvarapujana (worship), Siddhanta
shravana (spiritual listening), Mati (cognition), Vrata
(sacred vows), Japa (recitation), and tapas (austerity). Yama
and Niyama helps to establish adequate personal
adjustment and social adjustment, thus reducing to a large
extent the effect of depression, stress, anxiety, etc. They
teach us to adjust with every situation and change it
positively. So, by the practicing of Yama-Niyama one can get
able to remove their adjustment problems and lives happy
life.


Malvi, J. / Importance of Ethical Yogic Practices in Adjustment Problems
Background
Yoga is a method that may have
potential for improving the lives of people.
Yoga includes yama, niyama, postures
(asanas),
meditation,
and
breathing
(pranayama)
performed
to
enhance
relaxation, flexibility, balance, strength,
overall fitness, and mental and emotional
well-being. Yoga is more popular now than it
has ever been. Millions of people are doing
yoga exercises in one form or another. Yet,
despite this widespread popularity, yoga is
still misunderstood. Many people think that
yoga is primarily a physical activity,
something that they can use to get their body
in shape. While it is true that yoga has a great
role to play in the physical realm, yoga is
much more than this. Yoga is the science of
human perfection. It is the means by which a
person can attain his or her fullest
development: physical, mental and spiritual.
Yoga has its external practices and
exercises; its true foundation is proper
conduct. Proper conduct means living a life
that will put in harmony with the society and
with inner self. In yoga disciplined or
controlled conduct is known by its Sanskrit
term, samyama and this controlled conduct
has two parts Yama and Niyama. The YamaNiyama are also known as Ethical Yogic
Practices, because they provide the path to
live with harmony. Maharshi Patanjali also
described 10 codes of conduct in form of
Yama and Niyama. Yama and Niyama are the
ethical precepts set forth in Patanjali's Yoga
Sutras as the first and second of the eight
limbs of yoga. They are the foundation of
yogic practices without which no spiritual
progress along the path of yoga can be made.
Ethical yogic practices: Yamas and Niyamas

The yamas and niyamas are a
common-sense code recorded in the final
section of the Vedas, called Upanishads,
namely
the
Shandilyopnishad,
Trishikhibrahmanopanishad (Mantra part) and
Yogatatvopnishad. They are also found in the
Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Gorakshanatha and
the Tirumantiram of Tirumular. In other
authoritative texts like the Yoga Sutra, Vishnu
Purana only five yamas and five niyamas have
been mentioned.
Yama are the yogic restraints ,
derived from the verb root yam. Yama means
self-restraint, self-control and discipline. The
yamas comprise the "shall-not" in our dealings
with the external world. In Patanjali's Yoga
Sutras, the Yamas are the second limb of the
eight limbs of Raja Yoga. They are found in the
Sadhana Pada Verse 31 as ahimsa (nonharming), satya (truthfulness), asteya (nonstealing),
brahmacharya
(chastity),
aparigraha (greedlessness). These are also
described in traditional scriptures. Yama are
the guidelines for how we interact with the
outer world. They are the social disciplines to
guide us in our relationships with others.
The ten Upanishadic Yamas are found
in Sandilyopnishad (1st chapter) and
Trishkhibrahmanopnishad (2.32-35). These
are: Ahimsa means not harming self and
others by thought, word or deed, even in your
dreams. Satya means adhere to truthfulness,
not intending to deceive others in our
thoughts, as well as our words and actions.
Asteya means uphold the virtue of nonstealing, neither thieving, neither coveting nor
failing to repay debt. Brahmacharya means
divine conduct, controlling lust by remaining


celibate. Kshama means forgiveness. Dhriti

means steadfastness, overcoming nonperseverance,
fear,
indecision
and
changeableness. Daya means compassion,
conquering callous, cruel and insensitive
feelings toward all beings. Arjava means
maintain honesty, renouncing deception and
wrongdoing. Mitahara means be moderate in
appetite, do not eat too much. Shauca means
uphold the ethic of purity, avoiding impurity
in mind, body and speech.
Niyama
means
"restraint",
"observance", "rule", and
restriction".
Niyamas are how we interact with ourselves,
our internal world. The practice of Niyama
harnesses the energy generated from our
practice and cultivation of the yamas. Niyama
is about self-regulation helping us maintain
a positive environment in which to grow. In
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, the Niyamas are the
second limb of the eight limbs of Raja Yoga.
They are found in the Sadhana Pada Verse 32
as: Shaucha, Santosha, Tapas, Svdhyya, and
Ishvarapranidhana. These are also described
in traditional scriptures. Niyamas are how we
interact with ourselves, our internal world.
The ten Upanishadic Niyamas are
found in Sandilyopnishad (2st chapter) and
Trishkhibrahmanopnishad (2.32-35). These
are: Hri means expression of remorse, being
modest and showing shame for misdeeds.
Santosha means contentment, seeking joy and
serenity in life. Dana means generous to a
fault, giving liberally without thought of
reward. Astikya means unshakable faith.
Ishvarapujana means devotion through daily
worship and meditation. Siddhanta Shravana
means eagerly hear the scriptures, study the
teachings and listen to the wise of lineage.
Mati means a spiritual will and intellect with
satguru's guidance. Vrata means religious
vows, rules and observances and never waver
in fulfilling them. Japa means chant holy
mantra daily, reciting the sacred sound, word

or phrase given by guru. Tapas mean austerity,
serious disciplines, penance and sacrifice.
Adjustment problem:
Adjustment is the behavioral process
by which humans and other animals maintain
equilibrium among their various needs or
between their needs and the obstacles of their
environments. A sequence of adjustment
begins when a need is felt and ends when it is
satisfied. Hungry people, for example, are
stimulated by their physiological state to seek
food. When they eat, they reduce the
stimulating condition that impelled them to
activity, and they are thereby adjusted to this
particular need.
The term adjustment refers to the
extent to which an individual's personality
functions effectively in the world of people. It
refers to the harmonious relationship
between the person and the environment. In
other words, it is the relationship that comes
among the organisms, the environment and
the personality. Psychologists also define a
better personality in terms of adjustment.
Personality is defined as an individual s
typical or consistent adjustments to his
environment (Boring et al., 1962). A well
adjusted personality is well prepared to play
the roles which are expected of the status
assigned to him within given environment. His
needs will be satisfied in accordance with the
social needs. Adjustment is also a continuous
process; individuals constantly strain to
satisfy physiological or psychological motives.
When satisfaction is thwarted by an external
or internal barrier, the condition is described
as frustration. Whenever incompatible
motives occur in the same individual, conflict
is present. Psychologists have interpreted
adjustment from two important points of
view.


Adjustment as an Achievement: means how

effectively an individual could perform his
duties in different circumstances.
Adjustment as a process: To analyze the
process we should study the development of
an individual longitudinally from his birth
onwards. His adjustment largely depends on
his interaction with the external environment
in which he lives.
In psychology, the behavioral process
of balancing conflicting needs, or needs
against obstacles in the environment. Shaffer
95
also defines, adjustment is the
process by which a living organism maintains
a balance between its needs and the
circumstances that influence the satisfactions
of these needs . Adjustment is the relationship
which comes to be established between the
individual and the environment. When a
relationship between an individual and his
environment is according to established
norms then that relationship is considered as
normal adjustment. When a person tries to
maintain his/her status and possessions and
tries to removes all barriers by adopting any
means foul or fair . )n this chase, he/she goes
to adopting violent, anti-social and unethical
means, which is not only influence him
individually but also influence society. That
creates maladjustment with oneself and
others.
Maladjustment takes place when the
relationship between an individual and his
environment is not according to established
standards or norms. If he does not play his
role according to standards and training
Home Environment received his needs may
not be fulfilled and he may get frustrated.
There are certain factors that influence
persons adjustment like stress, anxiety,
depression, loneliness, less availability of
social relationships, less satisfaction, inability
to express own feeling, aggression, anger,
suspicious nature, obscenity, etc. Furukawa

and Shibayama (1994) studied at the factors
influencing adjustment of high school
students. They found that the students
showed highly significant and substantial
deterioration in all three areas of psychosocial
adjustment: they reported more psychiatric
symptoms, less availability of social
relationships, and less satisfaction with them
in their host community than at home.
Mendenhall and Oddou (1985) suggest there
are three personality orientations in adjusted
global assignees. These three personality
dimensions are broadly categorized as self
orientation (stress reduction, technical
competence and reinforcement substitution),
others-orientation (i.e. the ability to form
relationship and the willingness to
communicate with host nationals) and
perceptual orientation (i.e. the ability to
understand the behaviors of other).
Ethical yogic practices for adjustment
problems:
Then certain kinds of problems
generated in him/her like stress, depression,
anxiety etc. Past researches show that Yoga is
the most beneficial and effective technique for
adjustment problems. Goldfield et al. (2011)
studied at Physical Activity and Psychological
Adjustment in Adolescents. His results shows
that Vigorous Physical activity was associated
with reductions in depressive symptoms,
anxiety and improvements in body esteem in
adolescents, but these associations were
differentially influenced by gender. Future
research is needed to elucidate the efficacy of
vigorous Physical Activity as a treatment for
mental health problems in male and female
adolescents. Berger and Owen (1992) studied
that mood alteration with yoga and swimming
are more cured than aerobic exercise. Yoga is


effective technique for depression (Pilkington

et al., 2005)
Ethical Yogic Practices Provides the
basic code to live a life that will put in
harmony with the society and with inner self.
Bhogal
stated that, Yama and Niyama
offer certain austerities to break the fixities
and automatism at the physical level, as well
as, it offers certain spiritual exercises to free
the mind from conscious and unconscious
impulsions, reactivates and conditioning.
Psycho-physiological methods of Niyamas,
when correctly performed, free oneself almost
completely from the dictates of mind and thus
make one amenable to the dictates of will and
intuition .
The practitioners of Yama
overcome from animosity and develop the
feeling of loves every living creature, oneness,
satisfaction and wellbeing cumulatively
leading to the experience of harmony, balance
and peace with oneself and with society at
large. The root cause of human discontent and
disharmony are nothing but an over emphasis
on ego. This sense makes human
consciousness filled with unwholesomeness
and therefore anti-social thoughts rise. So, the
remedy lies in the complete surrounding of
one s ego and this is the very purpose of
Niyamas in general. By this the complete
transformation of his perceptions and
relations with the entire world takes place,
which leads to accomplishment of balance and
harmony B.R.Sharma 99 .
Vedic restraints and observances are
built into the character of children from a very
early age to cultivate their refined, spiritual
being while keeping the instinctive nature in
check. As Satguru Sivaya Subramuniya Swami
says, "The ten restraints and their
corresponding practices are necessary to
maintain bliss consciousness, as well as all of
the good feelings toward oneself and others
attainable in any incarnation. These restraints
and practices build character. Character is the

foundation for spiritual enfoldment." YamaNiyama
inculcates
integrity,
patience,
tolerance, respect, compassion etc which are
the basic building blocks of good character. As
individuals contemplate themselves, their
lives, their joys and sorrows, their past,
present and future, they develop self
awareness and an internal consistency of
character. They are able to determine their
personal morality and motivation for actions.
Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, a
yogic scholar, revealed the inner science of
yama and niyama. He states that they are the
means to control the 'vitarkas,' i.e., the evil or
negative mental thoughts. When acted upon,
these thoughts result in injury to others,
untruthfulness,
hoarding,
discontent,
indolence or selfishness. He said, "For each
vitarka, you can create its opposite through
yama and niyama, and make your life
successful."
A complete yoga practice allows
introspection and self discovery. Every human
being faces some kinds of problems which
influence his/her adjustment, but if they
continuously watch his/her actions then there
is possibility of improvement. For example, in
the condition of stress and anxiety; arjava and
driti are helpful. Shiddhanta shravana, Ishwar
pujana, Japa, Tapas are more beneficial in
depression, loneliness, less availability of
social relationships and inability to express
own feeling. In less or unsatisfaction; santosh,
tapa, Ishwar pujana are better. In the
condition of aggression, anger, violence;
Ahimsa, Daya, Driti, Arjava are good. Astikta
and Mati are useful for suspicious nature. In
obscenity, Bhramycharya, Hri, Vrata, Mitahar
practices are useful. Dana, Tapas, Japa,
Santosh, Asteya, Saucha etc are beneficial for
high desires of getting standards and stilling
desire things. If the person develops this,


he/she is able to get rid from all adjustment

problems. Truly developing integrity is the
very essence of yoga. By spending time to
know self, living honestly, and respecting self
and others, we can determine our personal
path and commit to living it whole heartedly.
Practice
of
Truth,
penance,
Brahmacharya and the acquirement of correct
knowledge are the practices that bestow
strength on the aspirantphysical, mental,
moral, intellectual and spiritual strength; and
an aspirant endowed with this strength alone
can reach the Goalnot a weakling, says the
Upanishad (Krishnanand, 2012). Through
practicing yama-niyama, we learn to respect
self and others. Learning to live with peace,
kindness and love toward self and others is
vital to developing personal integrity and
purity of life. According to Panini Grammar,
Yama and Niyama mean That through which
sense organs are controlled . Thus, any mode
of behavior contributing towards control over
senses can be placed comfortably either under
Yama or Niyama.
Yama and Niyama helps to establish
adequate personal adjustment and social
adjustment, thus reducing to a large extent the
effect of depression, stress, anxiety, etc. They
teach us to adjust with every situation and
change it positively. So, by the practicing of
Yama-Niyama one can get able to remove
their adjustment problems and lives happy
life. It also helps to develop integrity by
addressing the whole person: mental,
physical, emotional, spiritual.
References:
1. Berger, B. G. and Owen, D. R. (1992).
Mood Alteration with Yoga and
Swimming-Aerobic Exercise may not
be necessary. Perceptual and Motor
Skills, 75 (3), 1331-1343.
2. Bhogal, R.S. (2011). Yoga for Wellness:

Social Transformation. Yoga Mimamsa,
Vol. XLIII (2), 165-174.
3. Boring, Langfeld and Weld. (1962).
Foundation of Psychology. In Vyaktitva
ka Manovigyan, ed. Singh, A K and
Singh,
A
K.
Patna:
Motilal
Banarashidas.
4. Digambarji
S.
et
al.
(1970).
Hathapradipika.
Kaivalyadhama,
SMYM Samiti, Lonavala.
5. Furukawa T, and Shibayama T. (1994).
Factors influencing adjustment of high
school students in an international
exchange program. J Nerv Ment Dis.
182 (17), 709-14.
6. Shaffer, L F.
95 . )n Asamanya
Manovigyan, ed. Dixit, Niorupama.
(2001). Agra: Vinod Pustak Mandir.
7. Goldfield, G. S., Henderson, K.,
Buchholz, A., Obeid, N., Nguyen, H., and
Flament, M. F. (2011). Physical
Activity and Psychological Adjustment
in Adolescents. Journal of Physical
Activity and Health, 8, 157-163.
8. Ghosh, S. K.. (2006). Yoga and Human
Behavior. Yoga Mimamsa. Vol. XXXVII
(3 & 4), 202-204.
9. Hurlock, E. B. (2007). Personality
Development (10th ed.). New Delhi:
Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company
Limited.
10. Krishnananda, S. The Mundaka
Upanishad. Retrieved October 23,
2012, from The Divine Life Society
Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh, India:
http://www.swamikrishnananda.org/mundak/Mundaka_
Upanishad.pdf
11. Malathi A, Damodaran A, Shah N, Patil
N, and Maratha S. (2000). Effect of
yogic practices on subjective well


being. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol, 44,

202-206.
12. Mendenhall, M. and Oddou, G. (1985).
The
Dimensions
of
Expatriate
Acculturation, Vol. 10. Academy of
Management Review.
13. Patanjali s Yoga Sutra Commentary
Yoga Pradeep by Swami Omanand
Teertha), published by Gita Press,
Gorakhpur.
14. Pilkington, K, Kirkwood, G., Rampes, H.
and Richardson, J. (2005). Yoga for
Depression: the research evidence.
Journal of Affective Disorders, 89 (1-3),
13-24.
15. Saraswati, B. )n The
Yamas &
Niyamas of (induism, ed. S Das.
Retrieved October 30, 2012, from
http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics
/a/yamas_niyamas.htm.
16. Sharma, B. R. (1998). Yoga and Global
Peace. Yoga Mimamsa, vol. XXXIII (3),
58-71.
17. Sharma, S. (2000). 108 Upnishad

(Brahmavidyakhand)
(2nd
ed.).
Brahmavarchas.
18. Sharma, S. (2000). 108 Upnishad
(Sadhanakhand)
(2nd
ed.).
Brahmavarchas.
19. Subramuniyaswami, S. S. )n The
Yamas & Niyamas of (induism, ed. S.
Das. Retrieved October 30, 2012, from
/a/yamas_niyamas.htm
20. Yama and Niyama. Retrieved October
28,
2012,
from
http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article
/Yama-And-Niyama--The foundationStones-OfYoga/52521#ixzz2A1ZBUEpW
21. Yamas and Niyamas. Retrieved
October
30,
2012,
from
/a/yamas_niyamas.htm

Malvi, J. (2016). Importance of Ethical Yogic Practices in Adjustment Problems: An
Analytical Study. Online Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 2(1): 14-20.



February 2016, 2(1), 21-27
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
OPEN ACCESS
Effect of 12-weeks comprehensive yoga on

self-esteem in prisoners
Chiranjib Das
Researcher, South 24 Paragans, West Bengal, India
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Article History:
--------------------------Received: 25-01-2016
Revised: 15-02-2016
Keywords:
--------------------------Yoga, Self-esteem, Prisoners
Chiranjib Das
Researcher, South 24 Paragans,
West Bengal, India
E-mail: pyp.chiranjib@gmail.com
Summary:
According to the evidence, yoga is effective in
improving subjective wellbeing, mental health and
executive functioning in different populations. The
aim for this study was to assess the long term effect
of yoga on self- esteem in prisoners. Sixty male
prisoners (ages ranged between 30 and 50 years)
from district central jail, Amravati, India were
selected as the subjects. They were randomized using
the scientific method of randomization into two
groups; Yoga and control. The yogic practices were
scheduled to administer for 3 months (12 weeks), 6
days in a week in the morning session. This was an
experimental-control group study with pre-post
session. Self-esteem was measured using a
psychometric test. For the statistical analysis, t-test
was used to compare the pre data with the data
recorded after three months. The level of self-esteem
in experimental group was found higher in
comparison to the control group. This result suggests
that yoga practice is beneficial in enhancement of
self-esteem in prison population that will definitely
help in other psychological benefits too.


Chiranjib, D. / Comprehensive yoga on self-esteem in prisoners

Background
Higher
level of self-esteem is typically
more desirable than low self-esteem because

it is associated with many psychological
benefits [1]. In Psychology, the term Selfesteem is used to describe a person s overall
sense of self-worth or personal value. Selfworth is often seen as a personality trait,
which means that it tends to be stable &
enduring. Self esteem can involve a variety
of beliefs about the self, such as the appraisal
of one s own appearance, beliefs, emotions
and behaviours [ ]. Self-esteem means
feeling at the centre your being of self
confidence, self respect, self worth, and self
happiness. High self-esteem means that you
feel good about yourself. Self-esteem is the
evaluative component of the Self-concept [3].
Mckie and Smith defined and discriminated it
that self-concept as- the self-concept is what
we think about the self and self-esteem is the
positive or negative evaluation of the self' [4].
Self-esteem is the evaluative dimension of the
Self. It is a judgement of one's own self as well
as an attitude towards the self [5].
Rishi Patanjali says that 'Chitta vritti
nirodha' is yoga. In fact, it is clear in this sutra
that it is an act of blocking the patterns of
awareness, not the awareness itself. Our
feelings of authenticity do not depend on the
actual links between self and behaviour.
Rather, they depend on our personal beliefs
about the nature of the self [6]. Yoga plays a
significant role in enhancing one's mental
health. There are a large number of studies
conducted to see the effects of yoga on mental
health [7], physical fitness [8], cognitive
performances [9], depth perception [10] etc.
but the study related to the effect of yoga on
self-esteem is very few in number particularly

in prison population.
Swami Niranjananda said that crime is
a trait on tendency. Tendency means a wave
arising in the mind, if this tendency is calmed
down; the personality attains peace, then
mental stress, emotional stress, agitated
thoughts etc also calm down and the suffering
and sorrow ends. To reform the personality
and to change the criminal tendencies, the
best solution is to practice Yoga [11].
It has been shown in a randomized
trial that participation in 10-week yoga and
meditation course was associated with
improved mood, decreased stress, and
reduced indices of psychological distress
among UK prisoners when compared with a
control group of prisoners [12].
In order to identify potential prisoner
sub-populations who might benefit especially
from rehabilitation programs involving yoga.
Inclusion of these variables also allowed us to
statistically account for their potential
influence on outcomes; for example,
relationship status has been found to have an
impact on wellbeing [13,14] within prison
populations [15].
The practice of yoga increased wellbeing, reduced the level of stress and helped
in treatment [16]. In a study on 77
participants,
subjective
well-being
significantly improved after 10 days of yoga
practice [17]. The yoga group showed a
significant increase in the level of total selfesteem (p<0.05), general Self-esteem (p<0.01)
and social self-esteem (p<0.01) after one
month when the pre data were compared with
the post [18].


The present study was designed to

develop an intervention plan based of yoga on
prisoners for the enhancement of their selfesteem level.
Research methods:
Participants
60 male prisoners ages ranged from 30
to 50 years were selected. All the participants
were from district central jail, Amravati, India.
Confidentiality and privacy were maintained
throughout the assessment process. Prisoners
having any physical or mental illness, or being
on any medication were excluded. Signed
consent was taken from the DIG (prisons) and
from the participants before starting the
actual study.
Design
Experimental-control group design
with pre-post session was used. In this
randomized controlled study 60 prisoners
were equally divided into two groups - yoga
and control. Assessments were made before
and after 3 months of the intervention. The
final number of the participants in each group
remained same after the completion of the
intervention i.e., after 3 months.
was well ventilated and cleaned. Details of the

yoga practice were as Prayer (Prevent waste & reduce
worry) & Chanting of Omkar (Relieves
the stress levels) :5 minuets
Sat kriyas (Cleans & stimulates
organs) : 10 minuets
Sharir sanchalan (loosening Exercises
technique): 5 minuets
Asanas (develops concentration):
5minutes
[Brahmamudra,
Pavanmuktasana,
Dhanurasana,
Virasana]
Yog Nidra/Shavasana (Relax, Reduce
physical & mental fatigue): 5 minuets
Pranayama (Improves memory &
eliminates mental disorder): 15
minuets
Meditation (Kept the mind calm): 5
minuets
Data extraction:
The self-esteem evaluation was
scored 0 if not true; 1 if somewhat true; 2 if
largely true; 3 if true. Scoring was done
according to the manual of SEI.
Assessment:
To assess self-esteem in prisoners,
Lilburn
S.
Barksdale s
Self-esteem
questionnaire was employed before and after
the interventions [19].
Data analysis:
To test the hypothesis, that is the
significant difference in between pre test and
post test means of both the groups, t test
was employed. On the basis of statistical
findings, interpretation of the result was
made.
Interventions:
The yogic practices were scheduled
to administer for 3 months (12 weeks), 6 days
in a week in the morning session. The yogic
activity was taught by the author himself.
Yoga hall provided by the jail administration
Results:
According to the statistical analysis and
result table mentioned below, the level of selfesteem in experimental group was found
higher (significant at 0.05 levels) in
comparison to the control group.


Table 1: Between group comparison:

Test
Group
Mean
S.D.
Pre
Control
Experimental
Control
Experimental
30
30
30
30
63.60
64.33
64.30
76.30
11.30
17.67
10.82
19.28
Post
Mean
difference
0.73
Standard
error
3.83
t-ratio
12.00
4.04
2.97*
0.19
*Significant at 0.05 level of significance

Table 2: Within group comparison:
Group
Test
Mean
S.D.
Control
Pre
Post
Pre
Post
30
30
30
30
63.60
64.30
64.33
76.30
11.30
10.82
17.67
19.28
Experimental
Mean
difference
0.70
Standard
error
2.86
t-ratio
11.97
4.78
2.51*
0.25
*Significant at 0.05 level of significance
Discussion and conclusion:

At the baseline the level of self-esteem was
almost same in both the group but after the
intervention, the yoga group had better selfesteem in comparison to the control.
There is emerging evidence that the
practice of yoga may play a significant role in
prison rehabilitation programmes [20]. Yoga
may aid rehabilitative programs by enhancing
emotional
regulation
and
potentially
facilitating greater behavioural control [21].
Yogic activities are ancient and well-known
Indian technique, which includes physical
postures (asanas), voluntary regulated
breathing (pranayams), meditation, as well as
certain philosophical principles [22]. The
practice of breathing exercises, pranayama,
and the systematic breathing mechanism,
trains the abdominal and chest muscles, and
also improves the vital capacity and stamina

[23].
Based on these findings it can be
expected that yoga has the potential to have a
significantly positive impact on the mental
health of prison populations, particularly as
offenders display increased stress reactivity
and extreme forms of aggression [24,25]. Yoga
can helping improve sleep, mood, and social
behaviour [26]. Yoga practices reduce anxiety
through relaxations and hence induce a
general feeling of well-being [27].
The analysis revealed that both males
and females who were more physically active
had considerably higher levels of self-esteem
[28]. Physical activity can improve self-image,
self-confidence, relieve stress and tension,
increase alertness, energy, reduces loneliness,
shyness, hopelessness and ability to cope with
stress [ 9, ]. Temmi sears said that the


primary benefit of yoga is enhanced Selfesteem as cited in peters,

[ ].
In conclusion, yoga practice is
beneficial in enhancement of self-esteem in
prison population and it will definitely help in
other psychological benefits too.
Acknowledgements:
I am very thankful to the Jailor of
Amravati central Jail for their co-operation. I
also extend my heartily thanks to the
prisoners. I express my heartfelt thanks to the
teachers and research scholar friends for
providing me an opportunity to work on the
selected problem and for facilities extended in
carrying out the research work successfully.
References:
1. Leary, M. R. The social and
psychological importance of selfesteem. Kowalski, Robin M. (Ed);
Leary, Mark R. (Ed), (1999). The social
psychology
of
emotional
and
behavioral problems: Interfaces of
social and clinical psychology. , (pp.
197-221). Washington, DC, US:
American Psychological Association, x,
403.
2. www.psychology.absut.com/b/2010/
24/selfesteem-psychology-definationof the week.htm.
3. Sewarth, Social psychology, (1986),
pp. 51-52.
4. Newman, B. M. and Philip, R. (1975).
Development
through
life:
A
Psychosocial approach. Home wood,
Dorsey I. L.
5. Smith, E.R., and Mackie, D.M. Social
Psychology (3rd ed.), Newyork: Taylor
and Francis group. D.M. (2007).
6. Patanjali M. Yoga sutra.
7. Telles, S. (2012). Effect of Yoga on

mental health in children. In child and
adolescent Mental Health. Edited by
Nayar US. New Delhi: SAGE
Publications.
8. Chen, T.L., Mao, H.C., Lai, C.Y., and Kuo,
C.H. (2009). The effect of yoga exercise
intervention on health related physical
fitness in school- age asthmatic
children. Huli za zhi The journal of
Nursing, 56:42-52.
9. Naveen, K.V., Nagendra, R., Nagendra,
H.R., and Tells, S. (1997). Yoga
breathing through a particularly
nostril increases spatial memory
scores without lateralized effects.
Psychological reports, 81:555-561.
10. Saraswati S. N. Yoga Sagar, (Bihar
School of yoga, Munger, Bihar, 1994),
p.82.
11. Raghuraj, P. and Telles, S.(2003). A
randomized trial comparing the
effects of yoga and physical activity
programs on depth perception in
school children. Journal of India
psychology, 21, 54-60.
12. Bilderbeck, A.C., Farias, M., Brazil, I.S.,
Jakobowitz, S. and wickoholam, C.
Participation in a 10-week course of
Yoga improves behavioural control
and c. wikholm, participation in a 10week course of Yoga improves
behavioural control and decreases
psychological distress in a prison
population, Journal of psychiatric
Research, Vol.47,no.10, P.P.14381445,2013.
13. Dush C.M.K. and Amato P.R.,
consequences of relationship status
and quality for subjective well-being
Journal of social and personal
Relationships, Vol.22, no.5, PP.607627, 2005.


14. Soons, J.P.M and Liefbroer, A.C.,

Together is better? Effects of
relationship status & resources on
young adult s well-being, Journal of
social and personal Relationships, vol.
25, no.4, pp. 603-624, 2008.
15. Carcedo, R.J., Perlman, D., Orgaz, M.B,
Lopez F., Fernandez Rouco, N., and
Faldowski,
R.A.,
Heterosexual
romantic relationships inside of prison
:partner
status as predictor of
loneliness, sexual satisfaction, and
quality
of
loneliness,
sexual
satisfaction, and quality of life,
International journal of offender
Therapy
and
comparative
criminology, vol,55,no.6, pp.898-924,
2011.
16. Balkrishna, A. (2007). Yoga in Synergy
with Medical science. Haridwar, India:
Divya Prakashan.
17. Sharma, R., Gupta, N., and Bijlani, R.L.
(2008). Effect of yoga based lifestyle
intervention on subjective well-being.
India journal of physiology and
pharmacology, 52: 123-131.
18. Bhardwaj, A. K. and Agrawal, G.,
(2013). Yoga Practice enhances the
level of self-esteem in pre adolescent
school children. International Journal
of Physical and Social Sciences, 3(10):
189-199.
19. Lilburn S. B. Manual of Self-esteem
questionnaire.
20. Harner, H., Hanlon A.L., and Garfunkel
M., Effect of Iyengar Yoga on mental
health of incarcerated women: a
feasibility study, Nursing Research,
vol.59, no.6, pp. 389-399, 2010.
21. Bilderback A., Brazil A. I. and Farias M.,
Preliminary evidence that Yoga
Practice Progressively Improves mood
and decreases stress in a sample of
U.K. prisoners. Hindawi publishing

corporation volume 2015.
22. Taimini, I.K. (1986). The Science of
Yoga. Madras, India: Theosophical
publishing house.
23. Nagendra, H.R. and Nagarathna, R.
(1983). Application of integrated
approach of Yoga: A review. Yoga
Review, 3: 173-194.
24. Patrick, C.J., Psycho physiological
correlates of aggression and violence:
an integrative review, Philosophical
transactions of the Royal society B:
Biological Sciences, vol.363, no.1503,
pp. 2543-2555, 2008.
25. Sepehrmanesh, Z., Ahmadvand, A.,
Akkasheh, G., and Saei, R., Prevalence
of psychiatric disorders and related
factors in male prisoners, Iranian Red
crescent medical journal, vol. 16, no.1,
2014.
26. Bhusan, L.I., Yoga: an instrument of
psychological transformation, Yoga
Megazine,
1998
http://www.Yogamag.net/archives/1
998/transform.shtml.
27. Kozasa, E.H., Santos, R.F., Rueda, A.D.,
Benedito-Silva, A.A. De-ornellas, F.L.,
and Leite, J.R (2008). Evaluation of
siddha samadhi Yoga for anxiety and
depression symptoms: a preliminary
study. Psychological Reports, 103,
271-274.
28. Tremblay, M.S., Inman J. W. and
willms, J.D. (2000). The relationship
between physical activity, Self-esteem,
and academic achievement in 12year s old children. Paediatric exercise
Science, 12,312-332.
29. Green berg, D. and Oglesby, C. (1996).
Mental health dimensions. President
council on physical Fitness and sports
report (section IV). Retrieved on June


02, 2013, from http//www.staps.

Uhpnancy.fr/sport & mental health.
Htm.
30. Page, R.M. and Tuker, L.A. (1994).
Psychosocial discomfort and exercise
frequency: an epidemiological study of
adolescents. Adolescence, 29, 183191.

31. Peters D.
oo . Flexitime. Today s
Parent, 20 (3), 110.

Chiranjib, D. (2016). Effect of 12-weeks comprehensive yoga on self-esteem in prisoners.
Online Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 2(1): 21-27.


Author Guidelines
The journal encourages the submission of original unpublished works that are not under consideration by
other journals. The acceptance of an article by OJMR implies the exclusive copyright to the Online
Journal of Multidisciplinary Research. Note that the manuscript should adhere the below indicated
style since the first submission. Failing to the below instructions may lead the paper to be summarily
rejected. The journal will maintain high scientific standards and for this purpose only the articles, papers
and reviews that contribute to the existing knowledge will be considered. All submitted papers will
therefore undergo a blind refereeing process. Editors presume that papers submitted for publication
contains original unpublished work and is not being submitted for publication elsewhere. The editors do
not accept any liabilities for copy right issues arising by the negligence of authors and author solely will be
responsible for any legal proceedings caused. The authors should send their manuscript as a word
document in the prescribed format with the copyright form duly filled. The copyright formed can be
downloaded from the download page by clicking here.
Title page:
The title page should contain the following information: (i) title of the article; (ii) complete name(s) of
author(s), active e-mail(s) and institutional affiliation(s) respectively; (iii) well- summarized an abstract of
100 to 200 words; (iv) acknowledgement and/or any other special footnote should be given on this page.
Abstract:
Abstract should briefly discuss the hypothesis and information being presented, as well as conclusions
and results of general interest in 150 words.
Main Body of Paper:

Manuscript should be in word format .doc or .docx only, typed in double space with 1.25 margins all sides
on A4 size page. All pages should be numbered consequently. The length of the paper should be less
than 25 pages (less than eight thousand words). The text as well as footnotes should be written in Times
New Roman fonts of 12 point. The manuscript should be distributed in appropriate paragraphs and should
contain all relevant information, tables and graphs. Any other information sought by editors will have to be
provided by the author.
References:
Ensure the accuracy of bibliographic citations. Authors will ensure that every reference cited in the text is
also present in the reference list (and vice versa). There is no need for any citation in abstract. Citation of
a reference as in press implies that the item has been accepted for publication. References should be
arranged first alphabetically and then further sorted chronologically if necessary. References can be
arranged in the same order as they appear in the text. For this make sure that in text the citations are
given the numbers. References should be quoted in standard APA style.
Example:
Citation from the books
Snyder, C.R., Lopez, S.J., & Pedrotti, J.T. (2011). Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical
Exploration of Human Strengths (2nd edn.). New Delhi: Sage Publications India Pvt Ltd.
Citation from Journals

Brown, K.W., & Ryan, R.M. (2003). The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in
psychological well-being. Journal of Pesonality and Social Psychology, 84, 822-848.
Author Fees:
All the authors will be sent an email informing them that their paper is accepted or not. All the accepted
papers will be published after receiving a nominal publication fees. The publication fees will be as
following.
Single Author (Indian)
Rs 1000
Single Author (Foreigner)
USD 30
Multiple Author (Indian)
Rs 1200
Multiple Author (Foreigner)
USD 40
The primary author will be sent a PDF copy of whole journal and a PDF copy of his article.
Pay Fee using Cash / Bank Deposit:

Account Name: Gaurav Agrawal
Bank Name: HDFC
Branch: Rishikesh
A/c No: 07251000016673
Contact details:
OJMR
c/o Dr. Gaurav Agrawal
Department of Psychology
Dev Sanskriti University, Haridwar - 249411.
Mobile no. +91-9358549482
email: ipigaurav@gmail.com

Final Merged - Document, 2

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Final Merged - Document, 2

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

ISSN (Online): 2395-4892

Volume 02, Number 01, January March 2016

Published By: Association for Indian Psychology, Rishikesh, India

ISSN (Online): 2395-4892

Published By: Association for Indian Psychology, Rishikesh, India

Online Journal of Multidisciplinary Research

Online Journal of Multidisciplinary Research

1. Effect of Surya Namaskar and Meditation on Aggression

2. Analysis of Mental Health and Yogic Interventions for

3. Importance of Ethical Yogic Practices in Adjustment

4. Effect of 12-weeks comprehensive yoga on self-esteem

Instructions for Authors

Online Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (OJMR)

Effect of Surya Namaskar and Meditation

The aim of the present study was to observe the

aggression level of male adolescents. For this study

Article code: OJMR211

(Uttarakhand) by using simple random sampling

Access online at: www.ojmr.in

without replacement. Aggression scale designed

Source of support: Nil

45 subjects (college boys) were randomly selected

and standardized by Roma pal and Dr. Tasnem

Conflict of interest: None declared

intervention and after giving intervention of one

Indexed in: Open J-Gate, Indian Science,

month. Results indicated that the Surya Namaskar

aggression level of the participants.

OJMR 2016 | January - March 2016 | Volume 2 | Issue 1 | Pages 1-5

ISSN (Online): 2395-4892

Joshi & Agrawal / Surya Namaskar and Meditation on Aggression of Adolescents

research work has attempted to

observe the effect of Surya namaskar followed

emphasis on biological inevitability or

OJMR 2016 | January - March 2016 | Volume 2 | Issue 1 | Pages 1-5

ISSN (Online): 2395-4892

Significant at 0.05 level.

Computed value of X2 is 4.2 for df =2 at

OJMR 2016 | January - March 2016 | Volume 2 | Issue 1 | Pages 1-5

ISSN (Online): 2395-4892

posture and equilibrium. These centers are

nerves and cause downward pranic

OJMR 2016 | January - March 2016 | Volume 2 | Issue 1 | Pages 1-5

Acharya, S. S. (2000). The

Association Jaypee Brothers, p.66366.

How to cite this article:

OJMR 2016 | January - March 2016 | Volume 2 | Issue 1 | Pages 1-5

ISSN (Online): 2395-4892

Online Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (OJMR)

Analysis of Mental Health and Yogic

Mental Health is a state or condition in which every

stressors of life, and still tries to remain productive. The

individual is aware of his or her own capabilities and

present study focuses on coverage of mental health

Article code: OJMR212

objective of the study was to find out that information

Conflict of interest: None declared

health issues and yogic intervention for mental health.

Indexed in: Open J-Gate, Indian Science,

The research methodology used is content analysis. The

result indicates that little effort is made in the field of

OJMR 2016 | January - March 2016 | Volume 2 | Issue 1 | Pages 6-13

ISSN (Online): 2395-4892