Efficacy of three different integrated yoga modules on Creativity in School children (9 to 12 years)

Narendra, Nagarathana R, Nagendra H R.
Swami Vivekananda yoga research foundation Bangalore, India.
 

Abstract : The present study was conducted to compare the effect of three different integrated yoga modules on creativity in 224 school students of both genders, aged between 9 to 12 years. After stratifying for sex, subjects were randomly allocated to three groups which were assigned to Analytical Intelligence Group (B), Creative Intelligence Group (A), or Physical Performance Group (C). All the groups practiced their on specific yoga modules for 10 days. Creativity was assessed using a paper pencil test of divergent production, based on Guilford's model of intelligence (1950) or Structure of Intellect or SOI model that measures distinct creative abilities. The subjects were evaluated on creativity at the beginning and the last day of the camp. The results suggest that all three groups showed a significant improvement at the creativity task scores following 10 days of their respective intervention (p=0.001,two tailed, Paired 't' test). Hence the present study shows the efficacy of an integrated yoga module in improving the creativity scores, irrespective of yoga modules given to improve special faculties.

Summary & Conclusion : 1. The present study was done to assess the efficacy of three different integrated yoga modules on Guilford's model of figural creativity, which had four facets i.e., fluency, flexibility, originality and elaboration. There was significant improvement in all three groups in all facets (p<0.01).The magnitude of change was 27%, 34%, 39% in C, B and A groups respectively. The A module of yoga seems to be better than C and B although the p values on multiple comparison between groups has not reached significant levels.
2. Based on the percentage change boys showed in all groups' better improvement as compared to girls except in B & C in originality component. Hence the above study shows that IYM has a role to play in the improvement of creativity.

Conclusion
The results suggest that the yoga improves creativity in all three groups (meant for B, C and A) may be due to the anxiety reducing effect of yoga.