EXPLORING THE EFFECT OF YOGA AND PHYSICAL TRAINING ON EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

This study explores the effect of yoga and physical training on emotional intelligence (EI) in secondary school students. Emotional intelligence, which encompasses self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and social skills, is essential for adolescents to navigate the challenges of academic, social, and emotional development. Given the increasing interest in promoting holistic student well-being, this research investigates whether practices such as yoga and physical exercise can enhance emotional intelligence in this age group.A total of 100 students from Government High School, East Godavari, were randomly assigned to three groups: Group I (yoga), Group II (physical training), and Group III (control). The intervention lasted for 12 weeks, with both experimental groups engaging in their respective programs six days per week. Emotional intelligence was assessed before and after the intervention using the Emotional Intelligence Scale developed by Prof. Thimaguzam. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) to determine the impact of the interventions.Results indicated significant improvements in emotional intelligence scores for both experimental groups. The yoga group showed the most substantial improvement in EI, particularly in self-regulation, emotional awareness, and stress management, with a mean score increase of 13.74 points compared to the control group. The physical training group also showed improvement, but to a lesser extent, with a mean score increase of 6.30 points.This study concludes that both yoga and physical training positively influence emotional intelligence, with yoga demonstrating a more significant effect. The findings underscore the importance of integrating yoga and physical training into school curricula to foster not only physical health but also emotional and psychological development. Such holistic interventions can enhance students' emotional well-being, contributing to their academic success and overall resilience.