McMahon (2021)
Quality Index (Adjusted QI) 0.767
0 Low < 0.56 Moderate 0.56–0.77 High ≥ 0.78 1
Study Details
ConditionEmotion dysregulation, psychological functioning
Clinical domainAnxiety & Stress
PopulationAdolescents (ages 11-14, middle school students)
Sample sizen = 119
Country / SettingUSA (North Carolina public schools, after-school program)
Protocol clusterYoga for Youth
Duration6 weeks, 2 sessions/week, 40 min/session
Control typeActive Control
ComparatorAlternative after-school activities (homework, outdoor play, tutoring)
Outcomes & Effect Sizes
Primary outcomeEmotion regulation
Scales usedDERS-SF (Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-Short Form), DASS-21 (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale), MAAS-A (Mindful Attention Awareness Scale-Adolescent), POMS-A (Profile of Mood States-Adolescent)
Key resultSignificant decrease in emotion dysregulation in yoga group (p=0.021). Significant decreases in anger, depression, and fatigue over single session. Effects on depression, stress, and anxiety varied by school setting.
Effect sizeSmall
ES value0.49 (d)
Retention60 % (71/118 completed)
SafetyNot reported
Methodological Summary
Non-randomized trial with self-selection into conditions. Multiple imputation for missing data. No baseline differences between groups. Passive opt-out consent. Validated measures with acceptable reliability. School setting influenced effects on anxiety, stress, and depression.
KY Protocol Components
Opening mantra, breath practice, physical warm-ups, kriya, meditation, relaxation, closing song, yogic principles teaching (Eightfold Buddhist path)
Quality Item Scores — 1 fail · 2 partial · 3 pass · ★ critical
★A1
2
A2
3
★B1
2
★B2
2
B3
3
B4
2
★B5
3
B6
2
★B7
2
★B8
3
B9
3
★C1
1
JP1
3
Critical fails1
Raw QI0.795
SAF0.965
Adjusted QI0.767
Final ratingModerate