Preliminary Evidence of Changes in Diurnal Cortisol Following Exposure to a School-Based Curriculum Featuring Yoga and Mindfulness

Key Findings

Research and theory suggest that neuroendocrine functioning, such as diurnal cortisol rhythms, plays an important role in emotional development and expression, but that this functioning can be impacted under conditions of elevated stress. Although mindfulness-based interventions show promise for improving emotional functioning, their effects on cortisol regulation in children remain unclear despite a solid theoretical foundation. This study provides preliminary data from a sample of children (n = 57; mean age = 10 years) on changes in diurnal cortisol rhythms associated with exposure to the Pure Power curriculum which is designed to teach youth yoga techniques, mindfulness, and emotion regulation. A non-randomized comparison design examined outcomes and diurnal cortisol levels among participants from schools that completed the intervention (n = 27) and from students in comparison schools (n = 30) assessed at three time points approximately one year apart. Modeling of diurnal patterns indicated that youth in the intervention schools demonstrated a relative change in their cortisol levels at Time 2 towards a diurnal rhythm associated with less stress. The data provide initial evidence for an association between exposure to a yoga and mindfulness curriculum and neuroendocrine function. The conclusions are limited by the non-randomized design and small sample. Replication with randomized designs and larger samples is needed.

Why This Matters for Body-Mind Practice

[Draft — editorial context needed]

Source

• Preliminary Evidence of Changes in Diurnal Cortisol Following Exposure to a School-Based Curriculum Featuring Yoga and Mindfulness. — Child psychiatry and human development