EFFECT OF YOGA ON CREATIVE THINKING IN MIDDLE SCHOOL RESIDENTIAL STUDENT

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In today’s fast-changing world, creativity is essential for children to think flexibly, solve problems, and express themselves. However, studies report a decline in creativity during middle school, known as the “fourth-grade slump” (Torrance, 1967), often due to rigid academic routines and social pressures. Yoga, in which practices like asanas, pranayama, and mindful relaxation, and meditation have shown promise in improving focus, emotional balance, and brain function. Emerging research suggests yoga may also enhance creativity by reducing stress and supporting cognitive flexibility in young learners. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the effects of a structured yoga program on divergent thinking and creativity among middle school residential students. METHODS: A single-group pre-post design was employed. Forty healthy students aged 11–15 from PM SHRI Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Godda (Jharkhand, India) participated in a four week intervention comprising daily one-hour sessions of Asanas, Pranayama, Deep Relaxation Techniques, and Krida Yoga. Creativity was assessed using standardized measures evaluating Originality, Fluency, Flexibility, Verbal creativity, Non-verbal creativity, and Total creativity. RESULTS: Post-intervention scores showed statistically significant improvements in originality (P < .001; Cohen’s d = 0.9), verbal creativity (P < .001; d = 0.8), total creativity (P < .001; d = 0.8), fluency (P = .002; d = 0.5), and flexibility (P = .002; d = 0.6). No significant change was found in non-verbal creativity (P = 0.198; d = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that regular yoga practice positively influences divergent thinking and creativity in middle school students. Yoga enhanced verbal creativity and cognitive flexibility, supporting its integration in educational settings. This highlights yoga’s potential as a holistic tool to foster students’ creative abilities, emotional balance, and mental well-being. Keywords: Yoga, Creativity, Divergent Thinking, Creative Thinking, Children, Verbal creativity, Cognitive Flexibility, Education