Research Article
Heartfulness HELP Program Reduces Stress in Students
- By Raja Amarnath, Jaya Prashanthi, Aiswarya Ravichandran, Bharath Madhavan, Gyaneshwar Dayal Sarin - 16 Jun 2023
- Journal of Applied Health Sciences and Medicine, Volume: 3, Issue: 6, Pages: 1 - 9
- https://doi.org/10.58614/jahsm361
- Received: April 13, 2023; Accepted: June 9, 2023; Published: June 16, 2023
Abstract
Background: Given the growing recognition of stress as a pervasive issue impacting students' mental well-being, educational institutions in India have implemented various intervention strategies. Among these strategies, the 'HELP Programme' has garnered significant attention for its innovative and comprehensive approach tailored to address student stress. The programme encompasses a holistic framework that incorporates diverse interventions, including heartfulness exercises, counselling services, and academic support.
Aims and Objectives: The study seeks to investigate the impact of the 'HELP Programme' on stress levels among students in India and provide valuable insights for Indian educators, policymakers, and mental health professionals.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional and observational study was conducted between 2020 and 2021, involving school students from multiple states in India. A total of 31,603 students participated in the stress level analysis. Before the introduction of Heartfulness meditation, students were provided with questionnaires to gather socio-demographic details and measure stress levels. Following the completion of 16 weeks of sessions, the same questionnaires were administered to collect students' post-intervention responses. The collected data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21, employing descriptive and inferential statistics such as counts, percentages, frequencies, and paired t-tests to compare mean levels between baseline and end line assessments.
Results: The findings revealed a significant decrease in students' stress levels (mb= 73.76 > me= 65.98, p<0.05) following the implementation of the HELP programme.
Conclusion: This study confirms the stress-reducing efficacy of the HELP programme among students, aligning with previous research findings. The observed decline in students' stress levels highlights the positive impact of the programme and its potential for promoting student well-being in educational settings.