Supporting positive behaviors through yoga: An exploratory study

Universal interventions that incorporate contemplative practices, such as yoga and mindfulness, have resulted in positive outcomes, such as increasing emotion regulation. Preliminary evidence suggests that yoga programs implemented as universal interventions have been the most effective when researchers have established relationships with teachers. However, extant research has not outlined strategies for implementing universal yoga programs in the classroom. Researchers and practitioners need to be informed on the strategies essential for collaborating with teachers in order to implement yoga programs that best support children's needs. This exploratory study fills this gap and reports on the process of working with teachers who implemented an eight-week yoga intervention. Post-intervention teacher survey data suggested that yoga was an effective pedagogical practice and enhanced children's positive behaviors. Yoga, when implemented by teachers and with instructional supports, which consisted of videos in this study, may be a feasible intervention.