Role of Pranava Mantra Japa as an adjunct to Surya Namaskara in the Management of Competitive Examinations related Anxiety among Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Anxiety related to competitive examinations is a significant concern among adolescents, often impairing focus, study efficiency, and overall well-being. Yoga practices such as Surya Namaskara and Pranava Mantra Japa have individually shown promise in reducing anxiety and enhancing mental balance. However, the combined effect of these practices in managing examination-related anxiety has not been explored. This study aimed to evaluate the role of Pranava Mantra Japa as an adjunct to Surya Namaskara in reducing anxiety among adolescents preparing for competitive examinations.

Methods: A total of 150 students (aged 15–20 years) preparing for competitive examinations in Kota, Rajasthan, were recruited using purposive sampling. Participants were randomly assigned to three equal groups (n=50 each): Group A: Control (no intervention), Group B: Surya Namaskara only (10 rounds daily), Group C: Surya Namaskara with adjunct Pranava Mantra Japa (10 rounds for each daily). The intervention was conducted over two months under trained instructors. Anxiety levels were assessed pre‑ and post‑intervention using the State‑Trait Anxiety Inventory. Data were analyzed using RM‑ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests.

Results: No significant correlation was found between baseline anxiety and sleep or study duration (p > 0.05). RM‑ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of time (F(1,147)=129.88, p<0.001, partial η²=0.469), a significant main effect of group (F(2,147)=15.24, p<0.001, partial η²=0.172), and a significant time×group interaction (F(2,147)=24.55, p<0.001, partial η²=0.250). Post hoc comparisons showed that Group C exhibited significantly greater reductions in anxiety compared to Group A (mean difference=4.69, p<0.001) and Group B (mean difference=2.66, p=0.006). No significant difference was observed between Group A and Group B (p=0.055).

Conclusion: The integration of Pranava Mantra Japa with Surya Namaskara significantly reduced anxiety levels in adolescents preparing for competitive examinations, demonstrating greater efficacy than Surya Namaskara alone. This combined yogic approach offers a safe, cost‑effective, and holistic adjunct for managing examination-related anxiety in youth.