Investigator(s)
| Submitter |
Choki Wangmo National Traditional Medicine Hospital Choki Wangmo 
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| Principal Investigator |
Choki Wangmo National Traditional Medicine Hospital Choki Wangmo
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| Co-Investigator(s) |
Thinley Dorji Department of Internal Medicine, Central Regional Referral Hospital, Gelephu, Bhutan Thinley Dorji
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| Co-Investigator(s) |
Jamyang Yeshi Dorji Faculty of Traditional Medicine, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan Jamyang Yeshi Dorji
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| Co-Investigator(s) |
Sonam wangzin Rabjay Faculty of Postgraduate Medicine, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan Sonam wangzin Rabjay
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| Co-Investigator(s) |
Kinley Wangchuk National Traditional Medicine Hospital Kinley Wangchuk
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| Co-Investigator(s) |
Phuntsho wangdi 2Traditional Medicine Unit, Panbang Hospital, Zhemgang, Bhutan Phuntsho wangdi
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Impact of Mindfulness and Therapeutic Yoga Practice, Sorig Zhiney and Luejong, on stress level among school students under Pemagatshel and Punakha Districts, Bhutan: a cross-sectional study |
| Public title | mpact of Mindfulness and Therapeutic Yoga Practice, Sorig Zhiney and Luejong, on stress level among school students under Pemagatshel and Punakha Districts, Bhutan: a cross-sectional study |
| Background | Stress among schoolchildren has garnered significant attention in recent years, necessitating effective interventions to promote their mental well-being. Psychotherapeutic and pharmacological approaches have proven to be valuable in this context. Techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) address negative thought patterns, enabling children to develop healthier coping mechanisms. Similarly, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) incorporates focused awareness and relaxation practices, fostering emotional regulation and resilience. Pharmacological treatments, when necessary, can complement these interventions by mitigating symptoms that hinder daily functioning. Collectively, these methods have demonstrated positive impacts in reducing stress and enhancing mental health among young learners. In Bhutan, the education system has adopted a culturally relevant approach to managing stress through traditional practices, namely Sorig Zhiney and Luejong. Introduced in schools in 2022, these Mindfulness and Therapeutic Yoga Practices offer a unique blend of physical exercises, meditation, and breathing techniques, deeply rooted in Bhutanese wisdom. Sorig Zhiney emphasizes seated mindfulness meditation, cultivating a calm and focused mind, while Luejong involves physical movements and exercises designed to balance internal energies. Together, they aim to harmonize mental, physical, and emotional health, providing students with tools to navigate academic pressures and personal challenges. These practices not only align with Bhutan's Gross National Happiness framework but also serve as an alternative to Western psychotherapeutic methods, promoting cultural identity and preservation. |
| Objectives | This study focuses on students in Class IX to XII enrolled in selected schools in Bhutan during 2025, aiming to explore key aspects related to stress and well-being. First, it seeks to describe the socio-demographic characteristics of these students, providing a contextual understanding of their backgrounds. Second, it assesses their levels of stress using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), a widely recognized tool for evaluating perceived stress. Third, the study examines the impact of practicing Mindfulness and Therapeutic Yoga Practices—Sorig Zhiney and Luejong—on the students' stress levels, evaluating their effectiveness as interventions. Lastly, it investigates the relationship between the frequency of these mindfulness and yoga practices and the levels of stress experienced, offering insights into how regular engagement with these practices correlates with improved well-being. By integrating traditional Bhutanese approaches with modern research methodologies, the study aims to provide culturally relevant strategies for stress management among schoolchildren in Bhutan. |
| Study Methods | This research a cross-sectional study design. General Setting Bhutan provides free education up to Class XII under the Royal Government of Bhutan. By 2024, the nation had 566 operational schools, consisting of 540 government-managed and 26 privately run institutions, catering to a student population of 156,272. Bhutan's education system includes three levels: pre-primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Pre-primary encompasses up to Class VI, secondary spans Classes VII to XII, and tertiary involves undergraduate and higher studies. Children commence pre-primary at the age of five and are assessed through annual internal evaluations until Class III. Starting from Class IV, yearly examinations determine students' grade progression. Specific Setting The Mindfulness and Therapeutic Yoga Practices—Sorig Zhiney and Luejong—were introduced in 2016 to Traditional Medicine practitioners through collaboration between the Department of Traditional Medicine Services, Ministry of Health, and the National Traditional Medicine Hospital. Rooted in Bhutanese traditional medicine, these practices draw from Yuthok Nyingthik Tsa rLoong Thruelkhor, Ju Mipham Kabum, and other Buddhist scriptures. Between 2017 and 2021, the Department trained 421 individuals in Sorig Zhiney and Luejong, encompassing diverse groups such as Traditional Medicine professionals, Royal Bhutan Police personnel, persons with disabilities, civil servants, teachers, district health officers, and district education officers. Introduced in schools in 2022, in collaboration with The PEMA Secretariat and Ministry of Education, Sorig Zhiney and Luejong have gained popularity among students and teachers, who have reported substantial benefits. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | The research is expected to generate experimental evidence on the effectiveness of traditional Bhutanese modalities—Sorig Zhiney and Luejong—in alleviating stress and promoting mental well-being among adolescents. By evaluating these mindfulness and therapeutic yoga practices, the study will provide insights into how culturally grounded interventions can address the rising levels of stress among school-going children. The findings hold significant potential to guide policymakers and educators in integrating such traditional practices into school health programs. In Bhutan, where Gross National Happiness emphasizes a holistic approach to well-being, this research aligns with the nation’s philosophy of fostering mental and emotional balance through culturally relevant methods. Demonstrating the efficacy of Sorig Zhiney and Luejong could inspire the inclusion of these practices in broader educational curricula, ensuring that students are equipped with practical tools to manage academic pressures and personal challenges. |
| Keywords | : Adolescent Health; Coping Skills; Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy; Psychological Stress; Yoga; |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 25-Apr-2025 |
| End Date | 25-Oct-2025 |
| Key Implementing Institution | National Traditional Medicine Hospital |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | No |
| Bhutan | |
| Research Domain(s) | Non-communicable diseases & Healthy Lifestyles |
| Research field(s) | Non-communicable Disease |
| Involves human subjects | No |
| Data Collection | Primary and secondary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | Approved |