New Study to Examine Yoga’s Effect on Emotion Regulation and Autonomic Function

Researchers are investigating whether a structured yoga programme can influence emotional regulation and autonomic nervous system activity among young adults, using both psychological assessments and physiological measurements.

The randomized controlled trial will examine university students aged 18 to 25 living in campus hostels. Eligible participants will be assigned either to an eight-week yoga programme or an active control group, with assessments conducted before and after the intervention.

A distinctive feature of the research is its use of heart rate variability (HRV) to examine physiological responses during an active emotion-regulation task. HRV measures variations in the intervals between heartbeats and is widely used as an indicator of autonomic nervous system regulation.

Researchers will record HRV while participants complete a picture-based cognitive reappraisal exercise. Cognitive reappraisal involves consciously changing the way an emotional situation is interpreted in order to modify its emotional impact.

The study will also use established psychological tools, including the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Emotional perception will be assessed through the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test, which examines the ability to interpret emotional and mental states from facial cues.

Yoga combines physical postures, controlled breathing and meditation, and previous research has suggested possible links with reduced stress and improved emotional functioning. However, many earlier studies have relied heavily on participants' self-reported experiences.

By combining subjective assessments with physiological data collected during emotion regulation, the new trial aims to provide a more detailed picture of how yoga may affect psychological and autonomic processes associated with emotional well-being.

10-09-2026