Effect of Selected Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga on Self esteem and Depression among Priosners

Background: Depressive symptoms are common mental disorders around worldwide. The prevalence of depression is much higher irrespective than in general population.Prison is a place where criminal persons are residing for many years which makes them to have severe depression,. Around 49% of women and 23% of male prisoners having Low Self- esteem and depression. Thus selected limbs of Ashtanga Yoga (Asanas and Pranayama) will provide a positive effect on enhancing self esteem and decrease the level of depression among prisoners. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of selected limbs of Ashtanga Yoga on Self-esteem and Depression among Male Inmates in Central prison. Materials and Methods: Pre Experimental Research Design (One group Pre- test Post-test). 42 Male Inmates were selected by Purposive Random Sampling Technique. The data was collected and pre test was done by Rosenberg Self- Esteem Scale and Beck Depression Inventory. Selected limbs of Ashtanga Yoga, namely Asanas and Pranayama techniques were administered for 30 minutes daily for 21 days and post- test was done. The data was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Result: The obtained paired t- test was -11.76 and 13.18 which is significant at p < 0.001. Conclusion: Selected limbs of Ashtanga Yoga (Asanas and Pranayama) were effective to bring about positive changes in the level of Self Esteem and Depression among Male Inmates in Central Prison.