A Feasibility (pilot) Mixed Methods Study of an Innovative Non-Pharmacological Breath-Based Yoga and Social Emotional Intervention Program in an At-Risk Youth Sample in London, Canada.

Various service provision models for youth at risk of homelessness have been researched and implemented, including access to housing, physical and mental health resources, etc. However, there has been no alleviation in symptoms of depression and anxiety and the rate of drug use in these populations. This paper presents the results of a mixed-methods study in London, Canada, that examined the feasibility of implementing the SKY Schools intervention in at-risk youth aged between 16-25 (n=49). The study also recorded qualitative responses about the program’s usefulness from the perspective of the service users. The SKY schools intervention consisted of social-emotional learning combined with Sudarshan Kriya Yoga, a standardized yoga-based breathing exercise routine. The intervention program was divided into two phases; an active learning phase and a reinforcement phase. The results demonstrated that it is feasible to conduct a definitive trial in this population due to a high retention rate (61.2%) and overall positive feedback. Future researchers may consider the feedback received when designing a randomized control trial to further assess efficacy and tolerability.