[11] COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF AUTOGENIC TRAINING AND YOGIC EXERCISES ON EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, ANXIETY, MENTAL FATIGUE, AND SOCIAL MATURITY AMONG COLLEGE-LEVEL ATHLETES
How to Cite the Article: Amit Pramanik & Mahesh Singh Dhapola (2026). Comparative Effects of Autogenic Training and Yogic Exercises on Emotional Intelligence, Anxiety, Mental Fatigue, and Social Maturity Among College-Level Athletes. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews, 5(5),135-149. https://doi.org/10.56815/ijmrr.v5i5.2026.135-149
Abstract
Background: Competitive athletes face significant psychological stress. Autogenic Training (AT) and Yogic Exercises (YE) enhance psychosocial health, but comparative research among Indian college athletes is limited. Objective: To compare 12 weeks of AT, YE, and Combined Training (AT+YE) on emotional intelligence, anxiety, mental fatigue, and social maturity in team sports persons.Methods: 160 athletes (22–28 years) were randomized to four groups (n=40 each): AT, YE, Combined, or Control. Interventions were 45 min/day, 5-6
days/week for 12 weeks. Validated scales assessed outcomes. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, ANOVA, and Tukey's HSD (p ≤ 0.05).
Results: All experimental groups significantly improved emotional intelligence, anxiety, and mental fatigue (p < 0.01). Combined Training
showed highest improvements: emotional intelligence (+65.8%), anxiety (28.3%), mental fatigue (-22.2%), and social maturity (+43.6%) (p < 0.001). Combined Training was superior to isolated therapies for emotional intelligence and anxiety (p < 0.05). For mental fatigue and social maturity, Combined Training and YE were equivalent (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Both interventions improve psychosocial health. Combined Training is optimal for emotional intelligence and anxiety; Yogic Exercises alone suffice for mental fatigue and social maturity. Mind-body interventions should be integrated into athletic training.
