Unveiling Inner Engineering: Impact on Stress Perception Across Engagement Levels

Abstract

Inner Engineering (IE) is a comprehensive yoga program that has been taught globally. The practice taught in IE,
Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya (SMK), is a 21-minute daily practice. It has shown to reduce stress and improve
overall wellbeing. This study adds to existing literature by investigating the impact of the IE program on perceived
stress levels among participants from diverse backgrounds.
Study participants were recruited into two groups: 1) those who have taken the IE program and 2) those
who have not taken the program. Perceived stress levels were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), a
validated self-report measure. Participants filled out an anonymous questionnaire which included the PSS and
other demographic characteristics including age, sex, country, and education level. Perceived stress levels were
compared between the IE and non-IE groups using a t-test with a two-tailed p-value < 0.05 being considered
significant.
There were 222 participants in the study including 118 who took Inner Engineering and 104 who did not
take the program. Primary results indicate significantly lower self-reported stress levels in the IE group (12.3 vs.
18.05; p < 0.001). Furthermore, those who practice SMK daily or frequently indicated lower stress.
Overall, the results of this study suggest that IE and daily practice of SMK can be effective approaches in
reducing stress. The findings suggest that IE holds promise as an effective intervention for stress management,
with implications for targeted interventions and global health initiatives aimed at enhancing overall well-being.