Midwifery StudentsEYBHMSNCT07321132
Effects of Yoga on Burnout and Happiness in Midwifery Students
A study testing Yoga Practice (Non-pharmacological, Non-device) in people with Midwifery Students, run by Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The health sector constitutes a highly stressful environment not only for professionals working in the field but also for students undergoing training. In particular, students studying in the health sciences experience stress due to various factors such as intensive theoretical coursework, practical training, clinical… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Midwifery Students
- What is being tested?
- Yoga Practice (Non-pharmacological, Non-device)
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 72 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 13 Jun 2023to 16 Dec 2023
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Female midwifery students. Not exercising at least two days per week. Not practicing yoga or other mindfulness-based activities. Able to attend scheduled yoga sessions at the designated location.
Who cannot join
- Presence of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, or chronic systemic conditions preventing yoga practice.
- Recent surgical procedures. Declined to provide consent for participation.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: The Effect of Yoga on the Level of Burnout and Happiness in Midwifery Students: Randomized Controlled Study
The health sector constitutes a highly stressful environment not only for professionals working in the field but also for students undergoing training. In particular, students studying in the health sciences experience stress due to various factors such as intensive theoretical coursework, practical training, clinical responsibilities, and shift duties. For midwifery students, who receive education in areas requiring a high level of responsibility such as women's health, the childbirth process, and newborn care, this level of stress may be even greater. Prolonged and intense stress can lead to the development of burnout among students, which may negatively affect psychological well-being, happiness, and academic performance.
In recent years, mindfulness-based practices have gained prominence as effective approaches for coping with stress, enhancing psychological resilience, and supporting mental well-being. One such practice is yoga, which is a holistic approach that includes physical postures, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and meditation. Previous studies have demonstrated that yoga practices are effective in reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout, while enhancing happiness, life satisfaction, and self-awareness. These findings indicate that yoga and similar practices are particularly beneficial for students studying in health-related fields.
Accordingly, the present study was conducted using a randomized controlled experimental design to evaluate the effects of yoga practice on burnout and happiness levels among midwifery students. The study was carried out with second-year students enrolled in the Midwifery Department of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University. Students were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The experimental group participated in 60-minute yoga sessions three times per week for six weeks, while no intervention was applied to the control group. Burnout and happiness levels of the students were assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Form and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire-Short Form. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the literature by highlighting the importance of interventions that support the mental health of midwifery students.
Read the detailed description
Mental well-being is of great importance for midwifery students to effectively utilize their professional skills. High school and university life may create stress for students due to structured and compulsory activities aimed at specific goals, such as passing examinations, fulfilling academic responsibilities, and obtaining a diploma. Prolonged exposure to stress may lead to burnout, which manifests as physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion and is considered a consequence of chronic stress.
Happiness is defined as the frequent experience of positive emotions, the relatively infrequent experience of negative emotions, and a high level of life satisfaction. It is associated with the prevalence of positive feelings such as trust, hope, and joy, as well as satisfaction derived from various life domains. Students' academic achievement is influenced by factors such as self-esteem, self-efficacy, motivation, and coping skills for managing stress.
In recent years, mind-body practices such as yoga and meditation have become increasingly widespread in educational institutions to help students cope with stress and enhance cognitive functioning. Yoga is a holistic practice consisting of postures (asana), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation, and it has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety while supporting overall well-being and cognitive processes. Studies have demonstrated that yoga practices are particularly effective in reducing perceived stress, enhancing well-being, and fostering positive emotions such as empathy and compassion among students in health-related fields.
In this context, the present study aims to compare burnout and happiness levels among midwifery students by forming experimental and control groups consisting of students who practice yoga and those who do not.
- Conditions
- Midwifery Students
- Being tested
- Yoga Practice (Non-pharmacological, Non-device)
- Keywords
- yoga, health, midwifery students, burnout, happiness, well-being
- Medical subject headings
- Burnout, Psychological
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Yoga Practice (Non-pharmacological, Non-device)Other
Each yoga session began with a 5-minute breathing exercise, which formed the first phase of the practice. This segment included a combination of different breathing techniques. Students were guided to breathe slowly and rhythmically while listening to calming background music, helping them first become aware of their natural breath and then regulate it consciously. Each session started with three selected breathing techniques, such as yogic breathing, alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodhana), and the 4-7-8 breathing method. Following the breathing exercises, participants engaged in a 40-minute asana (posture) practice, which included five standing poses, two transitional poses, and five seated poses, or the reverse order, depending on the session structure. Each yoga session concluded with 5 to 10 minutes of relaxation and meditation, promoting physical and mental calmness.
No drugs, medical devices, or invasive procedures were used during the intervention.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Yoga Practice Program | Experimental | Yoga Practice (Weeks 1-6): Each yoga session began with a 5-minute breathing exercise, which formed the first phase of the practice. This segment included a combination of different breathing techniques. Students were guided to breathe slowly and rhythmically while listening to calming background music, helping them first become aware of their natural breath and then regulate it consciously. Each session started with three selected breathing techniques, such as yogic breathing, alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodhana), and the 4-7-8 breathing method. Following the breathing exercises, participants engaged in a 40-minute asana (posture) practice, which included five standing poses, two transitional poses, and five seated poses, or the reverse order, depending on the session structure. Each yoga session concluded with 5 to 10 minutes of relaxation and meditation, promoting physical and mental calmness. Receives: Other: Yoga Practice (Non-pharmacological, Non-device) |
| Control group | No intervention | After randomization, students assigned to the control group were informed about the study. Written and verbal informed consent was obtained, and the socio-demographic information form was completed. No intervention was applied to the students in this group. They were only asked to complete the data collection forms (MBI-SS and OHQ-SF). |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Maslach Burnout Inventory - Student Scale (MBI-SS)
The scale consists of 13 items and includes three subscales: exhaustion, cynicism, and efficacy. The exhaustion subscale measures chronic fatigue and tension resulting from academic responsibilities. The cynicism subscale measures indifference toward school-related activities and a detached, disengaged attitude toward academic tasks. The efficacy subscale measures students' perception of their own academic competence.
Score Range: 0-6 per item; higher scores on exhaustion and cynicism indicate worse burnout, while higher scores on efficacy indicate better perceived competence.
Measured: Post-intervention at Week 6 for experimental group, Baseline (Week 0) for control group
Secondary outcomes (1)
Oxford Happiness Questionnaire short form (OHQ-SF)
The scale consists of 7 items and measures overall happiness. Items 1 and 7 are reverse-coded. Response options range from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Higher scores indicate higher levels of happiness.
Score Range: 1-5 per item; higher scores indicate greater happiness.
Measured: Post-intervention at Week 6 for experimental group, Baseline (Week 0) for control group
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Jan 2026
- Study start13 Jun 2023
- Primary completion16 Dec 2023
- Study completion16 Dec 2023
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Midwifery StudentsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Health services research
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- The research was conducted as a randomized controlled experimental study. Participants were devided into two groups: yoga exercise group and control group.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 72 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ayşe ÇATALOLUK, Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07321132
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- TOGUE-13232362-804.01-295714
- Acronym
- EYBHMS
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 2 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 6 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Cataloluk A, Eroglu V, Alparslan O. The effect of yoga on the level of burnout and happiness in midwifery students: randomized controlled study. BMC Psychol. 2026 May 27;14(1):1087. doi: 10.1186/s40359-026-04882-y.
PubMed 42204592
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Yoga on the Level of Burnout and Happiness in Midwifery Students: Randomized Controlled Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07321132
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- EYBHMS / TOGUE-13232362-804.01-295714
- Conditions
- Midwifery Students
- Keywords
- yoga, health, midwifery students, burnout, happiness, well-being
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 72 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Tokat Gaziosmanpasa UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 13 Jun 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 16 Dec 2023 (actual)
- Study completion
- 16 Dec 2023 (actual)
- First posted
- 6 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The health sector constitutes a highly stressful environment not only for professionals working in the field but also for students undergoing training. In particular, students studying in the health sciences experience stress due to various factors such as intensive theoretical coursework, practical training, clinical responsibilities, and shift duties. For midwifery students, who receive education in areas requiring a high level of responsibility such as women's health, the childbirth process, and newborn care, this level of stress may be even greater. Prolonged and intense stress can lead to the development of burnout among students, which may negatively affect psychological well-being, happiness, and academic performance.
In recent years, mindfulness-based practices have gained prominence as effective approaches for coping with stress, enhancing psychological resilience, and supporting mental well-being. One such practice is yoga, which is a holistic approach that includes physical postures, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and meditation. Previous studies have demonstrated that yoga practices are effective in reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout, while enhancing happiness, life satisfaction, and self-awareness. These findings indicate that yoga and similar practices are particularly beneficial for students studying in health-related fields.
Accordingly, the present study was conducted using a randomized controlled experimental design to evaluate the effects of yoga practice on burnout and happiness levels among midwifery students. The study was carried out with second-year students enrolled in the Midwifery Department of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University. Students were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The experimental group participated in 60-minute yoga sessions three times per week for six weeks, while no intervention was applied to the control group. Burnout and happiness levels of the students were assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Form and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire-Short Form. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the literature by highlighting the importance of interventions that support the mental health of midwifery students.
Detailed description
Mental well-being is of great importance for midwifery students to effectively utilize their professional skills. High school and university life may create stress for students due to structured and compulsory activities aimed at specific goals, such as passing examinations, fulfilling academic responsibilities, and obtaining a diploma. Prolonged exposure to stress may lead to burnout, which manifests as physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion and is considered a consequence of chronic stress.
Happiness is defined as the frequent experience of positive emotions, the relatively infrequent experience of negative emotions, and a high level of life satisfaction. It is associated with the prevalence of positive feelings such as trust, hope, and joy, as well as satisfaction derived from various life domains. Students' academic achievement is influenced by factors such as self-esteem, self-efficacy, motivation, and coping skills for managing stress.
In recent years, mind-body practices such as yoga and meditation have become increasingly widespread in educational institutions to help students cope with stress and enhance cognitive functioning. Yoga is a holistic practice consisting of postures (asana), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation, and it has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety while supporting overall well-being and cognitive processes. Studies have demonstrated that yoga practices are particularly effective in reducing perceived stress, enhancing well-being, and fostering positive emotions such as empathy and compassion among students in health-related fields.
In this context, the present study aims to compare burnout and happiness levels among midwifery students by forming experimental and control groups consisting of students who practice yoga and those who do not.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Health services research
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- The research was conducted as a randomized controlled experimental study. Participants were devided into two groups: yoga exercise group and control group.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Yoga Practice Program | Experimental | Other: Yoga Practice (Non-pharmacological, Non-device)Yoga Practice (Weeks 1-6): Each yoga session began with a 5-minute breathing exercise, which formed the first phase of the practice. This segment included a combination of different breathing techniques. Students were guided to breathe slowly and rhythmically while listening to calming background music, helping them first become aware of their natural breath and then regulate it consciously. Each session started with three selected breathing techniques, such as yogic breathing, alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodhana), and the 4-7-8 breathing method. Following the breathing exercises, participants engaged in a 40-minute asana (posture) practice, which included five standing poses, two transitional poses, and five seated poses, or the reverse order, depending on the session structure. Each yoga session concluded with 5 to 10 minutes of relaxation and meditation, promoting physical and mental calmness. |
| Control group | No intervention | –After randomization, students assigned to the control group were informed about the study. Written and verbal informed consent was obtained, and the socio-demographic information form was completed. No intervention was applied to the students in this group. They were only asked to complete the data collection forms (MBI-SS and OHQ-SF). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Female midwifery students. Not exercising at least two days per week. Not practicing yoga or other mindfulness-based activities. Able to attend scheduled yoga sessions at the designated location.
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Presence of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, or chronic systemic conditions preventing yoga practice.
- Recent surgical procedures. Declined to provide consent for participation.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Yoga Practice (Non-pharmacological, Non-device)Each yoga session began with a 5-minute breathing exercise, which formed the first phase of the practice. This segment included a combination of different breathing techniques. Students were guided to breathe slowly and rhythmically while listening to calming background music, helping them first become aware of their natural breath and then regulate it consciously. Each session started with three selected breathing techniques, such as yogic breathing, alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodhana), and the 4-7-8 breathing method. Following the breathing exercises, participants engaged in a 40-minute asana (posture) practice, which included five standing poses, two transitional poses, and five seated poses, or the reverse order, depending on the session structure. Each yoga session concluded with 5 to 10 minutes of relaxation and meditation, promoting physical and mental calmness. No drugs, medical devices, or invasive procedures were used during the intervention. | Other | Yoga Practice Program |
Primary outcome
Maslach Burnout Inventory - Student Scale (MBI-SS)
Time frame: Post-intervention at Week 6 for experimental group, Baseline (Week 0) for control group
The scale consists of 13 items and includes three subscales: exhaustion, cynicism, and efficacy. The exhaustion subscale measures chronic fatigue and tension resulting from academic responsibilities. The cynicism subscale measures indifference toward school-related activities and a detached, disengaged attitude toward academic tasks. The efficacy subscale measures students' perception of their own academic competence. Score Range: 0-6 per item; higher scores on exhaustion and cynicism indicate worse burnout, while higher scores on efficacy indicate better perceived competence.
1 secondary outcome
Oxford Happiness Questionnaire short form (OHQ-SF)
Time frame: Post-intervention at Week 6 for experimental group, Baseline (Week 0) for control group
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 6 Jan 2026.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42204592Cataloluk A, Eroglu V, Alparslan O. The effect of yoga on the level of burnout and happiness in midwifery students: randomized controlled study. BMC Psychol. 2026 May 27;14(1):1087. doi: 10.1186/s40359-026-04882-y.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Yoga Practice (Non-pharmacological, Non-device) in people with Midwifery Students, run by Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Maslach Burnout Inventory - Student Scale (MBI-SS) (time frame: Post-intervention at Week 6 for experimental group, Baseline (Week 0) for control group). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07321132, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Jan 2026.