A Review of Research on the Effects of Mindful Exercises on Emotion Regulation and Mental Health Among Adolescents

Abstract

The rising prevalence of mental health challenges among Chinese adolescents—driven by academic pressure, social change, and post-pandemic psychological stress—has underscored the urgent need for accessible, culturally congruent interventions. Mindful movement practices such as Tai Chi and yoga, which integrate breath regulation, body awareness, and meditative focus, have garnered increasing attention for their capacity to enhance emotional regulation and psychological resilience during adolescence. This review synthesizes current empirical research on the psychological and neurocognitive effects of Tai Chi and yoga among adolescents in China, with an emphasis on developmental appropriateness, cultural fit, and mechanisms of change. Drawing from systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and neurophysiological studies, the paper highlights the cognitive and emotional benefits of these interventions—particularly in modulating stress responses, improving executive functioning, and strengthening prefrontal-limbic connectivity. Tai Chi, rooted in traditional Chinese culture and health philosophy, enjoys institutional support and strong cultural legitimacy, making it highly scalable in school and community contexts. Yoga, while culturally imported, has found increasing acceptance among urban adolescents, especially when adapted to local norms and delivered in secular, wellness-oriented formats. The paper also explores the role of interoception, autonomic regulation, and implicit emotional processing as key pathways for therapeutic benefit. Finally, the review discusses comparative cultural considerations, public health implications, and future research directions, arguing that both practices—especially when thoughtfully adapted—can serve as complementary tools for promoting adolescent mental health in China.