A growing body of literature supports the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in psychological practice. While practices such as mindfulness meditation have received substantial attention, little research has been done to investigate the psychological benefits of Tai Chi Chuan (TCC). Designed to promote physical and mental well-being, this Chinese martial art has been examined primarily as a means of improving mobility and balance in the elderly. However, recent research indicates it can have far-ranging benefits on mood, cognitive functioning, and quality of life (QOL). TCC experts also assert that TCC promotes mindfulness—the ability to observe one’s present experience non-judgmentally—but no previous studies measured this relationship.

The current study sought to investigate the psychological benefits of TCC for adolescents. Twelve high school girls met for nine weekly TCC instructional sessions. Quantitative measures of mindfulness, mood, QOL, blood pressure, and heart rate were administered at the beginning and end of the TCC course. In addition, several short-answer qualitative questions assessed participants’ experience of the program, and their teachers were given surveys inquiring about any changes they may have noticed during the course of the intervention. Ten participants completed both the pre- and post-intervention measures.

Results of a Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test showed clear improvements in mood—particularly vigor, depression, anxiety, and fatigue—and QOL—particularly in self-esteem, self-efficacy, and interpersonal relationships. Some improvements in mindfulness were also found, but the results were inconclusive. No significant changes were observed in heart rate or blood pressure. Pearson correlations between the study measures and the reported frequency with which students practiced TCC revealed a significant relationship between practice frequency and participants’ ability to observe their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. Pearson correlations also revealed some relationship between mindfulness and benefits in mood and QOL. Qualitative responses from students and teachers identified benefits in relaxation and concentration. The results are discussed in terms of adolescent girls’ development and future applications of TCC.