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Cartwright T, Doronda T. 'It stretches your body but makes you feel good too': A qualitative study exploring young people's perceptions and experiences of yoga. J Health Psychol 2023; 28:789-803. [PMID: 36633013 PMCID: PMC10387721 DOI: 10.1177/13591053221146840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Whilst research suggests that yoga can positively impact physical and psychological wellbeing, understanding of youth's experiences is limited with no non-clinical studies in the UK. Ten focus groups explored perceptions and experiences of yoga among 35 youth (10-18 years). Inductive thematic analysis revealed that yoga was viewed as a holistic mind-body practice cultivating greater awareness and enhanced physical performance. Youth described yoga as providing tools that developed confidence, stress-management and emotional self-regulation. Social and relational impacts of yoga were highly valued. Despite the perceived biopsychosocial benefits of yoga, gendered and media representations of yoga may serve as a barrier to uptake.
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Hospital MM, Clarke RD, Morris SL, Fernandez SB, Spadola CE, Wagner EF. Participation in a yoga intervention is associated with improved mental health among Latinx adolescents. Stress Health 2022. [PMID: 36252578 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Latinx youth with mental health disorders have worse outcomes when compared to their White (non-Hispanic) counterparts. Latinx youth also have less access to and lower utilization of mental health services. Emerging research supports the psychological and physical benefits of engaging in yoga and yoga may function as a complimentary treatment option for patients with mental health challenges. However, research assessing the efficacy of yoga and mindfulness is particularly sparse among Latinx youth, who may particularly benefit from mind body awareness activities given barriers to more traditional health approaches. The objective of this quasi-experimental study was to examine the effects of a 12-week Vinyasa flow-based yoga group intervention on anxiety, depression, empathy, and life satisfaction among adolescents receiving outpatient mental health treatment. Adolescents (n = 186; 12-17 years old) were recruited to an active intervention condition (Yoga); a subsequent group of participants (n = 91) were recruited in the same manner to an assessment-only comparison control condition (Comparison). The Yoga group participated in culturally and developmentally tailored group yoga classes for 12 weeks. Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate the main effect intervention response between participants in the two conditions. At the post-intervention assessment, after controlling for baseline levels of outcome variables (i.e., depression, anxiety, empathy, and life satisfaction), on average participants in the yoga condition reported: less depression symptoms (B = -1.54, p = 0.008), less anxiety symptoms (B = -0.75, p = 0.048), greater empathy (B = 1.32, p = 0.025) and greater life satisfaction (B = 0.30, p = 0.013) as compared to the Comparison condition. Yoga interventions can be an acceptable and feasible modality for promoting well-being and reducing mental health problems among Latinx youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Hospital
- Community-Based Research Institute (CBRI), Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA.,Florida International University Research Center in a Minority Institution (FIU-RCMI), Miami, Florida, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Rachel D Clarke
- Humanities, Health, and Society, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Staci Leon Morris
- Community-Based Research Institute (CBRI), Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA.,Florida International University Research Center in a Minority Institution (FIU-RCMI), Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Sofia B Fernandez
- Florida International University Research Center in a Minority Institution (FIU-RCMI), Miami, Florida, USA.,School of Social Work, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Christine E Spadola
- School of Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, USA
| | - Eric F Wagner
- Community-Based Research Institute (CBRI), Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA.,Florida International University Research Center in a Minority Institution (FIU-RCMI), Miami, Florida, USA.,School of Social Work, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
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A preliminary investigation of yoga as an intervention approach for improving long-term weight loss: A randomized trial. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263405. [PMID: 35120162 PMCID: PMC8815874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Yoga targets psychological processes which may be important for long-term weight loss (WL). This study is the first to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of yoga within a weight management program following WL treatment. METHODS 60 women with overweight or obesity (34.3±3.9 kg/m2, 48.1±10.1 years) were randomized to receive a 12-week yoga intervention (2x/week; YOGA) or a structurally equivalent control (cooking/nutrition classes; CON), following a 3-month behavioral WL program. Feasibility (attendance, adherence, retention) and acceptability (program satisfaction ratings) were assessed. Treatment groups were compared on weight change, mindfulness, distress tolerance, stress, affect, and self-compassion at 6 months. Initial WL (3-mo WL) was evaluated as a potential moderator. RESULTS Attendance, retention, and program satisfaction ratings of yoga were high. Treatment groups did not differ on WL or psychological constructs (with exception of one mindfulness subscale) at 6 months. However, among those with high initial WL (≥5%), YOGA lost significantly more weight (-9.0kg vs. -6.7kg) at 6 months and resulted in greater distress tolerance, mindfulness, and self-compassion and lower negative affect, compared to CON. CONCLUSIONS Study findings provide preliminary support for yoga as a potential strategy for improving long-term WL among those losing ≥5% in standard behavioral treatment.
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Braun TD, Riley KE, Kunicki ZJ, Finkelstein-Fox L, Conboy LA, Park CL, Schifano E, Abrantes AM, Lazar SW. Internalized weight stigma and intuitive eating among stressed adults during a mindful yoga intervention: associations with changes in mindfulness and self-compassion. Health Psychol Behav Med 2021; 9:933-950. [PMID: 34868736 PMCID: PMC8635578 DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2021.1992282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Internalized weight stigma (IWS) is common in the United States of America across body weight categories, and is implicated in the development of distress and unhealthy eating behaviors (e.g. overeating, disordered eating) that can foster poor cardiometabolic health. While emerging intervention research shows early promise in reducing IWS, long-term efficacy is unclear and novel strategies remain needed. This analysis examined whether participation in a mindful yoga intervention was associated with reduced IWS and increased intuitive eating, an adaptive eating behavior, and whether these changes correlated with each other or with changes in mindfulness and self-compassion. Methods Participants were stressed adults with low fruit and vegetable intake (N = 78, 64.1% White, M. Body Mass Index 25.59 ± 4.45) enrolled in a parent clinical trial of a 12-week mindful yoga intervention. Validated self-report measures of IWS, intuitive eating, mindfulness, and self-compassion were administered at pre-treatment, mid-treatment (8 weeks), post-treatment (12 weeks), and 4-month follow-up (24 weeks). Results Linear mixed modeling revealed significant improvements in IWS and intuitive eating across the four timepoints (p < .001). Reduced IWS correlated with increased intuitive eating pre- to post-treatment (p = .01). Improved self-compassion and mindfulness correlated with intuitive eating (both p = . 04), but not IWS (p = .74 and p = .56, respectively). Conclusion This study offers preliminary support for the hypothesis that mindful yoga may promote intuitive eating and reduce IWS among stressed adults with poor diet, and suggests that changes in these factors may co-occur over time. Further investigation with controlled designs is necessary to better understand the temporality and causality of these relationships.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02098018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tosca D Braun
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Kristen E Riley
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Zachary J Kunicki
- Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lucy Finkelstein-Fox
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, USA
| | - Lisa A Conboy
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Crystal L Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, USA
| | | | - Ana M Abrantes
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Behavioral Medicine and Addictions Research, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Sara W Lazar
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Psychology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Uebelacker LA, Wolff JC, Guo J, Feltus S, Caviness CM, Tremont G, Conte K, Rosen RK, Yen S. Teens' perspectives on yoga as a treatment for stress and depression. Complement Ther Med 2021; 59:102723. [PMID: 33895267 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand adolescents' experiences and attitudes toward yoga, with a particular focus on acceptability and feasibility of a yoga intervention for depressed adolescents. DESIGN Qualitative analysis of data from three focus groups and eight individual interviews, for a total of 22 teen participants. SETTING Outpatient setting in a psychiatric hospital in the U.S. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Teens were asked about their own and their peers' attitudes toward, and experiences with, hatha yoga; reactions to a study-created yoga video; and opinions on class logistics. RESULTS Teens had both positive and negative attitudes toward, and experiences with, hatha yoga. They commented on "who does yoga;" many responses suggested a limited group (e.g., moms; people with money and time). Participants agreed that yoga could be potentially beneficial for depressed or stressed teens. Self-consciousness while being in a yoga class was a major concern. Overall, teens reacted favorably to the study-created yoga video. Teens had varied opinions about class logistics including class duration and size. Teens cited barriers to class, such as transportation, as well as barriers to home yoga practice. CONCLUSIONS Key points for developing a yoga class that might be appealing to depressed or stressed teens include: creating a class with variety that teens will find interesting; taking concrete steps to decrease teen self-consciousness; incorporating messages relevant for teens and consistent with yoga philosophy; and actively countering stereotypes about who practices yoga. Limitations of this study include the lack of data from male teens.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Uebelacker
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, United States.
| | - J C Wolff
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, United States
| | - J Guo
- Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, United States
| | - S Feltus
- Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, United States
| | - C M Caviness
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, United States
| | - G Tremont
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, United States
| | - K Conte
- Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, United States
| | - R K Rosen
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
| | - S Yen
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Massachusetts Mental Health Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Gorvine MM, Haynes TF, Marshall SA, Clark CJ, Lovelady NN, Zaller ND. An Exploratory Study of the Acceptability and Feasibility of Yoga Among Women in Substance Use Disorder Recovery. J Altern Complement Med 2020; 27:273-281. [PMID: 33373528 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2020.0351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This qualitative study explored the acceptability and feasibility of yoga among women in substance use disorder (SUD) recovery. Design: Seventeen women in SUD recovery for 2 weeks or longer were recruited from nine sites in the mid-South, including a Medication-Assisted Treatment clinic in a hospital setting, prison re-entry housing, community-based peer support organizations (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous [AA], Narcotics Anonymous [NA]), a residential SUD treatment facility, a yoga teachers' online group, and through referrals. The median age of participants was 41.5, with ages ranging from 25 to 65. We used an interpretive description approach to explore both the perceptions of women without yoga experience and the experiences of women with yoga experience to collect formative data for intervention development and implementation. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A hybrid analysis (i.e., inductive and deductive coding) was applied to the data. Results: Women's narratives included a high prevalence of trauma exposure. Overall, women in this sample were interested in either beginning or continuing yoga. Barriers to participation included perceived lack of self-efficacy of yoga, weight, and physical injuries. Additional environmental barriers included balancing care of self with caring for others, including partners, children, and NA/AA sponsees; as well as prioritizing finances, housing, employment, and transportation. Conclusion: High prevalence of trauma exposure among women in SUD recovery necessitates careful consideration of co-occurring psychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression and the necessary professional psychological support, as well as serious physical injuries that require modification in yoga āsana classes. As transportation and balancing care needs were salient in these data, rural SUD populations could be served with telehealth interventions that provide SUD recovery support with integrative health practices such as adjunctive yoga interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret M Gorvine
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Tiffany F Haynes
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - S Alexandra Marshall
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Cari J Clark
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nakita N Lovelady
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Nickolas D Zaller
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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Thind H, Garcia A, Velez M, Tucker KL. If we offer, will they come: Perceptions of yoga among Hispanics. Complement Ther Med 2020; 56:102622. [PMID: 33227351 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Yoga is underutilized by the Hispanics. This study examined perceptions of benefits and barriers to yoga among Hispanic adults, to provide information that may increase their participation in this practice. SETTING Participants were recruited from a Community Center serving low-income Hispanics. DESIGN Self-administered cross-sectional questionnaires assessing benefits and barriers to yoga were conducted in Spanish and English. Fisher's exact test was used to examine perceptions of yoga by gender, age, and prior experience. RESULTS Participants (ages 18-85, 65 % women, n = 121) reported several benefits to yoga. Hispanic women, individuals 65 y or older, and those with prior experience, perceived more benefits. Barriers to yoga also differed by demographics. Men reported that time and the perception that they would have to do unrealistic pretzel-like poses as deterrents to yoga practice; younger individuals perceived yoga to be boring, and those with no experience perceived lack of flexibility and feeling like an outsider in class, as barriers to yoga. The most common barrier, across subgroups, was the cost associated with yoga practice. The majority of participants reported being willing to attend yoga classes if offered at a low cost. CONCLUSION Perceived barriers related to yoga reflect a lack of knowledge about yoga and what it entails and the cost of classes. Despite these barriers, Hispanic adults from a low-income population said they would be willing to attend yoga classes if offered at a low cost. Understanding and addressing these barriers can help researchers and health practitioners improve diversity in yoga classes and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herpreet Thind
- Department of Public Health, University of Massachusetts Lowell, MA, USA.
| | - Angeline Garcia
- The Center: Seniors, Families, Community; Council on Aging, Lawrence, MA, USA
| | - Martha Velez
- The Center: Seniors, Families, Community; Council on Aging, Lawrence, MA, USA
| | - Katherine L Tucker
- Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, MA, USA
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