The effects of a complex yoga-based intervention on healthy psychological functioning
Adam Koncz1,2, Eszter Nagy3, Barbara Csala1
1Institute of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
Frontiers in Psychology
|April 17, 2023
Summary
A 3-month yoga intervention significantly reduced perceived stress and negative emotions. It also enhanced spirituality and interoceptive awareness, contributing to overall psychological well-being.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Mind-Body Interventions
- Health and Wellness
Background:
- Yoga-based interventions demonstrate positive effects on psychological health indicators.
- Previous research suggests yoga improves perceived stress, life satisfaction, affectivity, interoceptive awareness, and spirituality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of a 3-month complex yoga-based intervention on psychological functioning.
- To compare the effects of yoga intervention against a passive control group in a Hungarian community sample.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 44 participants in the yoga intervention group and 29 in the control group.
- Measurements of psychological constructs were taken one week before and after the 3-month intervention period.
Main Results:
- The yoga intervention significantly decreased perceived stress and negative affectivity.
- Improvements were observed in spirituality and various facets of interoceptive awareness, including noticing, attention regulation, self-regulation, body listening, and trusting.
- No significant impact was found on positive affectivity or life satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- A 3-month complex yoga-based intervention positively influences multiple aspects of psychological health.
- Yoga may be a valuable tool for enhancing psychological well-being and body awareness.
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