In a recent journal
article, a team of researchers reported results from their experiment about the effects the practice of Yoga has on women’s self-concept
and coping methods (Dale, Carroll, Galen, Schein, Bliss, Mattison & Neace, 2011). They grounded their experiment with the common assumption that Yoga reduces psychological stress, helps increase mindfulness and helps the individual focus in linking the body and mind. For the study, they recruited and tested 47 (primarily Caucasian and educated) women between the ages of 17 and 66 years old who suffered abuse as children or in their adulthood.
According to Dale et al. (2011), research indicates that both childhood and adulthood abuse
negatively impact a person’s self-concept.
Also, abuse victims are at greater risk of developing dysfunctional
coping mechanisms. Thus, the researchers
hypothesized that yoga would improve self-concept and decrease harmful coping
techniques. In the experiment, data were gathered using multiple instruments: an abuse history
questionnaire, a Yoga Experience Scale, a Profile Of Mood States questionnaire,
the Tennessee Self Concept Scale, a COPE Inventory and a demographic and
lifestyle questionnaire.
Using regression analysis, the
researchers found statistical evidence that a Yoga practice is helpful to women who have experienced
abuse. Statistics showed that Yoga boosted the woman’s self-concept and improved her coping skills, regardless of whether or not the abuse occurred in child- or adulthood. The results also indicated that when Yoga
techniques are incorporated into more areas of life, and used for more than exercise alone, there is even greater benefit.
Reference
Dale, L. P., Carroll, L. E., Galen, G. C., Schein, R., Bliss, A., Mattison, A. M., & Neace, W. P. (2011). Yoga practice may buffer the deleterious effects of abuse on women's self-concept and dysfunctional coping. Journal Of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 20(1), 89-101. doi:10.1080/10926771.2011.538005
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