Abstract:
The purpose of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of a Hatha
yoga program to reduce anxiety symptoms, and related vulnerabilities, and promote
wellbeing in 6 health care employees. The women in this study reported no previous
experience with a regular yoga or meditation practice, no current diagnosis of an anxiety
disorder, and were not currently under psychological treatment. Baseline and post-treatment
scores on measures to assess anxiety symptoms and related vulnerabilities,
perceived stress, mindfulness, self-efficacy, and psychological well-being were examined.
In addition, growth over time (7 data collection points) was examined for anxiety
symptoms, perceived stress, mindfulness, and self-efficacy to reveal change at the
individual and group level on these variables. It was expected that participants would
report decreases in anxiety symptoms, and related vulnerabilities in post-treatment
assessments, relative to baseline. In addition, it was also expected that participants would
report increases in psychological wellbeing, mindfulness, and self-efficacy compared to
post-treatment. Finally, it was hypothesized that participants would experience growth
(anxiety symptoms, perceived stress, mindfulness, and self-efficacy) over time. Partial
support was found for the hypotheses. Specifically, Wilcoxon tests indicated that overall,
participants experienced a significant improvement in self-efficacy from baseline to post-treatment.
In addition, the women in this sample reported growth over time for anxiety
symptoms and self-efficacy. Women with higher baseline symptoms of anxiety
experienced the most growth over time on this variable. Suggestions for future research
and educational implications are provided.
