The Effectiveness of Hatha Yoga on Symptoms of Anxiety and Related Vulnerabilities, Mindfulness, and Psychological Wellbeing in Female Health Care Employees
Date
2009-09-16T17:02:38Z
Authors
Dunn, Karen D.
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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.
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Yoga and anxiety, Women and anxiety, Mindfulness and yoga, Hatha Yoga and women