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. 2021 Oct:88:101946.
doi: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2021.101946. Epub 2021 Apr 20.

Program evaluation of trauma-informed yoga for vulnerable populations

Deanne C Tibbitts  1 , Sue A Aicher  2 , Judith Sugg  3 , Kimberlee Handloser  4 , Liz Eisman  5 , Lauren D Booth  6 , Ryan D Bradley  7
Affiliations

Program evaluation of trauma-informed yoga for vulnerable populations

Deanne C Tibbitts et al. Eval Program Plann. 2021 Oct.

Abstract

Background: Trauma is highly prevalent among vulnerable populations, including those who are incarcerated, in treatment for substance use, or seeking mental health services. Trauma-informed yoga seeks to create a safer yoga practice for individuals with a trauma history and may improve emotional and physical wellbeing. Thus, we conducted an evaluation of a trauma-informed yoga program to gain insight into participant experiences.

Methods: Trauma-informed yoga classes were led by trained volunteers and held in three sectors that work with vulnerable populations: corrections and reentry, substance use treatment and recovery, and community and mental health. Data were collected via anonymous survey using a retrospective pre-post design. The survey instrument captured reasons for student participation and perceived effects of yoga on emotional and physical wellbeing.

Results: Students were motivated to participate in yoga classes by expectations of physical, mental, and spiritual benefit. Students reported perceived improvements in emotional and physical wellbeing and greater use of self-regulation skills after starting yoga.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest trauma-informed yoga is perceived as beneficial by vulnerable individuals, especially those in the correctional system or recovering from substance use. Our results support the value of offering trauma-informed yoga in institutionalized and community settings. Improvements in emotional and physical wellbeing warrant formal study.

Keywords: Post-traumatic; Prisoners; Program evaluation; Psychological trauma; Stress disorders; Substance-related disorders; Yoga.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Competing Interest

Five co-authors are employed by or affiliated with Living Yoga, the non-profit organization that coordinates the program evaluated in this manuscript. Sue Aicher is a past member and Judith Sugg is a current member of the Living Yoga Board of Directors, Kimberlee Handloser is an Evaluation Support volunteer with Living Yoga, Liz Eisman is the Program and Training Manager at Living Yoga, and Lauren Booth is the Executive Director of Living Yoga. These co-authors were not involved in the analysis of data. No other authors have conflicts.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Reasons for attending trauma-informed yoga.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Perceived benefits of attending trauma-informed yoga. N = 123 for all statements, except treatment and sobriety (N = 109).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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