Body Awareness, Eating Attitudes, and Spiritual Beliefs of Women Who Practice Yoga: A Case for Recovery

Abstract

Text: This study explored postural yoga and perceived spirituality as related to factors that influence the development, maintenance, and recovery from body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. An estimated 70% of American women experience body dissatisfaction or disordered eating during their lifetime. Yoga has previously been associated with decreased disordered eating and increased body satisfaction. Participants (n 158) ) ’ 18 yrs of age provided information regarding their yoga practice and spiritual beliefs through questionnaires assessing Body Awareness (BA), Body Responsiveness (BR), Intuitive Eating (IE), Body Satisfaction (BS), and Spiritual Readiness (SR). Qualitative data informed on changes in well-being, eating attitudes, and body image since beginning a postural yoga practice. Participants’ reasons for practicing yoga determined two groups: psychospiritual or physical/ appearance. As predicted, participants scored highly in BA, BR, IE, and BS. Results indicate significant correlations (p 0.01) among several variables (BA, BR, IE, BS, SR, BMI). There were no significant differences between the two groups on any of these measures except SR (p 0.001). Qualitative data showed that women who practiced postural yoga reported improvements in body satisfaction and disordered eating, which they attributed in part to their yoga practice. It was determined that women who practice postural yoga have high levels of BS, BA, IE, and BR, but reasons for practicing yoga did not affect their scores on these measures. Qualities of mindfulness appeared to influence eating habits and self-image. Dietetics professionals may consider yoga an adjunct therapy when introducing mindful eating to disordered eating populations.