Program evaluation of trauma-informed yoga for vulnerable populations

Deanne C Tibbitts,Sue A Aicher,Judith Sugg,Kimberlee Handloser,Liz Eisman,Lauren D Booth,Ryan D Bradley

doi:10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2021.101946

Abstract

BackgroundTrauma 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. MethodsTrauma-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. ResultsStudents 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. ConclusionOur 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.

Highlights

Trauma results from an event that is temporarily overwhelming and exceptionally distressing, leaving lasting psychological symptoms (Briere & Scott, 2013)
While exposure to traumatic events can be found among the general population (Felitti et al, 1998; Kessler et al, 1995), it is highly prevalent among vulnerable populations, including those in the criminal (Carlson & Shafer, 2010; Jäggi et al, 2016; Salina et al, 2017) and juvenile justice systems (Abram et al, 2004; Dierkhising et al, 2013; McNair et al, 2019), those in treatment for alcohol or substance use (Giordano et al, 2016; Sanford et al, 2014; Simpson & Miller, 2002; Stewart, 1996; Wu et al, 2010), and those seeking mental health services (Cusack et al, 2006; Goodman et al, 1997; Mauritz et al, 2013)
The aims of the evaluation process were 1) to learn who is participating in the trauma-informed yoga program, 2) to assess the motivating factors for participating in trauma-informed yoga, and 3) to capture perceived changes in emotional and physical wellbeing from participating in trauma-informed yoga

Summary

Introduction

Trauma results from an event that is temporarily overwhelming and exceptionally distressing, leaving lasting psychological symptoms (Briere & Scott, 2013). A variety of mechanisms have been proposed to explain how yoga might improve trauma-related symptoms Proposed mechanisms include both psychological and physiological effects, such as increased body awareness (Justice et al, 2018), improved emotion regulation (Dick et al, 2014), reduced inflammation, and improved regulation of both the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal axis and the autonomic nervous system (Kelly et al, 2018). Trauma is highly prevalent among vulnerable populations, including those who are incarcerated, in treatment for substance use, or seeking mental health services. We conducted an evaluation of a trauma-informed yoga program to gain insight into participant experiences

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion