Yoga as an intervention for stress: a meta-analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT The escalating stress epidemic in modern society has raised concerns about its impact on physical and mental health, prompting the need for effective interventions. Yoga, a multifaceted mind–body practice, has gained recognition for its potential in mitigating perceived stress. Our meta-analysis aimed to estimate yoga’s impact on lowering perceived stress as measured by the Perceived Stress Scale. We identified 36 studies meeting inclusion criteria and found a statistically significant moderate effect of yoga on reducing perceived stress (g = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.29-0.66). Our analysis uncovered substantial heterogeneity (Q = 117.33, p < .001), with 74.90% of the variation in effect sizes attributed to study characteristics. In planned moderator analyses, we hypothesised that yoga with breathwork, relaxation, high stress symptoms, greater number of hours practiced, and studies conducted in India would yield larger effects. Stress severity was shown to be statistically significant. However, the remaining hypotheses were not supported. Additionally, we examined five exploratory moderator variables, which did not yield significant results. Further research is needed to elucidate the source of heterogeneity across studies and reveal recommendations for specific populations.