The role of yoga as a therapeutic tool and practice for improving cognitive, emotional, and spiritual well being: A pilot study
by Martin, Kimberly M., Psy.D., ADLER SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY, 2009, 129 pages; 3394521

Abstract:

This study explored the utilization of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy (PRYT) as a therapeutic tool for improving emotional, cognitive, and spiritual wellbeing. Michael Lee, founder PRYT, has claimed that his eight week program includes cognitive, emotional and spiritual components which improve physical health and provide stress relief However, Lee's work has not been examined scientifically. While other forms of yoga have been shown to be beneficial in reducing symptoms of asthma, decreasing negative side effects of cancer, and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, minimal research has been conducted to examine yoga's effectiveness in improving emotional, cognitive, and spiritual wellbeing in individuals who have not been diagnosed with physical or mental illnesses. Yoga utilizes a mind-body approach which aims to improve an individual's wellbeing by lessening physical and mental pain. Specifically, PRYT included postural sequences, weekly themes, meditation and integration to balance one's self physically, emotionally, spiritually, and cognitively. Nine individuals completed this pilot study. Individuals self-selected participation in either a yoga (N=6) or control (N=3) group that did not engage in yoga. To examine whether PRYT was associated with changes in emotional, cognitive, and spiritual wellbeing, participants in both groups completed four questionnaires before, at midpoint, and at the end of the eight-week program. The Goal Disengagement Scale measured cognitive changes, and Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale measured emotional and cognitive changes. The Peace Scale, adapted from the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual-WellBeing Scale (FACIT-Sp), measured changes in spirituality. Lee's Bliss test measured changes in reported bliss. From measures completed before and after the intervention, compared to the control group, the yoga group improved in their ability to disengage from unattainable goals (F[1,7]=0.14; p=.032) and in their levels of Perceived Stress (F[1,7]=.08; p= .01). Statistical differences were approached on the Peace Scale. No statistical differences were noted on the Bliss test. Additional studies should be performed with a larger sample size to evaluate the benefits of PRYT as an alternate form of therapy for individuals with psychological needs. The small sample size and low observed power likely contributed to the nonsignificant results seen in many of the comparisons.

 
AdviserJanna Henning
SchoolADLER SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
SourceDAI/B 71-02, p. , Mar 2010
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsMental health; Clinical psychology; Spirituality; Physiological psychology
Publication Number3394521
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