Title
Interpersonal trauma survivors' experiences of healing through yoga
Department/School
Psychology, Professional
Date of this version
2016
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Trauma is ubiquitous in our society; therefore, it is important to explore how individuals cultivate healing after traumatic experiences. Yoga may be one avenue to cultivate healing. Qualitative methods were employed to study the role yoga practice played in the healing process of those who experienced interpersonal trauma. Eleven interpersonal trauma survivors who practiced yoga regularly were identified through a criterion sampling method. Data analysis revealed that the emphasis of yoga on mind and physical body fostered numerous positive outcomes, such as spiritual growth, self-acceptance, alleviation of trauma-related symptoms, and increased feelings of self-compassion, empowerment, and serenity. Our findings suggest that yoga may be helpful to regain mental and physical health, foster wellbeing, and cultivate personal growth after interpersonal trauma.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.17761/1531-2054-26.1.21
Volume
26
Issue
1
Published in
International Journal of Yoga Therapy
Citation/Other Information
Gulden, A. W., & Jennings, L. (2016). How Yoga Helps Heal Interpersonal Trauma: Perspectives and Themes from 11 Interpersonal Trauma Survivors. International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 26(1), 21-31. https://doi.org/10.17761/1531-2054-26.1.21