Mindfulness, self-compassion, anxiety and depression measures in South Australian yoga participants: implications for designing a yoga intervention.
Nicole Snaith, Tim Schultz, Michael Proeve, Philippa Rasmussen
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice August 2018 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.05.009 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | South Australian yoga teachers and students |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Mental health Yoga |
| Key findings | Longer yoga practice was associated with higher mindfulness and self-compassion and lower depression, anxiety, and stress scores. Mindfulness and self-compassion were significantly higher with two or more classes per week, and mindfulness was higher in those with a regular meditation practice. The authors argue these factors should inform the design of yoga interventions for anxiety and depression. |
Abstract
The aim of the study was to examine the demographic and practice characteristics of current yoga participants and assess their levels of mindfulness, self-compassion, stress, anxiety, depression and wellbeing and implications for designing a yoga intervention. A web-based survey was administered to South Australian yoga teachers and students from September 2014 to February 2015. Results showed a positive correlation with mindfulness and self-compassion and negative correlation with Depression, Anxiety and Stress scores with months of practice. Mindfulness and self-compassion scores were significantly higher with two or more classes per week and mindfulness higher in those with a regular meditation practice. Key findings indicate that class frequency, practice experience and meditation practice are important factors in designing a yoga intervention examining mindfulness and mental health. Findings provide important information for guiding development of a yoga intervention for anxiety and depression.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychological flexibility mediates the relations between acute psychedelic effects and subjective decreases in depression and anxiety. International sample of people who reported having used a psychedelic | 2020 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 985 |
| The Challenging Experience Questionnaire: Characterization of challenging experiences with psilocybin mushrooms Internet survey respondents reporting challenging experiences with psilocybin | 2016 | Questionnaire development and validation | |
| Psychedelics and Mental Health: A Population Study Adult population in the United States | 2013 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 130,152 |
| Ecstasy/MDMA attributed problems reported by novice, moderate and heavy recreational users Ecstasy users who participated in a WWW study of recreational drug use | 2002 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 282 |
| 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) used in a naturalistic group setting is associated with unintended improvements in depression and anxiety. Adults who used 5-MeO-DMT in a group setting with structured procedures | 2019 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 362 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Twelve-Week Yoga vs. Aerobic Cycling Initiation in Sedentary Healthy Subjects: A Behavioral and Multiparametric Interventional PET/MR Study Frontiers in Psychiatry October 18, 2021
- INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP OF YOGA TRANSFORMATION EFFECT ON LEVELS OF DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, STRESS AND MINDFULNES IN INDIVIDUALS PLAYING YOGA The Online Journal of Recreation and Sport September 23, 2023
- Comprehensive review on the benefits and physiological basis of yoga. World journal of methodology June 20, 2026
- Participation in a yoga intervention is associated with improved mental health among Latinx adolescents. Stress and Health August 2023
- A Mixed-Methods Study Protocol for Soma Experiencing Motion Program (Soma e-motion Program): The Effectiveness of Contemplative Movement for Emotion Regulation. Psychiatry Investigation June 24, 2021
and 1 more in the library
Cites 7
- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
- Mindfulness and self-compassion as predictors of psychological wellbeing in long-term meditators and matched nonmeditators The Journal of Positive Psychology April 11, 2012
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Zen Meditation for Depression, Anxiety, Pain, and Psychological Distress Journal of Psychiatric Practice July 1, 2012
- Yoga in Australia: Results of a national survey. International Journal of Yoga July 2012
- What are the benefits of mindfulness? A practice review of psychotherapy-related research. Psychotherapy June 2011
and 2 more in the library