"Smoking Does Not Go With Yoga:" A Qualitative Study of Women's Phenomenological Perceptions During Yoga and Smoking Cessation.
Rochelle K. Rosen, Herpreet Thind, Ernestine Jennings, Kate M. Guthrie, David M Williams, Beth C Bock
International Journal of Yoga Therapy January 2016 DOI: 10.17761/1531-2054-26.1.33 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study (focus groups nested within a pilot randomized controlled trial) Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 20 |
| Population | Women who participated in a pilot randomized controlled trial of yoga as a complementary therapy for smoking cessation |
| Intervention | Vinyasa yoga |
| Duration | 8-week intervention; focus groups conducted post-intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Qualitative research Smoking cessation Vinyasa yoga |
| Key findings | Participants described vinyasa yoga as physically challenging and most reported deliberately using yogic breathing to cope with cigarette craving and stress. They also perceived relaxation, increased body awareness, and greater wellbeing, and viewed yoga as positive and potentially helpful for quitting smoking. |
Abstract
Smoking cessation is often accompanied by withdrawal symptoms, cigarette craving, increased negative affect, and increased experience of stress. Because yoga has been shown to reduce stress and negative affect, it may be an effective aid to smoking cessation. The objective of this study was to examine women's phenomenological experiences of vinyasa yoga as part of a smoking cessation program. Focus groups were conducted post-intervention with women (n = 20) who participated in a pilot randomized controlled trial of yoga as a complementary therapy for smoking cessation. The 8-week vinyasa yoga intervention included twice weekly 60-minute classes that involved breathing exercises, postures (asanas), and relaxation techniques. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis focused on descriptions of yoga, breathing, and bodily sensations including cigarette craving. Focus group participants described vinyasa yoga as physically challenging. Most reported deliberate use of yogic breathing to cope with cigarette craving and stress. Other perceived effects included relaxation and an increased sense of body awareness and wellbeing. Participants viewed yoga as positive and potentially helpful for quitting smoking. Yoga may be an effective adjunct for smoking cessation.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 9
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Mechanisms of mindfulness Journal of Clinical Psychology December 29, 2005
- Self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-transcendence (S-ART): a framework for understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of mindfulness Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2012
- Mindful attention reduces neural and self-reported cue-induced craving in smokers Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience November 22, 2011
- A narrative review of yoga and mindfulness as complementary therapies for addiction. Complementary Therapies in Medicine June 1, 2013
and 4 more in the library