Trauma Sensitive Yoga as a complementary treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: A Qualitative Descriptive analysis.
Jennifer West, Belle Liang, Joseph Spinazzola
International Journal of Stress Management July 4, 2016 DOI: 10.1037/str0000040 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 31 |
| Population | Adult women with PTSD related to chronic childhood trauma |
| Intervention | Trauma Sensitive Yoga |
| Duration | 10-week class |
| Topics | Meditation PTSD |
| Keywords | Yoga Posttraumatic stress disorder Childhood abuse Personal growth |
| Key findings | Participants in a 10-week Trauma Sensitive Yoga class described perceived changes organized around five themes: Gratitude and compassion, Relatedness, Acceptance, Centeredness, and Empowerment. The authors propose hatha yoga as a promising complementary treatment that supports personal growth as well as symptom reduction. |
Abstract
Research on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and chronic childhood abuse has revealed that traditional trauma treatments often fail to fully address the complicated symptom presentation, including the somatic complaints, loss of awareness of one's emotional and physical being in the present moment, and overall lack of integration between the self and the body. The mindfulness-based intervention of hatha yoga shows promise as a complementary treatment, and focuses on personal growth in addition to symptom reduction. This qualitative study explored the experiences of thirty-one adult women with PTSD related to chronic childhood trauma who participated in a 10-week Trauma Sensitive Yoga class, specifically examining perceived changes in symptoms and personal growth. Five themes were identified that reflect participants' feelings of Gratitude and compassion, Relatedness, Acceptance, Centeredness, and Empowerment. Results and implications for research and clinical work are presented.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on PTSD, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 8
- Mindfulness-Based Processes of Healing for Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine May 7, 2018
- Efficacy of yoga for posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Psychiatry Research October 1, 2024
- The experience of yoga for persons with complex interpersonal trauma: A phenomenological approach. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice November 1, 2022
- Trauma-informed yoga for positive mental health: A qualitative study. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies September 1, 2025
- Posttraumatic growth following culturally grounded intervention among tribal young women with dissociative disorders in Sikkim: an interpretative phenomenological analysis Frontiers in Psychology September 1, 2026
and 3 more in the library
Cites 7
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Psychosomatic Medicine July 1, 2003
- Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders American Journal of Psychiatry July 1, 1992
- Yoga Breathing, Meditation, and Longevity Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences August 1, 2009
- Conceptualizing mindfulness and acceptance as components of psychological resilience to trauma. Trauma, violence & abuse October 1, 2011
and 2 more in the library