Behavioral and Psychophysiological Effects of a Yoga Intervention on High-Risk Adolescents: A Randomized Control Trial

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“…Specifically, mindful awareness in yoga may reduce negative cognitive rumination through a promotion of adaptive thinking and a corresponding decrease in repetitive negative thoughts and ruminations [3,5,6,32]. In order to support the use of adaptive and effective cognitions during the physical practice of yoga, the YIS-TIY approach delivers yoga sessions using a set of 12 principles for growth that are based on the body of trauma and yoga literature ( Table 2).…”

“…Increasing the likelihood of internalization and effectiveness, the 12 principles are consistently delivered across yoga teachers and sessions to provide a positive cognitive framework for addressing challenge and growth [3,40]. The third aspect of the embodied, cognitive-relational framework, relational attunement, refers to the presence and responsiveness of the yoga teacher.…”

“…For example, students in a trauma-sensitive program reported being able to feel calm in stressful situations as a result of their yoga practice [12]. It is theorized that yoga practice may help cultivate self-regulation via the development of the neurological circuits that integrate emotion awareness, cognitive control over the physiological stress response, and contextual cognitive processes [3]. Accordingly, the YIS-TIY approach emphasizes the development of self-regulation through the principles and practices of grounding (i.e., utilizing the body as a source for connection, guidance, and coping), choice (i.e., engage in intentional action that serve one's present moment safety and longer term goals), ownership (i.e., taking responsibility for the creating the conditions in which one can be safe and grow), and sustainability.…”

“…Yoga is defined as a mind/body practice comprised of physical postures (asanas), breath work, meditation, and relaxation [1][2][3][4][5]. Through the teaching and practice of yoga, yoga teachers facilitate an experience of positive embodiment that promotes mindfulness awareness, self-regulation, and physical fitness [1,4,6].…”

“…Further, yoga is increasingly used to enhance outcomes for those with mental health challenges including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [5,[9][10][11][12]. As celebrated in both academic and popular press, yoga-for-trauma classes are being offered in urban, high poverty areas; in high risk, risk poverty schools; for veterans; and within substance use and mental health rehabilitations centers [3,6,13]. For these reasons, there has been a growing need for a theoretical and empirically grounded approach to support effective and safe provision of yoga to potentially vulnerable populations [6,14].…”