In 2017, Uebelacker, et. al., controlled trial investigating the efficacy of yoga for depression, researchers sought to gain a comprehensive understanding of the experiences of depressed individuals participating in a 10-week hatha yoga intervention. This article presents the qualitative analysis of responses provided by participants enrolled in the yoga classes, focusing on their perceptions of the program and its potential benefits.

Participants were randomly assigned to either a 10-week hatha yoga class or a health education control group. The present study exclusively analyzes the responses of participants engaged in yoga classes. At baseline, participants exhibited a moderate level of depression symptom severity. Following the completion of the yoga program, participants were asked to provide written responses to open-ended questions, exploring their likes, dislikes, perceived effectiveness, and newfound knowledge. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the qualitative data.

The thematic analysis revealed several elements of the yoga classes that contributed to increased acceptability among depressed individuals. Participants emphasized the importance of instructors who fostered a non-competitive and non-judgmental atmosphere, possessed extensive knowledge, and offered individualized attention. Additionally, instructors who demonstrated kindness and warmth were highly valued. Integrating depression-related themes into the classes, teaching mindfulness techniques, providing guidance on breathwork, and offering strategies to incorporate yoga into daily life were identified as effective ways to target depression. The participants’ feedback reinforced the significance of mindfulness aspects, such as present-moment awareness and self-acceptance, as potential mechanisms of action in yoga’s impact on depression. Furthermore, the use of yogic breathing practices in everyday life and the underlying biological mechanisms were also highlighted as potential contributors to the positive outcomes of yoga.

This study shed light on the perceptions and experiences of persistently depressed individuals who participated in a 10-week hatha yoga program as part of a larger trial on yoga for depression. The findings underscored the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment, where instructors prioritize individual needs and promote mindfulness practices. By incorporating depression-specific content, teaching mindfulness techniques, and providing guidance on breathwork and home practice, yoga interventions can be tailored to effectively target depression symptoms. It is crucial, however, to address concerns regarding the physical demands of yoga, as some participants expressed apprehension about the difficulty level. Overall, these insights contribute to the understanding of the potential mechanisms through which hatha yoga may alleviate depression symptoms and inform the development of future yoga interventions for individuals with persistent depression.

Reference: Uebelacker, L. A., Kraines, M., Broughton, M. K., Tremont, G., Gillette, L. T., Epstein-Lubow, G., & Miller, I. W. (2017). Perceptions of hatha yoga amongst persistently depressed individuals enrolled in a trial of yoga for depression. Complementary therapies in medicine, 34, 149-155.