Dr Alison Bennetts

2022

Background

In recent years, interest in yoga as an alternative way to improve psychological wellbeing (feeling good and functioning efficiently) has risen. Some literature has explored the physical benefits of yoga through presentations and settings. Although much of the interest in yoga has previously been on its physical benefits, there could be psychological benefits too.

This Study

This paper explores how yoga might support psychological wellbeing. Yoga could lower distress and improve wellbeing across clinical and non-clinical populations. Yoga and talking therapy may have similar features. The effect of yoga and talking therapy on “transdiagnostic processes” (processes involved in the risks or maintenance of psychological wellbeing) need to be compared. A new model is suggested which demonstrates how the practice of yoga is associated with therapeutic processes. Future investigations could support yoga as an intervention in clinical practice. 

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