Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Estey, Esther E. E

Titel

Efficacy of Eat Breathe Thrive: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Yoga-Based Program

Ort / Verlag

ProQuest Dissertations Publishing

Erscheinungsjahr

2020

Link zum Volltext

Quelle

Applied Social Sciences Index & Abstracts (ASSIA)

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Recently, the field of eating disorders (EDs) and body image has shifted away from the investigation of risk factors, and towards examination of interventions that promote protective mechanisms which facilitate positive ways of living in the body. Emergent literature suggests that these positive mechanisms can be cultivated through yoga. This study examined the efficacy of Eat Breathe Thrive (EBT), a mindfulness and yoga-based program which aims to prevent EDs and support embodiment. Adults from a large community sample in the US and UK, between the ages of 18-65, were randomly allocated to a 2.5 hour, 7-week EBT program or waitlist-control condition. Compared to controls, participants who attended EBT experienced significantly greater functionality appreciation, embodied connection with self and others, mindful self-care, mindful eating, and use of instrumental support as an adaptive coping strategy. They also reported significantly lower levels of ED symptoms, difficulties in emotion regulation, PTSD, depression, and trait anxiety, as well as reduced use of self-blame to cope. Effects on aspects of embodiment were sustained at a 4-month follow-up. No significant changes were observed in social and family-related loneliness, substance use, or other types of coping. The majority of participants rated the program favorably. Further, findings reveal that yoga dosage and ongoing use of program practices matter in terms of change in embodiment. Directions for future research on EBT are proposed. The results of this study provide support for the efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of an integrated yoga intervention that fosters positive ways of inhabiting the body.