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Yoga and the Healing of Interpersonal Trauma: A Qualitative Meta-Analysis

Dr. Ashley Gulden

As a counseling psychologist dedicated to supporting parents, caregivers, and individuals affected by trauma, staying informed by the latest research is a core part of my commitment to providing the best possible care. I make it a priority to continuously learn and engage in research that directly enhances my counseling practice. I invite you to explore my latest publication (see abstract below), and if you’re ready to begin our work together, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m looking forward to creating a supportive space for you.

Abstract
Although emerging research indicates that yoga facilitates healing from interpersonal trauma, consensus is lacking as to yoga’s main facilitative factors. To address this limitation, we employed qualitative meta-analysis to analyze data from six qualitative studies (n = 105) that examined the healing agents of yoga that facilitated recovery from interpersonal trauma. The analysis process included coding data from each study and analyzing codes across all of the studies to derive meta-categories. Three researchers engaged in dual-level analyses (i.e., both inductive and deductive) to support
consistency, address any inconsistencies, and develop a consensus. We identified and categorized six meta-categories based on the original 45 themes from the six studies and found differing levels of convergence across the studies. Meta-categories with high levels of convergence included (1) stabilization: coping strategies to reduce trauma-related symptoms; (2) authenticity, inner attunement, and self-acceptance; (3) equanimity: calming the mind and mindfulness; and (4) community: reduced isolation through safe connection with others. Our findings offer a more integrated, comprehensive, and consolidated understanding of the specific ways yoga can facilitate recovery from interpersonal trauma and demonstrate how qualitative meta-analysis methodology can tie together the richness of similar, stand-alone qualitative studies. 

Full citation for article:

Ong, I., Gulden, A., Jennings, L., & Page, M. (2023). Yoga and the Healing of Interpersonal Trauma: A Qualitative Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 33.