Being on the Mat: A Process Evaluation of Trauma-Informed Yoga for Women with Substance Use Disorders

Authors

Amy B. Smoyer, Southern Connecticut State UniversityFollow

Keywords

Yoga, women, substance use, qualitative, evaluation

Abstract

Yoga practice is associated with positive health outcomes, including benefits related to managing substance use disorders and trauma symptomology. However, low-income vulnerable communities have limited access to yoga. This process evaluation of a trauma-informed yoga program for women with substance use disorders demonstrates the feasibility and utility of using noncertified yoga instructors to offer a basic yoga in community-based agencies. Participants describe outcomes related to relaxation, mindfulness, and movement that are well-aligned with their recovery needs. Study findings suggest the utilization of instructors with minimal training has the potential to expand research about and access to yoga among marginalized communities.

Recommended Citation

Smoyer, Amy B. (2016) "Being on the Mat: A Process Evaluation of Trauma-Informed Yoga for Women with Substance Use Disorders," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 43: Iss. 4, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.4045
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol43/iss4/5