Effect of Yoga on Psychological and Emotion Regulation among Women Prisoners: A Pilot, Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Given the stress of imprisonment and isolation from families, the women prisoners are subjected to increased anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. Due to these negative outcomes, it is imperative to find efficient nonpharmacological interventions. Yoga improves mental health in both correctional settings and the general population. Studies conducted on the mental health of female prison inmates are scarce. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was used and instigated on 76 women prisoners with moderate-to-severe stress levels, randomly allocated into Group 1 (n = 36) and Group 2 (n = 40). Group 1 was taught with 90 min of Integrated Approach of Yoga Therapy and Group 2 was taught with 90 min of free choice physical exercise for 15 days. Assessments were taken before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) adjusting for the baseline differences. Results: Significant difference in effect was found between the groups in the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), emotion regulation questionnaire, and positive and negative affect questionnaire schedule (PANAS). Within group analysis demonstrated improved scores in all psychological constructs in the yoga group. Although some constructs also shown significant changes in the control group, the effect size was less when compared to the yoga group. Conclusion: Yoga can be administered in the prison setting daily to maintain the mental health of the women prisoners.