A Qualitative Study Examining the Lived Experiences of Stress Among Female Sexual Assault Survivors in an 8-Week Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Intervention

Evidence supports trauma-sensitive yoga's (TSY) efficacy, but little is known about participant processes in TSY. This qualitative study's purpose was to examine the lived stress experiences of sexual assault survivors in an 8-week TSY intervention. Data were collected as part of an embedded mixed-methods design testing the intervention. Licensed Clinical Social Workers-Registered Yoga Teachers facilitated the intervention which is grounded in evidence from the Trauma Center at the Justice Research Institute TSY and Herman's model of trauma therapy. Participants (n = 23 women) provided a rationale for their level of stress via check-in/check-out sheets at the beginning and close of each group meeting. Analysis followed a constant comparative approach and was conducted in Atlas-ti over a series of five steps. Findings indicate three umbrella themes: stress with four subthemes, sense of wellbeing with eight subthemes, and group effects with three subthemes. Implications of the study suggest that survivors were processing stress experiences, emotions, and integrating skills and concepts across the 8-week TSY group. Findings suggest different stressors experienced by sexual assault survivors in a TSY group as well as experiences that connect them with their bodies and minds. Further study is required for generalizable and definitive statements to be made about sexual assault survivors' experiences while participating in a TSY.