Trauma-Sensitive Yoga: A Collective Case Study of Women’s Trauma Recovery from Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

More than 1 in 3 women in the United States experience intimate partner violence (IPV) and many of them develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma-sensitive yoga (TSY), a structured, body-oriented yoga practice, has been reported for its potential to ameliorate PTSD symptoms. The purpose of the study was to examine adult female IPV survivors’ experiences of recovery from IPV and trauma as facilitated by an 8-week TSY intervention using a collective case study research design. Participants ages 26 to 52 from diverse ethnic backgrounds participated in the study’s 4 phases. Measures used include the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale–5, Subjective Units of Distress Scale, pre- and post-interviews, and observations. Analyses reflected a moderate change in participants’ PTSD scores attributed to the TSY intervention. Collective themes that emerged include physiological, emotional, and spiritual benefits. Although exploratory, the study illuminates the potential efficacy of TSY for facilitating multifaceted trauma recovery.

Keywords:

• Collective case study
• intimate partner violence (IPV)
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• trauma recovery
• trauma-sensitive yoga (TSY)

Additional information

Funding

This article is part of a dissertation study that was partially funded by a grant from the Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International.

Notes on contributors

Isabelle Ong

Isabelle Ong is an Assistant Professor who is at the Psychological Studies department in the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University. Dr. Ong’s research interests include trauma work in counseling counselor education, and supervision, domestic violence, social justice, multiculturalism, and advocacy. She is particularly interested in using the expressive art therapies, somatic therapies, and integrative treatment modalities such as yoga and mindfulness in promoting healing and well-being from the postmodern and feminist theoretical perspectives.

Craig S. Cashwell

Craig S. Cashwell is Professor and Chair of the Department of Counseling and Educational Development at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Dr. Cashwell studies the competent and ethical integration of spirituality into the counseling process and the impact of trauma and developmental neglect on emotion regulation.

Holly A. Downs

Holly A. Downs is a Senior Research and Evaluation Scientist at the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, North Carolina. Dr. Downs studies leadership and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs delivered via traditional, hybrid and virtual learning environments with myriad audiences. She is particularly interested in how artificial intelligence technologies and assessments are used and can impact learning.