Yoga and self-compassion program for women survivors of violence

Adaptation and Pilot Study of Integrative Yoga and Mindful Self-Compassion (I-YMSC) to Improve Mood in Women Survivors of Interpersonal Violence

This study is testing a 12-week yoga and self-compassion program to see if it helps women who have survived violence feel better and reduce their stress.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 15 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: Female
• Sponsor: Butler Hospital (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Providence, Rhode Island)
• Trial ID: NCT06657950 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week program combining integrative hatha yoga and mindful self-compassion for women who have survived interpersonal violence. A total of 15 participants will be enrolled in this open trial, where they will engage in yoga practices and self-compassion exercises designed to improve their mood and reduce distress. The study will assess the participants' experiences and outcomes through various questionnaires and self-reported measures. The approach emphasizes community engagement and tailored interventions for this vulnerable population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women aged 18-65 who have experienced interpersonal violence and report significant distress.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to participate in physical activity or are currently pregnant may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve mood and reduce distress in women who have experienced interpersonal violence.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches using yoga and mindfulness have shown promise in other studies, this specific adaptation for women survivors of interpersonal violence is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Female
2. Ages 18-65
3. Report having experienced interpersonal violence (defined to include all forms throughout the lifespan, confirmed with the Trauma History Questionnaire (THQ\])
4. Report being distressed, defined by a score of \>5 on the Kessler-6 screener
5. Speak and understand English well enough to understand questionnaires when they are read aloud
6. Have access to a telephone through owning one, a relative/friend, or an agency
7. Have access to a device that will support use of the video platform we are using to conduct assessments and for home practice yoga video sessions

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Inability to be physically active, determined by a score \>1 on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) and physician non-consent of participation
2. Planned surgery in next 6 months, as this would interfere with study participation
3. Pregnancy, as yoga should be modified for pregnancy

   Women who meet criteria for the following:
4. Current mania as determined by the Diagnostic Interview for Anxiety, Mood, and OCD and Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders (DIAMOND)
5. Lifetime history of psychotic disorders (DIAMOND)
6. Current probable severe substance use disorder (DIAMOND)
7. Current diagnosis of anorexia nervosa or history in past year (DIAMOND)
8. Moderate or high risk for suicide on the adapted Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale screen version-recent (C-SSRS) and/or endorsement of suicidal plan/intent in the past 3 months
9. Non-stable course of psychiatric treatments (medication, psychotherapy) for the last 8 weeks
10. Plan to move from the area in the next 6 months, as this may preclude study participation given enrollment timeframes
11. Self-report of experiencing intimate partner violence currently or within past six months (assessed by the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale 2 \[R-CTS2\]), as this would require a different type of intervention
12. Current weekly yoga practice or current participation in mindfulness-based programming, as these are the study interventions

Where this trial is running

Providence, Rhode Island

• Butler Hospital — Providence, Rhode Island, United States (Recruiting)

Conditions Distress