Beahvioral Determinants of Yoga Participation: A qualitative inquiry

Background. While there is evidence that regular participation in yoga provides health benefits, less is known about the factors underlying people's decisions to practice yoga regularly. The purpose of this theory-based qualitative research was to identify the salient beliefs about attending a yoga class at least once a week among individuals who had attended in the previous three months. Method. Open-ended interviews were conducted with 24 students attending yoga classes at five studios in a small Midwestern city. Six open-ended questions asked: two to elicit behavioral beliefs; two to elicit salient social referents; and two to elicit circumstances. Content analysis was conducted to reveal categories of responses; frequency analysis identified frequently mentioned responses. Results. The most frequently mentioned consequences of attending yoga class at least once a week were becoming relaxed, socializing with friends, and becoming centered. Spouse/partner, family, and friends were the most frequently mentioned social referents who might approve or disapprove. The most frequently mentioned circumstances were personal schedule, location/parking, and class time. Implications. These results suggest that there are common reasons for individuals to be able attend at least one yoga class each week. There is an emerging theme of quality of life and well-being. Individuals who attended more classes reported more responses related to well-being items such as becoming relaxed and centered. Quantitative research with close-ended items based on this qualitative analysis and a larger sample will be conducted to identify which of these behavioral determinants might be associated with more regular attendance at yoga classes.