Psychosocial Determinants of Attending Yoga Classes

The Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991) is used to predict the intentions of attending a yoga class. Yoga students completed a questionnaire that measured frequency, demographics, quality of life, mood, beliefs, outcomes, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intentions of attending at least one yoga class each week for the next three months. Regression analysis measured theoretical constructs were highly related to intention of attending a yoga class. Regression analysis also revealed information about which beliefs were correlated with global constructs of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention. Consistent with the theory attitude and perceived behavioral control were both significantly correlated with intention (r = 0.413 and r= 0.598 respectively), but subjective norm was not. Behavioral beliefs that were highly related to attitude and intention included feeling relaxed, centered, more flexible, and a sense of accomplishment from attending at least one yoga class each week (p < 0.01). A significant control belief associated with perceived behavioral control and intention was “knowing I will feel better” after attending (p < 0.01). Overall specific beliefs were identified that a significantly related to individuals to attend yoga classes on a regular basis.