Social cognitive theory driven yoga intervention as a complementary therapy for clinical depression

Findings from the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System reveal that overall prevalence of current depressive symptoms in general population was 8.7% and lifetime diagnosis of depression was 15.7% making it a very common illness. Studies from Brazil, India, Taiwan and United States suggest that relaxation techniques including yoga are of benefit as complementary therapy in treatment of clinical depression. The purpose of this study is to test an innovative social cognitive theory driven yoga-based behavioral intervention as a complementary therapy for clinical depression and to compare it with a control group receiving usual and customary therapy. In a preliminary study with healthy volunteers, the social cognitive theory based yoga intervention of 75 minute sessions that taught low physical impact postures (asana), relaxation (shava asana), breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation (dhyana) over a period of six weeks has been developed and pilot-tested. The present study utilizes an experimental design extended over a period of six months. Participants recruited in the study had a score of 15 or more on Beck Depression Inventory suggesting moderate or severe depression. The primary dependent variables for comparison over time between experimental and control groups are: (1) the score on Beck Depression Inventory; (2) score on expectations for yoga; (3) score on self-efficacy for yoga; and (4) score of self control for yoga. The dependent variables are tested using the one between-groups and one within-subjects statistical design. Recommendations for developing and testing future interventions are presented.