Breast cancer survivors' perception of yoga practice from engagement to identity transformation: A qualitative study

This presentation highlights the meaning, sensations, and utility of yoga in relation to coping with breast cancer. Data from a qualitative study generate a narrative account of themes identifying four stages of yoga commitment and eight independent variables that facilitate engagement, and subsequently determine the degree of progression and integration of yoga into one's life. Important constructs from social cognitive, planned behavior, and transtheoretical theories are found to be salient within the study's context, but no one theory sufficiently explicates the themes that emerge. Principles of structural symbolic interactionism and identity theory are similarly identified that explain aspects of the findings. In the final analysis, where health behavior theories fall short, concepts of identity theory complete an explanation of the transitions that occur. All the constituents that facilitate behavior change also foster the interpersonal interactions and shared meanings that are internalized and ultimately impact perceptions, cognitions, and identity. Combining constructs from both behavior change and identity theories represents a new emergent theory that more accurately reflects the observed mechanisms and prevailing themes. Expressions of gratitude, contentment, and optimism are framed around one's relationship with yoga as it fosters a sense of mastery, builds self-esteem, and restores a sense of control. It evokes feelings of tranquility and triggers a self-assessment, heightening awareness of profound pre-morbid levels of stress in many cases. Women bear witness to increased physical capacity, improvements in emotional well-being, a growing social support system, an unforeseen spiritual journey, and a gradual personal transformation as constraints are lifted.