Yoga for Mental Health After Intimate Partner Abuse

(SOAR Trial)

This trial explores whether a special yoga program, Culturally-Tailored, Trauma-Informed Yoga (CT-TIY), can improve mental health for Black and Brown women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). The study aims to determine if this yoga is safe, easy to adhere to, and if it enhances well-being, empowerment, and resilience. Participants will either join this yoga program or receive general support resources, with the research comparing the outcomes. Women of color who have experienced IPV and are willing to participate in the study procedures may be a good fit for this trial. As a Phase 1 trial, the research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants a chance to be among the first to experience this innovative approach.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on yoga and support services, so it's likely you can continue your medications, but you should confirm with the trial organizers.

Research has shown that trauma-informed yoga can be a safe option for people recovering from intimate partner violence. Studies have found that yoga, when combined with traditional mental health treatments, is generally well-received. In one study involving 526 women who survived domestic violence, participants reported feeling less stressed after practicing trauma-informed yoga. Another study found that yoga as an additional treatment can have positive effects without major side effects. These findings suggest that the culturally-tailored, trauma-informed yoga program in the trial is expected to be safe for participants.¹²³⁴⁵

Unlike standard treatments for mental health after intimate partner abuse, which often involve counseling or medication, Culturally-Tailored, Trauma-Informed Yoga (CT-TIY) offers a holistic approach that combines physical movement with mindfulness. This yoga program is specially designed to be sensitive to the cultural backgrounds and trauma experiences of participants, making it a personalized form of care. Researchers are excited about CT-TIY because it could provide a safe space for survivors to heal physically and emotionally, potentially offering benefits that traditional methods might not fully address.

Research has shown that trauma-informed yoga (TIY) can benefit individuals who have experienced intimate partner violence. A review found that TIY helps individuals feel calm and improves emotional well-being without triggering past trauma. Other studies indicate that TIY can enhance mental health by increasing feelings of empowerment and resilience. These benefits are particularly evident in survivors of domestic violence, suggesting that this approach could aid in mental health recovery for this group. In this trial, participants will join either the Culturally-Tailored, Trauma-Informed Yoga (CT-TIY) group, which involves 15 weekly sessions of the SOAR yoga program, or the Enhanced Care as Usual (ECU) group, which includes referral to a domestic violence provider and the Futures without Violence General Health Safety Card. This evidence supports the idea that culturally tailored, trauma-informed yoga might enhance psychological well-being and overall quality of life for those who have faced intimate partner abuse.¹³⁶⁷⁸