Yoga Participant's Uses of Yoga and Its Associations to Body Image, Self-esteem, and Quality of Life

Abstract

Spiritual and physical activities, including yoga, increase body image, self-esteem, and quality of life. Traditionally, yoga is both a spiritual and physical activity. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is an association between yoga and body image, self-esteem, and quality of life in individuals who engage in yoga. 180 participants took a cross-sectional online survey, which was conducted through UM-Flint's email and the social media website, Facebook. Furthermore, demographic and any effects were examined. The results demonstrated an association between yoga and body image, self-esteem, and quality of life levels for participants. A majority of the participant's had high body image, self-esteem, and quality of life levels. There were no satistically significant differences between the use of yoga (Physical or Physical and Spiritual) group's body image, self-esteem, or quality of life levels. Future implications for the use of these findings are discussed.