Effects Of Yoga On Caregiver Stress And Feelings Towards Caregiving

Abstract

This research addressed the issues of caregiver stress and feelings towards caregiving.
The following research questions were addressed: 1) Do caregivers who participate in
yoga exercises feel less stress about their caregiving duties? 2) Do caregivers who
participate in yoga view their caregiving duties as a more positive experience than
caregivers who do not participate in yoga? 3) Is the relationship between stress level and
positive feelings different between the yoga and non- yoga participants? A total of 21
participants had an equal chance of being selected to participate in either a yoga group or
a non-yoga group. The subjects in the yoga group participated in a 6 week yoga class,
while the members of the non-yoga group participated in a 6 week nutrition class.
Overall, caregiver stress decreased in both groups. Also, positive feelings towards
caregiving increased in both groups. It is recommended that caregivers break their routine
and engage in an activity that is not physically or mentally demanding, such as walking,
talking with a friend, reading a book, or yoga.

Date of Award	2013
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Jacquelyn Frank (Supervisor)