How does yoga reduce stress? A systematic review of mechanisms of change and guide to future inquiry

Riley, Kristen E.; Park, Crystal L.

doi:10.1080/17437199.2014.981778

Cited by 287Mindfulness and Compassion InterventionsStress Responses and CortisolPhysical Activity and Health

How does yoga reduce stress? A systematic review of mechanisms of change and guide to future inquiry

Riley, Kristen E., Park, Crystal L.·2015·Health Psychology Review

DOI 10.1080/17437199.2014.981778

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Abstract

Yoga is increasingly used in clinical settings for a variety of mental and physical health issues, particularly stress-related illnesses and concerns, and has demonstrated promising efficacy. Yet the ways in which yoga reduces stress remain poorly understood. To examine the empirical evidence regarding the mechanisms through which yoga reduces stress, we conducted a systematic review of the literature, including any yoga intervention that measured stress as a primary dependent variable and tested a mechanism of the relationship with mediation. Our electronic database search yielded 926 abstracts, of which 71 were chosen for further inspection and 5 were selected for the final systematic review. These five studies examined three psychological mechanisms (positive affect, mindfulness and self-compassion) and four biological mechanisms (posterior hypothalamus, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein and cortisol). Positive affect, self-compassion, inhibition of the posterior hypothalamus and salivary cortisol were all shown to mediate the relationship between yoga and stress. It is striking that the literature describing potential mechanisms is growing rapidly, yet only seven mechanisms have been empirically examined; more research is necessary. Also, future research ought to include more rigorous methodology, including sufficient power, study randomisation and appropriate control groups.

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From Embodied Cognition in Meditation, Yoga, and Ethics—An Experimental Single-Case Study on the Differential Effects of Four Mind–Body Treatments (2022) · cites this paper as [25]

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The Relationship Between Yoga and Spirituality: A Systematic Review of Empirical Research
Csala, B., Springinsfeld, C. M., & Köteles, F. G. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.695939 · Cited by 74 · see citing works
“In addition, numerous studies and reviews have reported on the effects of yoga practice on positive mental health, such as mindfulness, resilience, affect, happiness, well-being, satisfactions with life, self-compassion, and social relationships (Ross et al., 2013; Riley and Park, 2015; Hendriks et al., 2017; Domingue…”
Background
Effectiveness of Workplace Yoga Interventions to Reduce Perceived Stress in Employees: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Valle, E. D., Palermi, S., Aloe, I., Marcantonio, R., Spera, R., Montagnani, S., & Sirico, F. (2020) · Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology · doi:10.3390/jfmk5020033 · Cited by 79 · see citing works
“Previous studies [23,24] have proved the effectiveness of Yoga in changing some physiological parameters associated to stress, like hematic level of cortisol, reduction of systolic blood pressure and heart rate.”
Background
How does yoga reduce stress? A clinical trial testing psychological mechanisms
Park, C. L., Finkelstein‐Fox, L., Sacco, S. J., Braun, T. D., & Lazar, S. W. (2020) · Stress and Health · doi:10.1002/smi.2977 · Cited by 71 · see citing works
“To date, surprisingly few studies have focused on identifying the mechanisms through which yoga reduces stress (Riley & Park, 2015), and of those, most lacked adequate sample sizes, time frames and theoretical bases.”
Background
Mindfulness-Based and Mindfulness-Informed Interventions at the Workplace: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis of RCTs
Michaelsen, M. M., Graser, J., Onescheit, M., Tuma, M. P., Werdecker, L., Pieper, D., & Esch, T. (2023) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-023-02130-7 · Cited by 70 · see citing works
“We thereby followed the description of the authors of the original studies, rather than following the literature on, for example, the mechanisms of yoga or other interventions (such as Riley & Park, 2015).”
A conceptual model describing mechanisms for how yoga practice may support positive embodiment
Cox, A. E., & Tylka, T. L. (2020) · Eating Disorders · doi:10.1080/10640266.2020.1740911 · Cited by 67 · see citing works
“Self-compassion has been investigated as a potential mechanism explaining the relationships between yoga participation and stress (Gard et al., 2012; Riley & Park, 2015), body appreciation, and lower body surveillance (Cox et al., 2019).”
Background
The Contribution of Complementary and Alternative Medicine to Reduce Antibiotic Use: A Narrative Review of Health Concepts, Prevention, and Treatment Strategies
Baars, E. W., Zoen, E. B.-V., Breitkreuz, T., Martin, D. D., Matthes, H., von Schoen-Angerer, T., Soldner, G., Vagedes, J., van Wietmarschen, H., Patijn, O. N., et al. (2019) · Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine · doi:10.1155/2019/5365608 · Cited by 64 · see citing works
Yogic Breathing and Mindfulness as Stress Coping Mediate Positive Health Outcomes of Yoga
Tellhed, U., Daukantaitė, D., Maddux, R. E., Svensson, T., & Melander, O. (2019) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-019-01225-4 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
Effects of yoga-based interventions on cognitive function in healthy older adults: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Hoy, S., Östh, J., Pascoe, M. C., Kandola, A. A., & Hallgren, M. Å. (2021) · Complementary Therapies in Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102690 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
The effect of the yoga course on mindfulness and self‐compassion among nursing students
Erki̇n, Ö., & Aykar, F. Ş. (2020) · Perspectives In Psychiatric Care · doi:10.1111/ppc.12630 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
“26 Moreover, it was reported that yoga was practiced due to reasons such as flexibility (96.7%), relaxation (94.5%), inner peace (81.3%), being happy (68.1%), and spirituality (45.1%).”
Influential
Effect of Yoga on Psychological Functioning of Nursing Students: A Randomized Wait List Control Trial
Mathad, M. D. (2017) · JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH · doi:10.7860/jcdr/2017/26517.9833 · Cited by 59 · see citing works
What Has Neuroimaging Taught Us on the Neurobiology of Yoga? A Review
van Aalst, J., Ceccarini, J., Demyttenaere, K., Sunaert, S. G., & Laere, K. V. (2020) · Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnint.2020.00034 · Cited by 59 · see citing works
“Furthermore, improvement of depressive, anxious, and stressful states and relief in pain conditions has been demonstrated in several studies (Woolery et al., 2004; Cramer et al., 2013; Danucalov et al., 2013; Riley and Park, 2015; Wieland et al., 2017).”
Background
Role of yoga in stress management and implications in major depression disorder
Padmavathi, R., Kumar, A., Dhamodhini, K. S., Vijayakumar, V., Silambanan, S., Kuppusamy, M., & Shah, P. B. (2023) · Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100767 · Cited by 59 · see citing works
“Numerous biological mechanisms suggested that yoga may reduce stress which include the Autonomic nervous system (ANS), HPA axis, the peripheral nervous system including GABA, limbic system activity, endocrine functions and inflammatory responses [25].”
Background
Psychobiological mechanisms underlying the mood benefits of meditation: A narrative review
Pascoe, M. C., de Manincor, M., Tseberja, J., Hallgren, M. Å., Baldwin, P. A., & Parker, A. G. (2021) · Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology · doi:10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100037 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
“Based on the evidence reviewed, we suggest that meditation-based practices can decrease stress reactivity, resulting in overall improved health and wellbeing [157].”
Background
Examining Mediators and Moderators of Yoga for Women With Breast Cancer Undergoing Radiotherapy
Ratcliff, C. G., Milbury, K., Chandwani, K. D., Chaoul, A., Perkins, G. H., Nagarathna, R., Haddad, R., Nagendra, H. R., Raghuram, N. V., Spelman, A. R., et al. (2016) · Integrative Cancer Therapies · doi:10.1177/1534735415624141 · Cited by 58 · see citing works
Is the practice of yoga or meditation associated with a healthy lifestyle? Results of a national cross-sectional survey of 28,695 Australian women
Cramer, H., Sibbritt, D. W., Park, C. L., Adams, J., & Lauche, R. (2017) · Journal of Psychosomatic Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2017.07.013 · Cited by 57 · see citing works
Exploring how different types of yoga change psychological resources and emotional well-being across a single session
Park, C. L., Finkelstein‐Fox, L., Groessl, E. J., Elwy, A. R., & Lee, S. Y. (2020) · Complementary Therapies in Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102354 · Cited by 57 · see citing works
Kripalu yoga for military veterans with PTSD: a randomized trial
Reinhardt, K. M., Noggle Taylor, J. J., Johnston, J., Zameer, A., Cheema, S., & Khalsa, S. B. S. (2018) · Journal of Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1002/jclp.22483 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
Understanding mind–body disciplines: A pilot study of paced breathing and dynamic muscle contraction on autonomic nervous system reactivity
Chin, M. S., & Kales, S. N. (2019) · Stress and Health · doi:10.1002/smi.2887 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
Randomized controlled trial of bikram yoga and aerobic exercise for depression in women: Efficacy and stress-based mechanisms.
Rocque, C. L. L., Mazurka, R., Stuckless, T. J. R., Pyke, K., & Harkness, K. (2020) · Journal of Affective Disorders · doi:10.1016/j.jad.2020.10.067 · Cited by 51 · see citing works
A systematic review of yoga interventions for helping health professionals and students
Ciezar-Andersen, S. D., Hayden, A., & King‐Shier, K. M. (2021) · Complementary Therapies in Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102704 · Cited by 49 · see citing works
The effect of movement-focused and breath-focused yoga practice on stress parameters and sustained attention: A randomized controlled pilot study
Schmalzl, L., Powers, C., Zanesco, A. P., Yetz, N. D., Groessl, E. J., & Saron, C. D. (2018) · Consciousness and Cognition · doi:10.1016/j.concog.2018.07.012 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
Psychological resilience in healthcare workers: A review of strategies and intervention
Chidi, R., Adeniyi, A. O., Okolo, C. A., Babawarun, O., & Arowoogun, J. O. (2024) · World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences · doi:10.30574/wjbphs.2024.17.2.0088 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
The immediate and durable effects of yoga and physical fitness exercises on stress
Tong, J. S., Qi, X., He, Z., Chen, S., Pedersen, S., Cooley, D., Spencer‐Rodgers, J., He, S., & Zhu, X. (2020) · Journal of American College Health · doi:10.1080/07448481.2019.1705840 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
Music Therapy Interventions for Stress Reduction in Adults With Mild Intellectual Disabilities: Perspectives From Clinical Practice
de Witte, M., Lindelauf, E., Moonen, X., Stams, G. J. J. M., & van Hooren, S. (2020) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.572549 · Cited by 46 · see citing works
Promoting mental health and wellbeing in schools: the impact of yoga on young people's relaxation and stress levels
Hagen, I., Skjelstad, S., & Nayar, U. S. (2023) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1083028 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
“It is important to reduce stress among young people in school settings and to understand the causes of stress and how yoga might help reduce stress (see Frank et al., 2014; Riley and Park, 2015; Dariotis et al., 2016; Park et al., 2021).”
Background
How does yoga reduce stress? Embodied cognition and emotion highlight the influence of the musculoskeletal system
Francis, A. L., & Beemer, R. C. (2019) · Complementary Therapies in Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2019.01.024 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
Deep Rest: An Integrative Model of How Contemplative Practices Combat Stress and Enhance the Body’s Restorative Capacity
Crosswell, A., Mayer, S. E., Whitehurst, L., Picard, M., Zebarjadian, S., & Epel, E. S. (2023) · Psychology Review · doi:10.1037/rev0000453 · Cited by 43 · see citing works
“Contemplative practices increase psychological safety by reducing distressing thought patterns like rumination and self-criticism through a number of psychological mechanisms outlined by others (Dahl & Davidson, 2019; H ö lzel et al., 2011; Pascoe et al., 2021; Riley & Park, 2015).”
Background
Yoga as a therapeutic approach to mental health in university students: a randomized controlled trial
Castellote‐Caballero, Y., Carcelén‐Fraile, M. D. C., Aibar‐Almazán, A., Rivas-Campo, Y., & González-Martín, A. M. (2024) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2024.1406937 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
“…physical and mental tension, meditation to increase awareness of the body and mind, and mindfulness techniques to enhance emotional regulation through the practice of yama and niyama (15), has gained popularity as a potential strategy for improving mental health and overall wellbeing (16).”
Background
Differential effects of ethical education, physical Hatha yoga, and mantra meditation on well-being and stress in healthy participants—An experimental single-case study
Matko, K., Sedlmeier, P., & Bringmann, H. C. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.672301 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
Content, Structure, and Delivery Characteristics of Yoga Interventions for Managing Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Nalbant, G., Hassanein, Z. M., Lewis, S., & Chattopadhyay, K. (2022) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2022.846231 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
Yoga reduces perceived stress and exhaustion levels in healthy elderly individuals
Lindahl, E., Tilton, K., Eickholt, N., & Ferguson-Stegall, L. M. (2016) · Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice · doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.05.007 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
An overview of systematic reviews found suboptimal reporting and methodological limitations of mediation studies investigating causal mechanisms
Cashin, A. G., Lee, H., Lamb, S. E., Hopewell, S., Mansell, G., Williams, C. M., Kamper, S. J., Henschke, N., & McAuley, J. H. (2019) · Journal of Clinical Epidemiology · doi:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2019.03.005 · Cited by 36 · see citing works
The preparatory set: a novel approach to understanding stress, trauma, and the bodymind therapies
Payne, P., & Crane‐Godreau, M. A. (2015) · Frontiers in Human Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnhum.2015.00178 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
“…despite substantial clinical and anecdotal evidence for efficacy, most BTES have not been well researched (with the exceptions of mindfulness meditation (Holzel et al., 2011a; Vago and Silbersweig, 2012; Tang and Posner, 2013) and Yoga (Roberts, 2013; Gard et al., 2014; Riley and Park, 2014).”
Background
A Systematic Review of Mechanisms of Change in Body-Oriented Yoga in Major Depressive Disorders
Meister, K., & Juckel, G. (2017) · Pharmacopsychiatry · doi:10.1055/s-0043-111013 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
“Another problem is that proposed mediators in some studies are outcomes in other studies [19].”
BackgroundResult
Effects of a health worker-led 3-month yoga intervention on blood pressure of hypertensive patients: a randomised controlled multicentre trial in the primary care setting
Dhungana, R. R., Pedišić, Ž., Joshi, S., Khanal, M. K., Kalauni, O. P., Shakya, A., Bhurtel, V., Panthi, S., Kumar, K. C. R., Ghimire, B., et al. (2021) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/s12889-021-10528-y · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Tele-yoga in the management of ankylosing spondylitis amidst COVID pandemic: A prospective randomized controlled trial
Singh, J., Metri, K., Tekur, P., Mohanty, S., Singh, A., & Raghuram, N. (2023) · Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice · doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101672 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials Testing the Effects of Yoga with Youth
Miller, S., Mendelson, T., Lee-Winn, A., Dyer, N. L., & Khalsa, S. B. S. (2020) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-019-01230-7 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
The Future of Service Post-COVID-19 Pandemic, Volume 1
Lee, J., & Han, S. H. (2021) · The ICT and Evolution of Work · doi:10.1007/978-981-33-4126-5 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Exposure to Adverse Events and Associations with Stress Levels and the Practice of Yoga: Survey Findings from a Population-Based Study of Diverse Emerging Young Adults
Neumark‐Sztainer, D., Wall, M. M., Choi, J.-W., Barr‐Anderson, D. J., Telke, S. E., & Mason, S. M. (2020) · The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine · doi:10.1089/acm.2020.0077 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Mind–Body Physical Activity Interventions and Stress-Related Physiological Markers in Educational Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Strehli, I., Burns, R. D., Bai, Y., Ziegenfuss, D. H., Block, M. E., & Brusseau, T. A. (2020) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph18010224 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
“Given that “stress refers to that quality of experience, produced through a person–environment transaction, that, through either hyperarousal or under arousal, results in psychological or physiological distress [103]”, MBPA, such as yoga, has revealed encouraging efficacy [5,104].”
Background
Creating joy in the workplace
Jalilianhasanpour, R., Asadollahi, S., & Yousem, D. M. (2021) · European Journal of Radiology · doi:10.1016/j.ejrad.2021.110019 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Āsana for Neck, Shoulders, and Wrists to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dental Professionals: In-Office Yóga Protocol
Gandolfi, M. G., Zamparini, F., Spinelli, A., & Prati, C. (2023) · Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology · doi:10.3390/jfmk8010026 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
“Many clinical studies on yoga as medical science have been published in the topranking journals of various medical fields, such as cardiology for cardiovascular diseases [8–10], coronary heart disease [11], hypertension [12], atrial fibrillation and arrhythmia [13] and vasovagal syncope [14]; internal medicine for met…”
Background
Five-week yin yoga-based interventions decreased plasma adrenomedullin and increased psychological health in stressed adults: A randomized controlled trial
Daukantaité, D., Tellhed, U., Maddux, R. E., Svensson, T., & Melander, O. (2018) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0200518 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
Yin yoga and mindfulness: a five week randomized controlled study evaluating the effects of the YOMI program on stress and worry
Hylander, F., Johansson, M., Daukantaitė, D., & Ruggeri, K. (2017) · Anxiety, Stress, & Coping · doi:10.1080/10615806.2017.1301189 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
“Increased levels of mindfulness through yoga practice have previously been shown to be beneficial in stress reduction (Riley & Park, 2015) and practitioners can strengthen key features of mindfulness through continuous yoga practice (Gordon, 2013).”
Background
Stress, mindfulness, and the allergic patient
Marshall, G. D., & Tull, M. T. (2018) · Expert Review of Clinical Immunology · doi:10.1080/1744666x.2018.1536547 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
“more physical components of yoga can have their own stress management capabilities [86].”
Background
Integrative Approaches to Stress Management
Carlson, L. E., Toivonen, K., & Subnis, U. B. (2019) · The Cancer Journal · doi:10.1097/ppo.0000000000000395 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
The Effects of Tele-Yoga in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Acar, Y., İlçin, N., & Sarı, İ. (2023) · Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine · doi:10.1089/jicm.2023.0022 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
“47 There is increasing interest in the potential role of yoga as an intervention for mental health concerns.”
Taking a Stand for Office-Based Workers' Mental Health: The Return of the Microbreak
Mainsbridge, C. P., Cooley, D., Dawkins, S., de Salas, K., Tong, J. S., Schmidt, M. W., & Pedersen, S. (2020) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.00215 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
“Conversely, an inability to maintain the ideal mood state has been associated with stress (22, 23) and adverse health symptomology (24, 25).”
Background
A Comparison of the Acute Effects of Different Forms of Yoga on Physiological and Psychological Stress: A Pilot Study
Marshall, M. R., McClanahan, M., Warren, S. M., Rogers, R. R., & Ballmann, C. G. (2020) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph17176090 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
“Mindfulness, or the state of being keenly aware of the present, has been shown to increase following yoga practice and leads to decreased perceived stress [7].”
BackgroundInfluential
The Effect of Yoga on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: A Meta-Analysis
Isath, A. M., Kanwal, A. S., Virk, H. U. H., Bandyopadhyay, D., Wang, Z., Kumar, A., Kalra, A., Naidu, S. S., Lavie, C. J., Virani, S. S., et al. (2023) · Current Problems in Cardiology · doi:10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.101593 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
Effect of six months pranayama training on stress-induced salivary cortisol response among adolescents-Randomized controlled study
Kuppusamy, M., Dilara, K., Ravishankar, P., Julius, A., Padmavathi, R., Poonguzhali, S., & Vijayakumar, V. (2021) · EXPLORE · doi:10.1016/j.explore.2021.07.005 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
Self-Report Stress Measures to Assess Stress in Adults With Mild Intellectual Disabilities—A Scoping Review
de Witte, M., Kooijmans, R., Hermanns, M., van Hooren, S., Biesmans, K., Hermsen, M. A., Stams, G. J. J. M., & Moonen, X. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.742566 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
“Stress is defined by Aldwin (2007) as the quality of an experience produced by a person-environment transaction that, through either overarousal or underarousal, results in psychological or physiological distress (Aldwin, 2007; Riley and Park, 2015).”
Background
Effect of online Kundalini Yoga mental health of university students during Covid-19 pandemic: A randomized controlled trial
Brandão, T., Martins, I., Torres, A., & Remondes‐Costa, S. (2024) · Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1177/13591053231220710 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
“Indeed, self-compassion has been found to be a mechanism of change in Yoga interventions since it is a quality that results from contemplative practices (Riley and Park, 2015).”
Background
Long-term effects of yoga-based practices on neural, cognitive, psychological, and physiological outcomes in adults: a scoping review and evidence map
Campelo, G., de Araújo, J. R., Aristizabal, J. P., de Souza, W. C., & de Castilho, G. M. (2025) · BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies · doi:10.1186/s12906-025-04825-x · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Effect of a single session of yoga and meditation on stress reactivity: A systematic review
Mandlik, G. V., Siopis, G., Nguyen, B., Ding, D., & Edwards, K. M. (2023) · Stress and Health · doi:10.1002/smi.3324 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Mindfulness and self-compassion as mediators of the Mindful2Work Training on perceived stress and chronic fatigue
van der Meulen, R. T., Valentin, S., Bögels, S., & de Bruin, E. D. (2020) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-020-01557-6 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
Comparing the Psychological Effects of Meditation- and Breathing-Focused Yoga Practice in Undergraduate Students
Qi, X., Tong, J. S., Chen, S., He, Z., & Zhu, X. (2020) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.560152 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
“Participants performed 80 min of Hatha yoga exercise (Riley and Park, 2015) in a morning yoga class per week for 12 weeks.”
Method
Effects of Suryanamaskar, an Intensive Yoga Exercise Routine, on the Stress Levels and Emotional Intelligence of Indian Students
Stec, K., Kruszewski, M., & Ciechanowski, L. (2023) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph20042845 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
“The system of yoga, itself over five thousand years old [2–5], forms an important part of such a holistic and integrated approach to human health, stress reduction [6], and physical culture.”
BackgroundResult
Yoga Research a Scientometric Assessment of Global Publications Output during 2007-16
Gupta, B., Ahmed, K. M., Dhawan, S., & Gupta, R. (2018) · Pharmacognosy Journal · doi:10.5530/pj.2018.3.65 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
Perceived benefits and barriers to yoga participation after stroke: A focus group approach
Harris, A., Austin, M., Blake, T. M., & Bird, M. (2018) · Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice · doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.11.015 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
Personality Traits, Technology-Related Teaching Skills, and Coping Mechanisms as Antecedents of Teachers’ Job-Related Affective Well-Being and Burnout in Compulsory and Higher Education Online Teaching Settings
Stan, R. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.792642 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
“A mindfulness approach combined with releasing eye strain has proven to provide an adaptive response to stressors (Riley and Park, 2015).”
Background
Feasibility of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Older Adolescents and Young Adults with Poorly Controlled Type 1 Diabetes
Ellis, D. A., Carcone, A., Slatcher, R., & Sibinga, E. (2017) · Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1080/21642850.2017.1415810 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
“Recent reviews (Baer, 2010; Riley & Park, 2015; Tang, Hölzel, & Posner, 2015; Witkiewitz et al., 2014) suggest that mindfulness practices may not only improve stress tolerance and emotion regulation but that they may also improve focus and attention regulation, resulting in fewer overlearned (and…”
Background
Efficacy of yoga for posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Nejadghaderi, S. A., Mousavi, S. E., Fazlollahi, A., Asghari, K. M., & Garfin, D. R. (2024) · Psychiatry Research · doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2024.116098 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
“Yoga may help address PTSD symptoms by improving emotion and sympathetic nervous system regulation, reducing hyperarousal and enhancing vagal activity, a key component of the parasympathetic nervous system (Kamraju, 2023; Riley and Park, 2015).”
For Body and Mind: Practicing Yoga and Emotion Regulation
Kobylińska, D., Lewczuk, K., Marchlewska, M., & Pietraszek, A. (2018) · Social Psychological Bulletin · doi:10.5964/spb.v13i1.25502 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
“Similarly, in a review by Riley and Park (2015), yoga interventions were also described as effective in reducing stress.”
Background
Impact of workplace yoga on pain measures, mental health, sleep quality, and quality of life in female teachers with chronic musculoskeletal pain: A randomized controlled study
Metri, K., Raghuram, N., Narayan, M., Sravan, K., Sekar, S., Bhargav, H., Babu, N., Mohanty, S., & Revankar, R. R. (2023) · Work · doi:10.3233/wor-210269 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
Verbal Cuing Is Not the Path to Enlightenment. Psychological Effects of a 10-Session Hatha Yoga Practice
Csala, B., Ferentzi, E., Tihanyi, B. T., Drew, R., & Köteles, F. G. (2020) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01375 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
Embodied Cognition in Meditation, Yoga, and Ethics—An Experimental Single-Case Study on the Differential Effects of Four Mind–Body Treatments
Matko, K., Sedlmeier, P., & Bringmann, H. C. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph191811734 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Stress management interventions for adults with heart failure: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Gathright, E. C., Salmoirago‐Blotcher, E., DeCosta, J., Donahue, M. L., Feulner, M. M., Cruess, D. G., Wing, R. R., Carey, M. P., & Scott‐Sheldon, L. A. J. (2021) · Health Psychology · doi:10.1037/hea0001084 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
Effects of Different Components of Yoga: A Meta-Synthesis
Matko, K., Bringmann, H. C., & Sedlmeier, P. (2021) · OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine · doi:10.21926/obm.icm.2103030 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
“This could eventually lead to the development of programs tailored to the needs of specific populations [17, 18, 79].”
A Pragmatic Controlled Trial of a Brief Yoga and Mindfulness-Based Program for Psychological and Occupational Health in Education Professionals
Dyer, N. L., Borden, S., Dusek, J. A., & Khalsa, S. B. S. (2020) · Complementary Therapies in Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102470 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Yoga and nonsuicidal self-injury: Mediational effects of self-compassion and body appreciation
Muehlenkamp, J. J., & Wagner, E. M. (2022) · Body Image · doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.08.001 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Physical exercise and ergonomic workplace interventions for nursing personnel—effects on physical and mental health: a systematic review
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Authors: Riley, K. E., & Park, C. L.
Affiliations: University of Connecticut (US)
Corresponding author: Riley, Kristen E.
ORCID: Riley, Kristen E.
Park, Crystal L.
Venue: Health Psychology Review
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Published: 2015-04-15
Volume: 9
Issue: 3
Pages: 379-396
ISSN: 1743-7199 (ISSN-L)
1743-7202
DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2014.981778
OpenAlex: W1971363556
Cited by: 287
References: 65
Citations by year: 2026: 26 · 2025: 36 · 2024: 38 · 2023: 31 · 2022: 24 · 2021: 39 · 2020: 31 · 2019: 15 · 2018: 18 · 2017: 18 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 3
FWCI: 2.25
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Health Psychology Review (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Behavioral Neuroscience › Stress Responses and Cortisol
Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Physical Activity and Health
Keywords: yoga, stress reduction, mechanisms of change, mediation, positive affect, mindfulness, self-compassion, posterior hypothalamus, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, salivary cortisol, stress-related disorders
MeSH terms: C-Reactive Protein, Humans, Hydrocortisone, Stress, Psychological, Yoga, Interleukin-6, Treatment Outcome, Meditation

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How does yoga reduce stress? A systematic review of mechanisms of change and guide to future inquiry

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