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

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 65 of the 65 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

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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Crossref · 10.1080/17437199.2014.981778

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Citations

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Show all 65 references

Research works printed but not linked: 13

  1. Aldwin C. M., 2007, Stress, coping, and development, second edition: An integrative perspective
  2. Bagga O. P., 1983, Indian Heart Journal, 35, 39
  3. Barnes P. M., 2008, National Health Statistics Reports, 12, 1
  4. Bonura, K. B. (2008).The impact of yoga on psychological health in older adults(Unpublished doctoral dissertation). The Florida State University, Tallahassee.
  5. Chong C. S. M., 2011, Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 17, 32
  6. Dunn K. D., 2008, Advances in Mind-body Medicine, 23, 10
  7. Innes K. E., 2007, Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 13, 44
  8. Li A. W., 2012, Alternative Medicine Review, 17, 21
  9. Michalsen A., 2005, Medical Science Monitor, 11, 555
  10. Purdy J., 2013, Yale Journal of Biological Medicine, 86, 15
  11. Rizzolo D., 2009, Journal of College Teaching & Learning, 6, 79
  12. Roehr B., 2008, Dermatology Times, 22
  13. Vijayalakshmi P., 2004, Indian Journal of Physiological Pharmacology, 48, 59

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Metadata

Authors
Riley, K. E., & Park, C. L.
Affiliations
University of Connecticut (US)
Corresponding author
Riley, Kristen E.
ORCID
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 › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › 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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