The Effectiveness of Yoga Exercises on Psychological Well-Being and Self-Conscious Emotions in Women with Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Seyyedeh Sahar Mohaghghegh Mortazavi ¹ ( Master's Degree in General Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Branch, Ardabil, Iran )
Somayyeh Taklavi Varaniyab ² ( Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Branch, Ardabil, Iran )

Submited date : 2025-07-07 Accepted date : 2025-07-26

Keywords: Yoga Exercises, Psychological Well-Being, Self-Conscious Emotions, Generalized Anxiety Disorder,

Abstract :

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of yoga exercises on psychological well-being and self-conscious emotions in women with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.

This study was applied in terms of purpose and employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. The statistical population consisted of women aged 35 to 55 years with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in Ardabil, Iran, in 2023. Sampling was conducted in three stages. initially, a non-random convenience sampling by inviting interested women from clubs and relevant centers; then, 38 eligible participants were selected through purposive sampling using the GAD-7 questionnaire and a brief clinical interview, finally, the selected individuals were randomly assigned into experimental (n=19) and control (n=19) groups using statistical software. The experimental group participated in 32 yoga sessions (four sessions per week), while the control group received no intervention. Data collection instruments included the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale, and the Self-Conscious Affect and Attribution Inventory (SCAAI) by Tangney and Dearing. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), following verification of the relevant statistical assumptions.

The results indicated that yoga exercises had a significant positive effect on psychological well-being and self-conscious emotions in women with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (p<0.05).

In conclusion, yoga practice can effectively enhance psychological well-being and self-conscious emotions in women showing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.

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