The Impact of an Autonomy-Supportive Yoga Intervention on the Self-Determination and Anxiety of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Multi-Method Approach

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at greater risk for low self-determination and increased symptoms of anxiety. Research supports the use of autonomy-supportive interventions to promote positive health outcomes with this population. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of a six-week autonomy-supportive yoga intervention on the self-determination and anxiety of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This study used a multi-method design: eight subjects participated in pre- and post- semi-structured, qualitative interviews and a quantitative assessment of anxiety. Directed content analysis identified support for four themes related to the impact of yoga participation: autonomy, relatedness, competence, and anxiety. Quantitative findings related to change in anxiety trended toward significance. The findings indicated that participating in an autonomy-supportive yoga intervention may be associated with increased self-determination and decreased symptoms of anxiety in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities