A constructivist grounded theory exploration of Cape Town yoga instructors’ understanding of eating disorders
By Thomas Sheehy - Online MSc - Advanced Complementary Medicine
Abstract
Background:
Eating disorders are highly prevalent worldwide and rates appear to be increasing. Yoga is gaining increased acceptance as an adjunctive treatment approach for eating disorders, and yoga studios have experienced increased numbers of people with eating disorders attending classes. However, contemporary yoga settings may increase eating disorder risk factors, or reduce positive therapeutic outcomes. Yoga instructors are key to the delivery of yoga. Previous research has provided recommendations to yoga instructors. The present qualitative study aimed to be the first to explore a sample of yoga instructors’ existing understanding of eating disorders in non-clinical, real-world settings.
Aims and objectives:
Explore a purposive sample of Cape Town-based yoga instructors’ understanding of eating disorders. Develop an initial constructivist grounded theory in an area where little research previously existed.
Methodology:
Constructivist grounded theory was used to gain an interpretive understanding of the research participants’ existing knowledge of eating disorders. Data were gathered using individual, semi-structured interviews. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a constant comparative method.
Findings:
Yoga instructors in the present study were ostensibly well-informed about eating disorders. However, they were feeling out of their depth regarding pervasive eating disorders among yoga communities. Aspects of contemporary yoga culture were considered to be problematic for people with, or at risk of, eating disorders. Specific factors within contemporary yoga culture that could affect eating disorders were identified.
Conclusion:
Emergent themes were elucidated regarding how the relationship between yoga and eating disorders manifested for the current sample. Potential links between contemporary yoga settings, eating disorder pervasiveness, and the intersection between yoga instructors and yoga students were identified. The present samples’ existing knowledge of yoga and eating disorders appeared well-aligned with existing research. However, this may not be typical of other yoga instructors. Eating disorder-sensitive training may equip wider populations of yoga instructors to deal with eating disorders and other mental health issues among yoga communities.
