Date of Award

5-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management

Committee Member

Marieke Van Puymbroeck, Committee Chair

Committee Member

Brandi M Crowe

Committee Member

Jasmine Townsend

Committee Member

Arlene A Schmid

Abstract

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.

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