Psychological and Social Determinants of Yoga Practice: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

Objective: To identify and learn the psychological and social factors that help determine the reasons why individuals practice yoga or have difficult in practicing yoga in the United States.
Method: Seven hundred individuals who practice yoga at least once a week by attending a yoga class and/or practicing yoga on their own were surveyed in this study. Results: Findings showed that yoga practitioners placed a high value was placed on advantages of yoga practice (improved relaxation, flexibility, balance, and strength) along with a strong belief that facilitating factors (having the resources of time, money, and convenient yoga class times) help individuals overcome challenges to practice regularly (not having enough time, money, or convenience).
Conclusion: Individuals that regularly practice yoga more than once a week belief they have enough facilitators to overcome the barriers to practice along with strong social support and that the advantages exceed the disadvantages of practicing yoga.