Alyssa Enns

Yoga is considered an embodying exercise as it encourages mind-body awareness and a sense of competence and empowerment. It also promotes positive body image, the acceptance, appreciation and respect for the body, including its unique functions. Past research has revealed as women transition from young to middle adulthood, importance begins to shift from appearance to functionality of the body. Drawing from the Embodiment Model of Positive Body Image, this cross-sectional, quasi-experimental study aims to explore how yoga positively impacts body image in women 45-65 years of age. A total of 300 participants will be recruited, 150 who practice yoga and 150 who do not practice yoga, through Cloud Research Connect. The yoga group will include practitioners who have practiced at least once a week for the past 6 months; the non-yoga group will include those who engaged in low to moderate intensity exercise (except yoga) at least once a week for the past 6 months. Measures used to collect data will include positive body image (e.g., body appreciation, body compassion, functionality appreciation, body image flexibility, embodiment, and self-objectification). We hypothesize that yoga participation will positively relate to positive body image directly. We also hypothesize, consistent with the embodiment model, yoga participation will be associated with higher embodiment, which will be associated with lower self-objectification and ultimately higher positive body image. Findings may inform the development of intervention programs designed to enhance middle-aged women’s body-image.