This paper explores how yoga could enrich the field of positive psychology. The author briefly defines positive psychology and yoga and addresses their shared aims.
The paper critically views recent studies on yoga within psychology, touching on general findings, following by an investigation of the distinct benefits of yoga related to positive psychology. After that, the continued need for further research to recognise untapped opportunities within the yogic tradition, beyond the benefits of physical postures (asana), is discussed. The author concludes that a spiritual development might indeed be sparked through the present approach to yoga in the west.
Since the early days of Western psychology, at the beginning of the 20th century, the science of the soul has been drawn to Eastern traditions. Since then, interest in Eastern traditions, especially in yoga, has increased exponentially. Today, over 37 million people practice yoga in the US and 0.5 million in the UK alone in order to cultivate aspects of physiological and psychological wellbeing. Within psychology, interest in wellbeing concepts marked the beginnings of positive psychology. The "science and practice of improving wellbeing" has started to investigate the benefits of yoga.
Yoga and positive psychology share this strong interest in increased wellbeing. Within positive psychology, this encompasses optimal functioning, self-actualisation, and flourishing, referring to the condition of our existence we wish to experience and the aim of our quest. In yoga, the idea of cultivating overall psychological wellbeing is very much in line with the notion of positive psychology, which vouches for an approach that welcomes all emotions.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- How could yoga enrich the field of positive psychology? Making a case for an integration of spiritual aspects.
- Looking at the definitions and aims of positive psychology and yoga-we see clear, complementary areas of alignment.
- Through a variety of elements, most prominently the eight-folded path suggested by the sage Patanjali in the early post-Christian era, which includes yama (ethics when interacting with others); niyama (ethics towards one self), asanas (postures or poses), pranayama (breath regulation), pratyahara (detachment from senses), dharana (focused attention), and dhyanna (meditation).
- So far, the research has primarily been deficit-oriented—focusing on the therapeutic effects of yoga.
- Throughout these studies, we can see effects on two essential types of wellbeing: hedonia―based on SWB (Subjective Wellbeing) and characterized by satisfaction in life plus high positive and low negative affect—and eudaimonia, concerned with purpose in life and meaning.
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay explores the potential of yoga to enrich the field of positive psychology, advocating for the inclusion of spiritual aspects in research. It examines the shared aims of yoga and positive psychology, critically analyzes existing research on yoga's psychological benefits, and highlights the need for further research to explore the untapped potential of the yogic tradition beyond physical postures. The essay also suggests that spiritual development may be a key element in understanding yoga's contribution to well-being.
- The integration of spiritual aspects of yoga into positive psychology.
- The shared aims and complementary areas of alignment between yoga and positive psychology.
- Critical analysis of existing research on yoga's psychological benefits.
- The need for further research to explore the spiritual dimensions of yoga.
- The potential of yoga to deepen our understanding of wellbeing, including spirituality, meaning, and self-transcendence.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
How could yoga enrich the field of positive psychology? Making a case for an integration of spiritual aspects.: This chapter introduces the essay's central argument: exploring how yoga can enrich positive psychology by incorporating spiritual aspects. It establishes the historical interest in Eastern traditions within Western psychology, citing Jung's work. The chapter then defines positive psychology and yoga, highlighting their shared goals of improving well-being. It also points out the growing popularity of yoga and touches upon the existing but limited research on its psychological benefits, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the topic and the need to consider the spiritual dimension of yoga beyond mere physical postures (asanas).
Looking at the definitions and aims of positive psychology and yoga-we see clear, complementary areas of alignment.: This chapter delves into the shared aims of positive psychology and yoga, emphasizing their common interest in enhancing well-being. It explores the historical and philosophical underpinnings of yoga, outlining various forms and their diverse approaches to achieving self-transcendence and liberation (moksha). The chapter draws parallels between yoga's pursuit of higher states of consciousness and positive psychology's focus on optimal functioning, self-actualization, and flourishing. It highlights the alignment between yoga's acceptance of all experiences and positive psychology 2.0's inclusive approach to emotions.
Through a variety of elements, most prominently the eight-folded path suggested by the sage Patanjali in the early post-Christian era, which includes yama (ethics when interacting with others); niyama (ethics towards one self), asanas (postures or poses), pranayama (breath regulation), pratyahara (detachment from senses), dharana (focused attention), and dhyanna (meditation).: This chapter focuses on Patanjali's eight-limbed path of yoga, explaining each component and relating them to concepts within positive psychology. It explores how aspects like self-control, self-discipline, and self-awareness in yoga resonate with research areas in positive psychology. The chapter contrasts the Western focus on asanas (physical postures) with the broader spiritual context within the original yogic tradition, emphasizing the untapped potential for research into the deeper spiritual aspects of yoga and its implications for understanding consciousness.
So far, the research has primarily been deficit-oriented—focusing on the therapeutic effects of yoga.: This chapter critically examines the existing research on yoga, noting its predominantly deficit-oriented nature, focused primarily on therapeutic applications. While acknowledging the proven benefits of yoga in treating conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety, the chapter highlights the relative scarcity of research exploring yoga's impact on positive aspects of well-being such as life satisfaction and happiness. It connects this gap to the historical bias in psychology towards negativity and suggests the need for more research on the positive aspects of yoga.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Positive psychology, yoga, well-being, spirituality, self-transcendence, hedonia, eudaimonia, meditation, asana, Patanjali's eight-limbed path, Raja Yoga, Hatha Yoga, SWB (Subjective Well-being), mind-body exercise, therapeutic effects, spiritual development, moksha, samadhi.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this essay?
The essay explores the potential of yoga to enrich the field of positive psychology, particularly advocating for the inclusion of spiritual aspects in research. It examines the shared aims of both disciplines, critically analyzes existing research on yoga's psychological benefits, and emphasizes the need for further research into the under-explored spiritual dimensions of yoga.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
Key themes include the integration of yoga's spiritual aspects into positive psychology; the shared aims and complementary areas of alignment between yoga and positive psychology; a critical analysis of existing research focusing primarily on yoga's therapeutic effects; the need for further research into the spiritual dimensions of yoga; and the potential of yoga to deepen our understanding of well-being, encompassing spirituality, meaning, and self-transcendence.
What are the objectives of this essay?
The essay aims to demonstrate the potential benefits of integrating spiritual aspects of yoga into positive psychology research. It seeks to highlight the common ground between these two fields, critically evaluate existing research on yoga's psychological benefits, and advocate for further research that delves into the spiritual dimensions of yoga's contribution to well-being. The essay also aims to show how spiritual development might be a key element in understanding yoga's contribution to overall well-being.
What are the main components of Patanjali's eight-limbed path of yoga, and how do they relate to positive psychology?
Patanjali's eight-limbed path includes Yama (ethics towards others), Niyama (ethics towards oneself), Asana (physical postures), Pranayama (breath regulation), Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (absorption). The essay explores how elements such as self-control, self-discipline, and self-awareness within this path resonate with various research areas within positive psychology.
How does the essay critique existing research on yoga's psychological benefits?
The essay notes that current research on yoga is primarily deficit-oriented, focusing mainly on its therapeutic effects in treating conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. It highlights the lack of research exploring yoga's impact on positive aspects of well-being, such as life satisfaction and happiness, and attributes this gap to a historical bias in psychology towards negativity. The essay calls for more research on the positive aspects of yoga's influence on well-being.
What types of well-being does the essay discuss in relation to yoga?
The essay discusses two essential types of well-being: Hedonia, characterized by subjective well-being (SWB), life satisfaction, positive affect, and low negative affect; and Eudaimonia, which focuses on purpose and meaning in life. The essay explores how yoga impacts both forms of well-being.
What are the key takeaways regarding the relationship between yoga and positive psychology?
The essay suggests that a deeper integration of yoga's spiritual aspects into positive psychology research is crucial for a more comprehensive understanding of well-being. It emphasizes the complementary nature of the two disciplines and highlights the need for further research exploring the untapped potential of the yogic tradition beyond its physical postures.
What are the keywords associated with this essay?
Key words include: Positive psychology, yoga, well-being, spirituality, self-transcendence, hedonia, eudaimonia, meditation, asana, Patanjali's eight-limbed path, Raja Yoga, Hatha Yoga, SWB (Subjective Well-being), mind-body exercise, therapeutic effects, spiritual development, moksha, and samadhi.
- Quote paper
- Charlotte Friedrich (Author), 2018, Can yoga improve one’s well-being? Shared aims of psychology and yoga, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/489481
