The Psychology of Yoga Practitioners: A Cluster Analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy E. C. Genovese ◽  
Kristine M. Fondran

Abstract Yoga practitioners (N = 261) completed the revised Expression of Spirituality Inventory (ESI) and the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire. Cluster analysis revealed three clusters: Cluster A scored high on all four spiritual constructs. They had high positive evaluations of their appearance, but a lower orientation towards their appearance. They tended to have a high evaluation of their fitness and health, and higher body satisfaction. Cluster B showed lower scores on the spiritual constructs. Like Cluster A, members of Cluster B tended to show high positive evaluations of appearance and fitness. They also had higher body satisfaction. Members of Cluster B had a higher fitness orientation and a higher appearance orientation than members of Cluster A. Members of Cluster C had low scores for all spiritual constructs. They had a low evaluation of, and unhappiness with, their appearance. They were unhappy with the size and appearance of their bodies. They tended to see themselves as overweight. There was a significant difference in years of practice between the three groups (Kruskall -Wallis, p = .0041). Members of Cluster A have the most years of yoga experience and members of Cluster B have more yoga experience than members of Cluster C. These results suggest the possible existence of a developmental trajectory for yoga practitioners. Such a developmental sequence may have important implications for yoga practice and instruction.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dianne Neumark-Sztainer ◽  
Melanie M Wall ◽  
Jongwoo Choi ◽  
Daheia J. Barr-Anderson ◽  
Marla E. Eisenberg ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Yoga may be beneficial for young people at risk for body dissatisfaction and unhealthy behaviors aimed at changing one’s body shape and size. This study explores associations between yoga practice and body image, mindful eating, disordered eating, and muscle-enhancing behaviors among a population-based sample of emerging adults from diverse socio-economic and ethnic/racial backgrounds.Methods: Survey data were collected from 1,568 ethnically/racially diverse emerging adults (18-26 years) as part of the EAT 2010-2018 study (Eating and Activity over Time). Results: Practicing yoga at least 30 minutes/week was reported by 12.7% (n=210) of the sample. In models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, yoga practitioners had higher levels of mindful eating and body satisfaction than non-practitioners. Of concern, yoga practitioners were more likely to use steroids to enhance the size or tone of their muscles than those not practicing yoga (4.2% vs. 0.8%, p<.001). Furthermore, 35.4% of yoga practitioners used protein powder or shakes in the past year as compared to 25.0% of those not practicing yoga (p=.005). Yoga practitioners had similar levels of unhealthy weight control behaviors and binge eating to those not practicing yoga. Associations between yoga practice and body satisfaction, mindful eating, disordered eating, and muscle-enhancing behaviors were similar across ethnic/racial groups.Conclusions: In order to promote yoga among diverse populations, and enhance its safety and benefits for weight-related health, it is crucial for settings in which yoga is offered, and yoga teachers, to have awareness of the high prevalence of concerning disordered eating and muscle-enhancing behaviors among students and to address accordingly.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rongqun Guo ◽  
Mengdie Lü ◽  
Fujiao Cao ◽  
Guanghua Wu ◽  
Fengcai Gao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Knowledge of immune cell phenotypes, function, and developmental trajectory in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) microenvironment is essential for understanding mechanisms of evading immune surveillance and immunotherapy response of targeting special microenvironment components. Methods Using a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset, we analyzed the immune cell phenotypes, function, and developmental trajectory of bone marrow (BM) samples from 16 AML patients and 4 healthy donors, but not AML blasts. Results We observed a significant difference between normal and AML BM immune cells. Here, we defined the diversity of dendritic cells (DC) and macrophages in different AML patients. We also identified several unique immune cell types including T helper cell 17 (TH17)-like intermediate population, cytotoxic CD4+ T subset, T cell: erythrocyte complexes, activated regulatory T cells (Treg), and CD8+ memory-like subset. Emerging AML cells remodels the BM immune microenvironment powerfully, leads to immunosuppression by accumulating exhausted/dysfunctional immune effectors, expending immune-activated types, and promoting the formation of suppressive subsets. Conclusion Our results provide a comprehensive AML BM immune cell census, which can help to select pinpoint targeted drug and predict efficacy of immunotherapy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 745-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Habibolah Khazaie ◽  
Ali Zakiei ◽  
Saeid Komasi

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe current study compares the measures of sleep quality and intensity of insomnia based on the clustering analysis of variables including dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep, experiential avoidance, personality traits of neuroticism, and complications with emotion regulation among the individuals struck by an earthquake in Kermanshah Province.MethodsThis study is a cross-sectional study that was carried out among earthquake victims of Kermanshah Province (western Iran) in 2017. Data were gathered starting 10 days after the earthquake and lasted for 2 weeks; of 1,200 standard questionnaires distributed, 1,001 responses were received, and the analysis was performed using 999 participants. The data analysis was carried out using a cluster analysis (K-mean method).ResultsTwo clusters were identified, and there is a significant difference between these two clusters in regard to all of the variables. The cluster with higher mean values for the selected variables shows a higher intensity of insomnia and a lower sleep quality.ConclusionsConsidering the current results, it can be concluded that variables of dysfunctional attitudes and beliefs about sleep, experiential avoidance, the personality traits of neuroticism, and complications with emotion regulation are able to identify the clusters where there is a significant difference in regard to sleep quality and the intensity of insomnia. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:745–752)


2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Miguel Ángel Torralba ◽  
Marcelo Braz ◽  
Maria José Rubio

Resumen: El presente estudio examina la motivación hacia la práctica deportiva de personas con discapacidad que forman parte del deporte federado. La muestra está compuesta por 134 deportistas de ambos géneros y diferente discapacidad. Como instrumento se ha utilizado el Cuestionario “Participation Motivation Inventory”, de Gill, Gross y Huddleston, adaptado al deporte Paralímpico y que describe las principales razones que incitan a la actividad deportiva. En los resultados no se han encontrado diferencia significativa entre hombres y mujeres, ni entre ciegos - discapacitados visuales y discapacitados físico motriz. Sobre la motivación de la práctica deportiva, cabe destacar la importancia dada a los factores de condición física y salud, tales como practicar deporte, mejorar el nivel, competir, sentirse bien o divertirse, muy por encima de por ser popular, por influencia de los entrenadores o satisfacer a los padres. Motivation in adapted sport Abstract:This study examines the motivation for practice of sport of people with disabilities that form part to a federated sport.The sample was composed of 134 athletes of both genders and different disabilities.The “Participation Motivation Inventory Questionnaire” by Gill, Gross and Huddleston was used. The instrument was adapted to Paralympic sport and describes the main reasons that encourage the sports activity practice. The results haven´t found significant difference between men´s and women´s or between blind - visually impaired physical and motor disabilities. About the motivation of the practice of sport, worth highlighting the importance given to factors of fitness and health, like sport practice, improve the level, to compete, feel good and have fun, well above being popular, influenced by coaches or satisfy to parents.


Author(s):  
Futoon S. Alobiri ◽  
Roaa A. Alharbi ◽  
Mohammed R. Algethami ◽  
Raghdah H. Ateeq ◽  
Aseel M. Badurayq ◽  
...  

Aim: Identify the relation between poor esteem for body image and weight-related behaviors. The results will help increase awareness and improve students’ lifestyles to have a better body image and achieve ideal body weight. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among King Abdulaziz University medical students (n= 460) between July to the end of August 2019. Data was collected using the International physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ), figure rating scale (FRS) and analyzed using SPSS software. Result: The results showed that the average Body Mass Index (BMI) was 24.80 ± 11.89. Participant sex was an important factor influencing the prevalence of obesity; male students were more obese than female students with a significant difference (p<0.001). The level of body satisfaction was also affected by gender. Students in preclinical years were more likely to gain weight more than clinical years students. Conclusion: The results show a significant relationship between body satisfaction and gender (P<0.0001) despite having diverse BMIs. Overweight and obese males and females' participants had the lowest body satisfaction. Females who were too thin and had low BMIs described themselves as normal, while males describe themselves as too thin. Conversely, females with high BMIs described themselves as too fat, while males described themselves as normal. This could be due to different factors. Also, underweight females and males have high body satisfaction, which can lead to dangerous behaviors to maintain low body weight which cause negative health consequences.


2005 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroyuki Takata ◽  
Koji Seto ◽  
Saburo Sakai ◽  
Satoshi Tanaka ◽  
Katsumi Takayasu

Abstract. The distribution of Virgulinella fragilis and the hydro-environment of Aso-kai Lagoon, central Japan, were studied to clarify the foraminifer’s adaptation to low-oxygen conditions. The hypolimnion of the lagoon is oxygen-poor during much of the year. Two faunas (A and B) are recognized, based on cluster analysis. Cluster A fauna consists of species common in brackish lagoons, such as the genera Trochammina and Ammonia, and occurs in seasonally oxygenated waters. Virgulinella fragilis, the predominant species of Cluster B fauna, dominates the central part of the lagoon. This species can tolerate more severe oxygen deficiencies than the typical brackish foraminifers (e.g. Trochammina spp.) and can adapt to long periods of oxygen-poor conditions in coastal lagoon environments, as well as in pelagic to hemi-pelagic settings. In order to survive in the near-anoxia of Aso-kai Lagoon, V. fragilis may have adapted to environments in which little reactive iron is available in the sediment, leaving pore-water and bottom-water sulphide available for symbionts, or may utilize sulphur denitrification processes.


Author(s):  
Ranjini Karthikeyan ◽  
Amiya Bhaumik

Body self-relation is a multidimensional construct defined by persons" perceptions of and attitudes about their body. Body image does not simply reflect the biological enrichment of the individual or the feedback received from the significant others. The way you perceive about your body is your cognitive body image. This can lead to excessive concern with body shape and weight. Behaviors in which you relate as a result of your body image encompass your behavioral body image. A study based on the gender differences in body relation relating to young adults rating the comparison in perception of both male and female data. Hundred participants of both male and female took part in answering the by Multidimensional body selfrelations questionnaire (MBSRQ-AS). Results demonstrated by Mann Whitney U test revealed that there is significant difference between male and female young adults in their relation to body self, p<0.05, (2- tailed) in appearance orientation. There is no statistical sig.>0.05 differences in the other dimensions. Therefore, this study rejects the null hypothesis in (dimension) appearance orientation and accepts the null hypothesis (dimensions) in appearance evaluation, body area satisfaction, overweight preoccupation and self-classified weight. Keywords: body self-relation; gender differences


2016 ◽  
Vol 118 (7) ◽  
pp. 1625-1640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinkyung Choi

Purpose – People have become more health conscious about the food they eat on any occasion. As healthy dietary information has been released to the public in order to correspond with active public adaptation, more consumers have become aware of and are showing interest in new information related to health. The purpose of this paper is to utilize food-related lifestyle (FRL) instruments to explain nutrition information-conscious behaviors. Design/methodology/approach – This study used a cross-sectional survey design. A questionnaire was developed based on previous studies. A factor analysis and a cluster analysis were conducted to segment nutrition information-conscious behaviors of consumers. Participants were 200 and the survey was administered to citizens in South Korea. Exploratory factor analysis, cluster analysis, analysis of variance, Duncan’s multiple comparison tests, and χ2 test were used. Findings – Nine factors were identified and four clusters were established. These clusters were named: “personal value concern group,” “enthusiastic group,” “moderation group,” and “unconcerned group.” Each segment was significantly different in body satisfaction and nutrition information-conscious behaviors. Nutrients such as dietary fibers, sodium, and trans fat were considered differently by the four segments. Originality/value – Using an FRL instrument in relation to nutrition information-conscious behavior, interesting conclusions were drawn. Results of this study suggested that each segment has its characteristics in relation to nutrition information-conscious behaviors. Also it can be concluded that it is time for individuals to take responsibility for their own health problems.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 225-234
Author(s):  
Nóra Garam ◽  
Zoltán Prohászka ◽  
Ágnes Szilágyi ◽  
Christof Aigner ◽  
Alice Schmidt ◽  
...  

Abstract Background A novel data-driven cluster analysis identified distinct pathogenic patterns in C3-glomerulopathies and immune complex-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Our aim was to replicate these observations in an independent cohort and elucidate disease pathophysiology with detailed analysis of functional complement markers. Methods A total of 92 patients with clinical, histological, complement and genetic data were involved in the study, and hierarchical cluster analysis was done by Ward method, where four clusters were generated. Results High levels of sC5b-9 (soluble membrane attack complex), low serum C3 levels and young age at onset (13 years) were characteristic for Cluster 1 with a high prevalence of likely pathogenic variations (LPVs) and C3 nephritic factor, whereas for Cluster 2—which is not reliable because of the small number of cases—strong immunoglobulin G staining, low C3 levels and high prevalence of nephritic syndrome at disease onset were observed. Low plasma sC5b-9 levels, decreased C3 levels and high prevalence of LPV and sclerotic glomeruli were present in Cluster 3, and patients with late onset of the disease (median: 39.5 years) and near-normal C3 levels in Cluster 4. A significant difference was observed in the incidence of end-stage renal disease during follow-up between the different clusters. Patients in Clusters 3–4 had worse renal survival than patients in Clusters 1–2. Conclusions Our results confirm the main findings of the original cluster analysis and indicate that the observed, distinct pathogenic patterns are replicated in our cohort. Further investigations are necessary to analyse the distinct biological and pathogenic processes in these patient groups.


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