Start Date
18-6-2025 12:30 PM
End Date
18-6-2025 2:00 PM
Abstract
Introduction: Mothers of autistic children face physiological and psychological health concerns (Li et al., 2022; Lovell et al., 2021). While yoga may improve physical and emotional well-being in parents of children with disabilities (Özdemir & Karadağ, 2024), research on yoga programs specifically designed for mothers of autistic children remains limited. To develop effective yoga interventions that promote health and well-being of mothers of autistic children, it is essential to understand their perspectives on yoga and the factors influencing their participation. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the attitudes and intentions of mothers of autistic children toward yoga participation.
Methodology: The Theory of Planned Behavior guided this descriptive qualitative study, in which participants were mothers (N = 12) of autistic children (ages 3-22 years). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using line-by-line thematic analysis.
Results: Five major themes were constructed: (1) Motivations, desires, and holistic transformations; (2) Enriching life through the holistic impact of yoga; (3) Challenges in practicing self-care; (4) Motivators for keeping moms on the yoga mat; and (5) Designing yoga programs with mothers’ preferences in mind.
Conclusions: Mothers reflected a positive attitude toward yoga and a desire to participate in programs that offer hybrid instruction, relaxation, and childcare. The mothers' strong desire emphasized the importance of providing more self-care avenues for them to enhance their physical and mental well-being. Future research may explore specific themes that emerged from the thematic analysis, address study limitations, and develop yoga programs based on mothers’ preferences.
Recommended Citation
Swarup, Gayatri; Andreae, Susan; Pickett, Kristen; and Columna, Luis, "Attitudes and Intentions of Mothers of Autistic Children toward Yoga: A Qualitative Study through the Lens of the Theory of Planned Behavior" (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 37.
https://sword.cit.ie/isapa/2025/day3/37
Attitudes and Intentions of Mothers of Autistic Children toward Yoga: A Qualitative Study through the Lens of the Theory of Planned Behavior
Introduction: Mothers of autistic children face physiological and psychological health concerns (Li et al., 2022; Lovell et al., 2021). While yoga may improve physical and emotional well-being in parents of children with disabilities (Özdemir & Karadağ, 2024), research on yoga programs specifically designed for mothers of autistic children remains limited. To develop effective yoga interventions that promote health and well-being of mothers of autistic children, it is essential to understand their perspectives on yoga and the factors influencing their participation. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the attitudes and intentions of mothers of autistic children toward yoga participation.
Methodology: The Theory of Planned Behavior guided this descriptive qualitative study, in which participants were mothers (N = 12) of autistic children (ages 3-22 years). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using line-by-line thematic analysis.
Results: Five major themes were constructed: (1) Motivations, desires, and holistic transformations; (2) Enriching life through the holistic impact of yoga; (3) Challenges in practicing self-care; (4) Motivators for keeping moms on the yoga mat; and (5) Designing yoga programs with mothers’ preferences in mind.
Conclusions: Mothers reflected a positive attitude toward yoga and a desire to participate in programs that offer hybrid instruction, relaxation, and childcare. The mothers' strong desire emphasized the importance of providing more self-care avenues for them to enhance their physical and mental well-being. Future research may explore specific themes that emerged from the thematic analysis, address study limitations, and develop yoga programs based on mothers’ preferences.
