Gore, Manisha and Morgan, Julia ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6218-7593 (2026) A scoping review of yoga’s role in mental health across diverse populations and study designs. International Journal of Yoga Therapy. ISSN 1531-2054 (Print), 2168-5835 (Online) (In Press)

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Abstract

Mental health disorders affect millions globally. Beyond conventional treatments, yoga—an ancient practice originating in India around 2700 B.C.—has gained recognition as a complementary approach. It is increasingly explored as both a preventive and therapeutic intervention for conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), while also promoting overall well-being. Given the growing body of research across varied study designs and populations, it is important to examine yoga's role in mental health. This scoping review explores existing literature on the relationship between yoga and mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, stress, schizophrenia, PTSD and overall well-being across diverse populations and contexts. Electronic databases, including Google Scholar, SCOPUS, and PubMed, were searched for English-language articles published since 2014 using specific keywords. A total of 2,455 articles were retrieved and managed in EndNote. After removing 736 duplicates, 1,719 articles were screened. Following title and abstract screening, 78 full texts were reviewed, and 36 articles met the inclusion criteria. Critical appraisal was not performed to ensure broad inclusion. The review synthesizes evidence on the effects of yoga among healthy individuals, students, patients, and populations in special conditions such as pregnancy and single motherhood. Five themes were identified: the effects of yoga on depression, anxiety, and stress in different populations; anxiety-related outcomes highlighted in review studies; yoga’s impact on severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia and PTSD; its role in promoting well-being; and biopsychological mechanisms underlying its effects. Yoga reduced symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, enhanced well-being, and served as a complementary intervention for severe mental disorders. Positive changes were observed in biochemical, neurophysiological, and neuroimaging markers. Despite heterogeneity, evidence demonstrated yoga’s benefits for supporting mental health. Yoga holds promise as a supportive strategy for mental health promotion, though further standardized research is needed for validation.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	yoga, mental health, depression, anxiety, well being
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Inequalities Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM)
Last Modified:	19 Jan 2026 15:02
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/52300

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