Date

3-22-2024

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Stephen Ford

Keywords

phenomenological review, recovery, resilience, Veterans Yoga Project, wellness, yoga teacher training

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

This transcendental phenomenological study aimed to discover the experiences of military veteran graduates of two Veterans Yoga Project (VYP) cohorts. The theory guiding this study was phenomenological inquiry, founded by Husserl and expanded by Hegel, Heidegger, and van Manen, as it explored the lived experiences and potential intersection of wellness in military veterans. The candidates for participation were recruited from the VYP MRYTT yoga training program 2021 Cohort 1, providing 16 graduates, and 2022 Cohort 2, providing 23 graduates. This study discovered 1) the lived experiences of yoga teacher training (YTT) in military veterans, 2) a conceptualization of military veterans’ lived experiences applicable to yoga practice or yoga teaching, and 3) evidence from lived experience that VYP yoga teacher training (YTT) informs veteran wellness. Two interviews were conducted: a written pre-interview survey and a traditional formal interview. The initial survey provided ten questions and was completed online. A standard 40 to 45-minute interview consisted of 25 scripted questions and was conducted online using technology. Each interview was transcribed and summarized. Transcriptions of data were bracketed, clustered, and delineated to form themes. A qualitative research software tool was used to analyze data. The study results suggested that yoga teacher training supported posttraumatic growth and increased military veteran wellness.

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS