Attitudes of Yoga Practitioners Toward COVID-19 Virus Vaccination: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Germany

Abstract

To avoid severe courses of COVID-19 infections and reduce death rates, vaccination against the SARS-CoV-1 virus was considered an essential strategy in fighting the pandemic. However, some yoga practitioners reject such vaccinations and assume that their yoga practices protect them. We therefore aimed to analyze how many yoga practitioners were vaccinated, their reasons for being vaccinated, and the influence of the ethical principles of yoga (yamas/niyamas) on these decisions. In a cross-sectional survey in summer 2021, we enrolled 1,545 yoga practitioners (86% women; mean age 51.1 ± 10.9 y). The majority of participants were already vaccinated (66%), and their percentage corresponded to that of the general population. Those who were not willing to get vaccinated scored significantly higher on the yama/niyama factors Contentment/Self-Reflection/Devotion and Surrender and Non-Possessiveness. Depending on the centrality of the yamas/niyamas in their lives, yoga participants differed on their vaccination decisions, but they did not relevantly differ on their pro-social reasons (protection of groups at risk, protection of family) when they were already vaccinated. This assumed protection against severe courses of the COVID-19 infection was higher in the nonvaccinated compared to the vaccinated individuals (Cohen’s d = 0.99). This conviction was related to the niyama factor Contentment/Self-Reflection/Devotion and Surrender. Thus, in the yoga schools and other places of yoga practice the relevance of vaccination to also protect others should be discussed, and the consequences of following the yamas and niyamas for the sake of others should be clarified.

Stability of psychological wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic among people with an anthroposophical worldview: the influence of wondering awe and perception of nature as resources

“…There were also individuals who seem to react differently to the experience of crisis, despite being confronted by the same situation (15). One may expect that some people interpreted the stressors differentially or were using either other coping strategies or were more resilient toward the stressors than others.…”

“…In a study of Catholic priests from Canada, religious coping style was found to be an important factor in priests' psychological wellbeing, which was low because of the pandemic distress (23). Other groups assumed they were protected against severe courses of corona infection because of their specific lifestyle (15). In the heterogeneous group of yoga practitioners with their specific lifestyle habits and spirituality, 71% regarded themselves as protected against severe courses of a COVID-19 infection because of their yoga lifestyle and practices, particularly those who rejected a vaccination, were younger and more strictly following the ethical principles of yoga traditions (15).…”

“…Other groups assumed they were protected against severe courses of corona infection because of their specific lifestyle (15). In the heterogeneous group of yoga practitioners with their specific lifestyle habits and spirituality, 71% regarded themselves as protected against severe courses of a COVID-19 infection because of their yoga lifestyle and practices, particularly those who rejected a vaccination, were younger and more strictly following the ethical principles of yoga traditions (15). Interestingly, their psychological wellbeing was more stable during the pandemic than in the majority of people.…”

Wondering Awe and Gratitude as an Indicator of Perceptive Spirituality: Its Potential Relevance for Mind-Body Interventions

“…religious brothers and sisters, and yoga practitioners) as compared to other groups (Büssing, 2021), one could assume that these lifestyles and practices may sensitize to be more aware of such unique moments. One may assume that when yoga is more than some kind of physical fitness training but a mindful lifestyle, it can result in the development of specific aspects of spirituality and a change of mindset, and thus sensitize the perception of the Sacred in life (Büssing et al, 2024). In fact, within a 6-months observation period, yoga practitioners showed an increase in their conscious and compassionate interactions with others, religious orientation, and mindfulness (Büssing et al, 2012).…”

“…In fact, within a 6-months observation period, yoga practitioners showed an increase in their conscious and compassionate interactions with others, religious orientation, and mindfulness (Büssing et al, 2012). Even in a secular society such as Germany, spiritual topics were of relevance for yoga practitioners, particularly the search for the Divine in the world and living in accordance with the underlying spiritual convictions (Büssing et al, 2024). In a current, not yet published study, Awe/Gratitude was indeed also related to the prosocial outcomes of an underlying spiritual transformation (i.e., living by faith, peaceful attitude and respectful treatment of others, and a commitment to disadvantaged people and the environment).…”