The Influence of Yoga Therapy on Optimism: Examining the Validity and Reliability of the LOT-R Scale

In recent years, there has been a growing interest among researchers and practitioners in alternative and holistic approaches to mental health management, with yoga therapy emerging as a prominent area of focus. This study aimed to deepen our understanding of optimism within the context of yoga instruction and practice, seeking to uncover its potential influence on psychological well-being. A total of 146 individuals with yoga instructor qualifications participated in the study, comprising 134 women, 11 men, and 1 individual identifying as other, with ages ranging from 32 to 79 years (mean age = 57.83 years, SD = 9.03). Among them, 141 individuals had prior experience as yoga instructors, while 5 had no prior experience. The duration and frequency of yoga instruction were considered as important indicators of the level of yoga instruction, serving as independent variables in the study. The results of this study revealed a significant difference in optimism levels between participants with high and low frequencies of yoga instruction, with those receiving more frequent instruction demonstrating higher levels of optimism. These findings shed light on the relationship between yoga instruction and optimism levels, offering practical insights with potential implications for yoga instructors and training programs.