Effects of a yoga-based mind-body intervention on aggression and psychological well-being in schizophrenia: A randomized controlled trial

Explore (NY). 2026 Jul 1;22(5):103477. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2026.103477. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a structured yoga-based mind-body intervention on aggression and psychological well-being in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.

METHODS: This randomized controlled study included 74 patients with schizophrenia allocated to an intervention group (n = 37) or a control group (n = 37). The intervention group received a structured 4-week yoga-based mind-body program in addition to usual clinical care, while the control group received usual care alone. Aggression and psychological well-being were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up using validated scales. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and effect size estimates.

RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the intervention group demonstrated significant reductions in total aggression, physical aggression, verbal aggression, and anger, along with significant improvements in psychological well-being (p < .05). Effect size analyses indicated a high impact on psychological well-being and moderate effects on aggression-related outcomes.

CONCLUSION: Yoga appears to be a feasible and effective mind-body intervention for reducing aggression and enhancing psychological well-being in individuals with schizophrenia. These findings support the integration of yoga into integrative mental health care as a complementary, whole-person approach alongside standard psychiatric treatment. This study provides novel evidence supporting yoga as a feasible, low-intensity mind-body intervention targeting both aggression and psychological well-being in schizophrenia.

PMID:42401097 | DOI:10.1016/j.explore.2026.103477