Mechanisms driving change in perceived social support and compassion among survivors of human trafficking participating in a group-based mind–body intervention: Findings from the healing and resilience after trauma project.

OBJECTIVE: Yoga is rapidly gaining popularity as a mind-body intervention with notable benefits on both physical and mental health for survivors of traumatic experiences, such as human trafficking. Among trauma survivors, yoga is associated with significant improvements in psychological symptoms and social functioning. However, little is known about the specific mechanisms through which mind-body practices improve social functioning. METHOD: = 10) in Kampala, Uganda, who participated in a mind-body intervention in a shelter setting. RESULTS: Quantitative survey measures indicate increases, though not statistically significant, in perceived social support and compassion toward others. We also conducted a qualitative analysis of interviews with intervention participants. Qualitative findings highlight the importance of having structured opportunities to interact with fellow survivors and opportunities to discuss prior traumatic experiences that may or may not have been related to human trafficking. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study have important implications for the utilization of mind-body interventions among trauma survivors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).