The Role of Yoga in Addressing Psychosocial Challenges Among Institutionalized Orphans: A Narrative Review

Institutionalized orphans face profound psychosocial challenges, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), due to early adversity and chronic stress. This narrative review examines the role of yoga as a therapeutic intervention for this vulnerable population. A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar yielded 27 studies (15 randomized controlled trials, 8 quasi-experimental studies, 4 qualitative) conducted across Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Results indicated consistent reductions in anxiety (median Cohen’s d = 0.71), depression (d = 0.65), and PTSD symptoms (d = 0.82), alongside improved social connectivity and physiological stress regulation (22% cortisol reduction). Trauma-sensitive yoga programs demonstrated particular efficacy, with culturally adapted interventions showing higher retention rates (88%) compared to standardized protocols, though secular settings sometimes required modifications to avoid religious symbolism. Mechanisms of action aligned with the biopsychosocial model, highlighting yoga’s capacity to modulate neurobiological stress responses, enhance emotional regulation, and foster peer trust through group-based practices. However, heterogeneity in outcome measures, short follow-up durations, and limited evidence on attachment-related outcomes underscore the need for methodologically robust, longitudinal studies. The findings advocate for integrating culturally adapted yoga into orphan care policies as a scalable, non-stigmatizing adjunct to conventional mental health services. Further research should explore hybrid models combining yoga with attachment-focused therapies and evaluate long-term developmental impacts to optimize resilience in this marginalized population.