Development and Validation of the Outcome Expectations for Yoga Scale.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to develop an instrument that can measure outcome expectations of yoga and to evaluate the instrument for internal consistency and initial construct validity.

METHODS: A 20-item scale was developed to assess physical, mental, and spiritual health benefits related to yoga practice among adults. The scale was tested in a baseline survey with adults participating in a clinical trial. Principal component analysis was used to investigate the internal structure of the measure. Outcome expectations for yoga were examined for demographic differences.

RESULTS: The sample (N = 185) was 54% women, 89% white and had a mean age of 46 years. The final 20-item scale had high item loadings that ranged from .57 to .88 with a Cronbach's alpha value of .96. Significant differences were found in outcome expectation score by sex.

CONCLUSION: This newly developed scale can be used to assess outcome expectations for yoga and tailor interventions to promote adherence to yoga practice.