Common Yoga Protocol Modulates Traditional Architecture of Personality and Its Association with the Socio-demographic Variables of Prisoners: An Exploratory Study.

Background: Criminal behaviour is influenced by various factors, including social, environmental and individual personality traits. Research has indicated that individuals with psychopathic traits, challenging temperaments and low self-control are more likely to engage in criminal activities. While Yoga has been associated with reducing psychological distress among prison inmates, the application of traditional Vedic philosophy-based personality measures, particularly Triguna (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas), has not been explored within this context.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the effect of the common Yoga protocol (CYP) on Vedic personality traits among prisoners and examine their association with socio-demographic factors.

Methods: This exploratory analysis involved a randomised controlled trial with 191 prisoners diagnosed with mild to moderate cognitive impairment, focusing on perceived stress and cognitive improvement. Participants were randomly assigned to either a Yoga group (n = 96) or a control group (n = 95). The Yoga group practiced CYP for two months, while the control group maintained their usual routines. Vedic personality traits were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. A per-protocol analysis was conducted on 88 participants from the Yoga group and 66 from the control group who completed the study.

Results: The Yoga group exhibited a significant increase in Sattva (P ≤ .001) and significant decreases in both Rajas (P ≤ .001) and Tamas (P ≤ .001) compared to the control group. Within the Yoga group, Sattva was negatively correlated with age (r = -0.237, P ≤ .05) and BMI (r = -0.220, P ≤ .05), while Tamas was positively correlated with age (r = 0.265, P ≤ .05) and BMI (r = 0.252, P ≤ .05).

Conclusion: The CYP effectively enhances the positive attribute, that is, Sattva, while reducing negative attributes, that is, Rajas and Tamas of personality among prisoners. Incorporating Yoga into daily prison routines may serve as an effective rehabilitation tool and improve our understanding of the criminal psychology of inmates.