Human Caring Theory-Based Yoga and Anxiety

The Effect of a Yoga Program Based on Human Carıng Theory on Anxiety Levels of Adolescents With an Oncological Diagnosis

This controlled interventional study aims to evaluate the effect of a Human Caring Theory-based yoga program on state anxiety levels in adolescents diagnosed with cancer. Adolescents aged 12-18 years who are receiving outpatient follow-up will be assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will participate in an individualized four-week online yoga program delivered through Zoom, comprising two 60-minute sessions per week. The control group will receive no study intervention and will complete the same data collection forms. State anxiety will be assessed using the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I). The study will be conducted through the Pediatric Oncology Outpatient Clinic of Akdeniz University Hospital in Antalya, Türkiye.

Adolescents diagnosed with cancer may experience anxiety related to uncertainty, treatment-related adverse effects, social isolation, and disruptions in autonomy and identity development. The intervention integrates yoga with Jean Watson's Human Caring Theory to support mind-body awareness, emotional regulation, hope, self-awareness, and a healing environment. The program was developed by the researchers with expert input and relevant literature.

Yoga sessions will be delivered remotely and individually through Zoom by the first researcher, who has nine years of pediatric oncology nursing experience and is trained as a children's yoga instructor. Session dates and times will be scheduled according to each participant's availability. Before each session, the participant's physical capacity and any limitations will be assessed. Yoga postures will be adapted to the participant's abilities, with emphasis on safe mind-body awareness rather than perfect performance. Written and verbal assent/consent will be obtained from adolescents and their parents before participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 12-18 years
• Diagnosed with an oncological disease
• Receiving follow-up care at the Pediatric Oncology Outpatient Clinic
• Able to understand the study scales and instructions
• Able to attend the online sessions regularly and having the necessary internet access
• Adolescent assent and parent/legal guardian consent obtained

Exclusion Criteria:

• Requesting withdrawal from the study
• Missing two or more yoga sessions