Publication Date

Spring 2025

Degree Type

Doctoral Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Denise Dawkins

Keywords

Polyvagal Theory, yoga, mindfulness, interoception, psychological safety, healthcare professionals, emotion regulation

Abstract

Establishing a culture of psychological safety is a necessary foundation for creating a High Reliability Organization. Healthcare professionals must practice emotional self-regulation to maintain equanimity and facilitate positive communications with their colleagues. This can be exceptionally challenging when increasing numbers of healthcare professionals are experiencing burnout. Using the framework of Polyvagal Theory, yoga practices have been demonstrated to support emotional self-regulation and reduce symptoms of burnout. The purpose of this project was to implement yoga therapy to increase the perception of psychological safety in healthcare staff. Veterans Affairs Long Beach Healthcare System (VALBHS) staff invited to attend one 45minute yoga therapy session. Participants completed the Neuroception of Psychological Safety Scale (NPSS) survey prior to the class and at one and five weeks following the class. Participants received an audio recording of all practices to support their home practice, as well as weekly email reminders for 5 weeks post-session. Comparisons of baseline and 1-week post session scores showed a statistically significant improvement in psychological safety, as well as the subscale body sensations. Further comparison with 5-week post session scores showed no significant difference, suggesting that changes were sustained over time. A brief yoga therapy intervention is an effective way to support healthcare staff to develop skills to support their own emotion regulation and psychological safety.

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