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Yoga Self-Efficacy Scale

Also known as: YSES, Yoga Efficacy Scale

OriginatorBased on Bandura's self-efficacy theory; adapted for yoga practiceYear2010Sources3Related methods5

The YSES measures an individual's confidence and perceived ability to successfully perform yoga practice, overcome barriers, and sustain a regular yoga routine. Grounded in Bandura's self-efficacy theory, it predicts adherence to yoga programs and likelihood of realizing health benefits in clinical and community populations.

Key highlights

  • Directly assesses perceived ability and confidence—a proximal predictor of yoga adherence and benefits.
  • Identifies specific barriers (time, physical limitations, motivation) actionable for intervention and support.
  • Brief, simple administration; suitable for routine use in yoga classes, clinics, and research.
  • Grounded in robust self-efficacy theory; validated across health behaviors; strong evidence linking self-efficacy to adherence and outcomes.

Intuition

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How it works

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When to use it

The YSES is appropriate for individuals beginning or continuing yoga practice to assess confidence and adherence risk. Use it at baseline to identify individuals at risk for dropout who may benefit from targeted support; midway through programs to monitor motivation and identify emerging barriers; and to evaluate impact of yoga instruction, group support, or motivational interventions on self-efficacy and adherence.

Strengths & limitations

Strengths
  • Directly assesses perceived ability and confidence—a proximal predictor of yoga adherence and benefits.
  • Identifies specific barriers (time, physical limitations, motivation) actionable for intervention and support.
  • Brief, simple administration; suitable for routine use in yoga classes, clinics, and research.
  • Grounded in robust self-efficacy theory; validated across health behaviors; strong evidence linking self-efficacy to adherence and outcomes.
Limitations
  • Self-report bias: individuals may overestimate confidence due to social desirability or limited self-awareness; actual performance may differ from reported efficacy.
  • Lack of specificity to yoga: items may be adapted from general exercise self-efficacy scales and not capture yoga-specific challenges (e.g., spiritual or meditative aspects).
  • Limited outcome data: while self-efficacy predicts adherence, limited evidence directly links yoga self-efficacy to health outcomes; requires supplementary outcome measurement.
  • Individual differences in scale interpretation: respondents may interpret 'confidence' differently; some may be modestly confident but persist, while others with high confidence may dropout due to lack of benefit perception.

Common pitfalls

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Applications

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Frequently asked

What is a 'good' YSES score, and should I worry if my score is below 75%?

Scores above 75% indicate strong confidence. Mid-range scores (50–75%) are common at baseline and can improve with instruction and early success. Below 50% suggests significant doubt; consider addressing specific barriers. Talk to your yoga instructor about challenges; small wins early in practice build efficacy.

Can yoga self-efficacy be improved, or is it a stable trait?

Self-efficacy is malleable and improves through successful practice experiences, instruction, and encouragement. As you learn postures, experience benefits, and overcome obstacles, confidence grows. This is why beginner-friendly classes and supportive instruction are important—early success builds efficacy for long-term adherence.

Should I start yoga if my YSES score is very low?

Low YSES often reflects unfamiliarity with yoga. Consider starting with beginner-friendly classes, one-on-one instruction, or apps with guided practices to build confidence. Early success and positive experiences boost self-efficacy. Talk with the instructor about your specific concerns—physical limitations, time constraints, or skepticism—to tailor your starting approach.

How does yoga self-efficacy relate to health outcomes?

Self-efficacy predicts adherence, which is necessary for realizing benefits. However, the relationship is indirect: high self-efficacy → better adherence → more practice → greater likelihood of health benefit (pain reduction, stress relief, strength improvement). High efficacy doesn't guarantee outcomes; quality of practice and individual responsiveness also matter.

Sources

  1. 1.
    Cramer, H., Hall, H., & Leach, M. J. (2016). Systematic review and meta-analysis of yoga for low back pain: A 2016 update. Spine Journal, 16(12), 1547–1557.
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Systematic+review+and+meta-analysis+of+yoga+for+low+back+pain%3A+A+2016+update+Cramer
  2. 2.
    Goleman, D., & Davidson, R. J. (2017). Altered traits: Science reveals how meditation changes your mind and brain. New York: Bantam.
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Goleman%2C%20D.%2C%20%26%20Davidson%2C%20R.%20J.%20(2017).%20Altered%20traits%3A%20Science%20reveals%20how%20meditation%20changes%20your%20mind%20and%20brain.%20New%20Y
  3. 3.
    Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: W.H. Freeman.
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Bandura%2C%20A.%20(1997).%20Self-efficacy%3A%20The%20exercise%20of%20control.%20New%20York%3A%20W.H.%20Freeman.

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ScholarGate. (2026, June 3). Yoga Self-Efficacy Scale. ScholarGate. https://scholargate.app/integrative-medicine/yoga-self-efficacy-scale

Yoga Self-Efficacy Scale | ScholarGate