Exploring the benefits of altered states of consciousness and reduced experiential avoidance for mental well-being: insights from a global study on high ventilation breathwork
Frontiers in Psychology July 30, 2026 Lena Erdmann, Barbara Breitenstein, Maria Badanova et al.
In a cross-sectional online study of 324 participants from 23 countries, lower experiential avoidance during a high ventilation breathwork session predicted higher mental well-being afterward. Altered states of consciousness during the session predicted lower experiential avoidance, and more intense altered states combined with fewer challenging experiences predicted better post-session well-being. Experiential avoidance did not predict emotional breakthroughs, nor did it mediate the links between altered states or challenging experiences and well-being. The authors suggest that reduced experiential avoidance and more intense altered states during breathwork enhance mental well-being, with blissful states within altered states potentially fostering openness and engagement.