Evaluation of the breathworks mindfulness‐based pain management programme: effects on well‐being and multiple measures of mindfulness
Bryany Cusens, Geoffrey B. Duggan, Kirsty Thorne, Vidyamala Burch
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy November 13, 2009 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.653 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot investigation; quasi-experimental with intervention and comparison groups Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Chronic pain patients |
| Topics | Breathwork Meditation |
| Citations | 102 |
| Key findings | The Breathworks mindfulness programme led to significant improvements in well-being measures and increased self-reported mindfulness, but no change in sustained attention. |
Abstract
Abstract Two studies of a mindfulness training programme are presented. Study 1 reports on a pilot investigation of the impact on well‐being of the Breathworks mindfulness‐based pain management programme. Significant positive change was found on self‐report measures of depression, outlook, catastrophizing and pain self‐efficacy in the Intervention Group, but not the Comparison Group. Particularly large effects were found for pain acceptance. These results support the short‐term efficacy of the Breathworks programme and reinforce the importance of acceptance for positive outcome with chronic pain patients. Study 2 investigated alterations in mindfulness following participation in the Breathworks programme. Subjective and non‐subjective measures of mindfulness were used. Scores on the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale were significantly higher at Time 2 in the Intervention Group, but not in the Comparison Group. There was no change on a measure of sustained attention. Results from an Implicit Association Test provided some support for an increased awareness of positive stimuli, following the intervention. These results are discussed with reference to the mechanisms of mindfulness. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Message: Evidence supporting the efficacy of Breathworks for well‐being. Mindful Attention Awareness Scale scores improved following mindfulness training. Mindfulness may increase awareness of pleasant affect. No change found on a measure of attention.
In the evidence
This study is part of the evidence base for a synthesis in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.
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The Breathworks mindfulness programme produced significant improvements in depression, outlook, catastrophizing, pain self-efficacy, pain acceptance, and self-reported mindfulness, but no change on a measure of sustained attention.
Synthesized
Comparable studies
Other experimental studies on breathwork, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neural Correlates of Non-ordinary States of Consciousness in Pranayama Practitioners: The Role of Slow Nasal Breathing Experienced meditators | 2022 | Within-subjects comparison | n = 12 |
| Measure of Significance of Holotropic Breathwork in the Development of Self-Awareness. Participants referred from Danish Holotropic Breathwork facilitators, including 9... | 2015 | Quasi-experiment with multiple case studies and repeated measures | n = 20 |
| An Effectiveness of Holotropic Breathwork on Stress Management among Higher Secondary Students in Selected Schools of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh Higher secondary students at Sardar Patel Intermediate College, Mandhana, Kanpur, India | 2026 | Quasi-experimental study | n = 60 |
| A Study To Assess The Effectiveness Of Video Assisted Pranayama On Stress Among Students Of Selected College In Chennai College students at Saveetha College of Engineering, Chennai | 2026 | True experimental research design | n = 100 |
| IMPACT OF YOGASANA AND BHRAMARI PRANAYAMA ON SLEEP QUALITY AMONG EPILEPSY PATIENTS Epilepsy patients aged 18-50 years | 2026 | Quantitative experimental single-group pre-test/post-test | n = 35 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 41
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Physical Conditions: A Narrative Review Evaluating Levels of Evidence ISRN Psychiatry November 14, 2012
- Potential treatment mechanisms in a mindfulness‐based intervention for people with progressive multiple sclerosis British Journal of Health Psychology May 30, 2016
- Effects of mindfulness and distraction on pain depend upon individual differences in pain catastrophizing: An experimental study European Journal of Pain March 26, 2014
- A Practitioner’s Guide to Breathwork in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Journal of Mental Health Counseling 2020
- Which type and dosage of mindfulness-based interventions are most effective for chronic pain? A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research April 1, 2025
and 36 more in the library
Cites 19
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2003
- Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects Psychological Inquiry October 19, 2007
and 14 more in the library