The perceived impact of holotropic breathwork: An interpretive phenomenological analysis.
February 17, 2022 DOI: 10.24972/ijts.2022.41.1.51 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 12 |
| Population | 6 women and 6 men (ages 25-67) in Chile |
| Intervention | Holotropic Breathwork |
| Topics | Breathwork |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Preparation, reasons for seeking HB, and integration of experiences influence the perceived impact of HB, suggesting that revision of some HB procedures may provide better support for attendees. |
Abstract
Holotropic Breathwork (HB) is a method of self-exploration developed by Stanislav and Christina Grof. Research has only just begun to investigate the effects of HB, while the possible influence of the context and other features of HB within the experience and its impact have not been studied in depth. This qualitative study investigated the perceived impact of HB on 6 women and 6 men (ages 25-67) in Chile, using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), an emergent method developed specifically to work with these types of subjective issues. Results revealed 10 major themes involving both intrapsychic and relational features prior, during and after HB. Results provide support for some elements of the existing theory and practice of HB, but, given the influence of preparation, the reasons for seeking HB, and the integration of experiences on the perceived impact of HB, revision of some HB procedures may provide better support for workshop attendees.