Intentional Slow Breathing Versus Spontaneous Breathing During Mindfulness Meditation Differentially Affects Electroencephalographic Oscillations and Skin Conductance
Alexander T. Duda, Adam R. Clarke, Robert J. Barry
Mindfulness May 26, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-026-02883-x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Preregistered Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 80 |
| Population | Young adults (mean age ~20; mostly female) |
| Intervention | Spontaneous breathing during mindfulness meditation |
| Duration | Single experimental session |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Arousal Mindfulness meditation Electroencephalography Skin conductance Audiology Biofeedback Anesthesia Psychophysiology Diaphragmatic breathing Relaxation psychology Attentional control |
| Key findings | Intentional slow breathing during mindfulness meditation increases theta and beta EEG amplitudes and skin conductance level, whereas spontaneous breathing decreases beta and skin conductance. |
Abstract
Abstract Objectives Many meditation practices use the breath as an attentional anchor, and this may naturally slow respiration. However, it remains unclear whether intentionally slowing the breath during mindfulness meditation produces effects beyond those of spontaneous breathing. This study examined the effects of naturally occurring versus intentional slow breathing during mindfulness meditation on neural oscillations and sympathetic arousal.
Method: In a single experimental session, participants were randomly assigned to one of two mindfulness meditation conditions: spontaneous breathing ( n = 40; M age = 20.2; 32 females) or paced breathing ( n = 40; M age = 19.8; 30 females). Electroencephalography (EEG) and skin conductance level (SCL) were recorded before , during , and after mindfulness meditation. Global amplitudes were assessed across the five traditional EEG frequency bands.
Results: Respiratory rate decreased more from before to during in paced breathing than in spontaneous breathing. Compared with spontaneous breathing, paced breathing resulted in a larger increase in theta (4–7.5 Hz) amplitude and a smaller decrease in alpha (8–13 Hz) amplitude from before to during . Additionally, beta (13.5–30 Hz) amplitude and SCL increased from befor e to during in paced breathing but decreased in spontaneous breathing.
Conclusions: Intentional slow breathing during mindfulness meditation differentially affects neural oscillations and sympathetic arousal, consistent with an effect of breath pacing on attentional and arousal processes. These findings suggest that breath control may shape the psychophysiological effects of mindfulness meditation, with potential implications for well-being and for the treatment of psychological disorders. Preregistration This study is not preregistered.