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

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

BackgroundResearch suggests that high ventilation breathwork (HVB) improves mental health by reducing experiential avoidance (EA) through altered states of consciousness (ASCs). The present study examined whether EA during participants’ most recent breathwork session predicted mental well-being afterward. Additionally, the study examined the relationships between EA, ASCs, emotional breakthroughs, and mentally challenging experiences (e.g., negative emotions or thoughts) during the session and mental well-being afterward.MethodsThis cross-sectional, international online study was conducted in German and English and included a final sample of N = 324 participants from 23 countries of residence. Participants reported on their most recent breathwork experience and completed validated questionnaires, including the APEQ-S, 11D-ASCs, EBI, and WEMWBS, as well as a self-developed challenging experiences scale. Multiple linear regressions and mediation analyses were conducted.ResultsDuring the session, ASCs significantly predicted lower EA. In turn, lower EA during the session significantly predicted higher mental well-being after the session. Moreover, higher ASC ratings and lower ratings for challenging experiences significantly predicted higher mental well-being after the session. EA did not significantly predict emotional breakthroughs, nor did it mediate the relationships between ASCs or challenging experiences and mental well-being.ConclusionOverall, the findings suggest that reduced EA and more intense ASCs during HVB enhance mental well-being. Blissful states within ASCs predicted lower EA, highlighting their potential in fostering openness and engagement during HVB.