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
Lena Erdmann, Barbara Breitenstein, Maria Badanova, Lennard Telschow, Martha N. Havenith, Isabel Dziobek
Frontiers in Psychology July 30, 2026 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1777341 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional online study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 324 |
| Population | Participants from 23 countries of residence who completed questionnaires in German or English |
| Intervention | High ventilation breathwork |
| Topics | Altered states of consciousness Breathwork Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Challenging experiences Emotional breakthrough Experiential avoidance High ventilation |
| Key findings | Lower experiential avoidance during a high ventilation breathwork session significantly predicted higher mental well-being after the session, and altered states of consciousness during the session significantly predicted lower experiential avoidance. |
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.