Emotional Intelligence Training: Influence of a Brief Slow-Paced Breathing Exercise on Psychophysiological Variables Linked to Emotion Regulation

Abstract

Designing emotional intelligence training programs requires first testing the effectiveness of techniques targeting its main dimensions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a brief slow-paced breathing (SPB) exercise on psychophysiological variables linked to emotion regulation, namely cardiac vagal activity (CVA), as well as perceived stress intensity, emotional arousal, and emotional valence. A total of 61 participants completed a 5-min SPB exercise and a control condition of a 5-min rest measurement. CVA was indexed with the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD). Participants were also asked to rate their perceived stress intensity, emotional arousal, and emotional valence. Results showed that CVA was higher during SPB in comparison to the control condition. Contrary to our hypothesis, perceived stress intensity and emotional arousal increased after SPB, and perceived emotional valence was less positive after SPB. This could be explained by experiencing dyspnea (i.e., breathing discomfort), and the need to get acclimatized to SPB. Consequently, we may conclude that although physiological benefits of SPB on CVA are immediate, training may be required in order to perceive psychological benefits.

Single Slow-Paced Breathing Session at Six Cycles per Minute: Investigation of Dose-Response Relationship on Cardiac Vagal Activity

“…Few studies adopted a design including CVA measurement during and after SPB, but existing findings indicate an increase in CVA during SPB with a return to baseline levels upon the cessation of SPB. This pattern could be observed with different durations of SPB, namely 5 min [ 30 ] or 15 min [ 23 ]. Due to the high interindividual differences in HRV [ 22 , 34 ], it appears worth investigating the dose-response relationship of SPB on CVA in a within-subject design, as the current study aims to do.…”

“…Therefore, in this study, we focus particularly on SPB implemented without biofeedback, in which SPB is practiced without the live display of a biological signal [ 26 ], such as the RF, heart rate or HRV [ 11 , 27 ]. Concerning studies involving a single-session SPB without biofeedback and CVA, durations from 3 [ 28 ], 5 [ 4 , 5 , 29 , 30 ], 15 [ 23 , 31 , 32 ], and up to 30 min [ 33 ] have been used in previous research. Few studies adopted a design including CVA measurement during and after SPB, but existing findings indicate an increase in CVA during SPB with a return to baseline levels upon the cessation of SPB.…”

Effects of Temporary Respiration Exercise with Individual Harmonic Frequency on Blood Pressure and Autonomic Balance

“…While this study focused on the effects of harmonic frequency breathing on blood pressure and autonomic balance, several studies have investigated how respiration affects other functions from a physiological or psychological perspective [ 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ]. One study showed that controlling breathing cycles to the harmonic breathing frequency of eight cycles per minute caused a decrease in anxiety levels compared with free respiration.…”

Development of the Android-Based “NADA” (Napas Diafragma) Application Strategy for People of Productive Age Towards Mentally Healthy Indonesia

“…Still, relaxation does not have a therapeutic effect in overcoming stress and anxiety. Breathing exercises sound easy, but if they are not done in the right direction, they can have the opposite effect: increased stress, shortness of breath, and even hyperventilation (R. You, 2021) (Hodzic et al, 2018.…”