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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
08:34
Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns
Published on: September 16, 2019
Diaphragmatic Breathing and Performance Anxiety in Dental Students
Christina D Pastan1, Steven Eisen1, Matthew Finkelman1
1Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
|June 9, 2026
Summary
First-year dental students find diaphragmatic breathing (DB) beneficial for managing stress. Those with performance anxiety showed greater willingness to use DB as a coping tool, especially before exams.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Psychology
- Health Sciences
Background:
- Performance anxiety is common among dental students.
- Stress management techniques are crucial for academic success and future practice.
- Diaphragmatic breathing (DB) is a potential tool for mitigating anxiety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate first-year dental students' attitudes toward diaphragmatic breathing (DB).
- To compare perceptions of DB between students with and without performance anxiety.
- To assess the potential impact of DB on dental students' academic and professional lives.
Main Methods:
- A lecture on diaphragmatic breathing (DB) was delivered to 195 dental students.
- A 10-question survey assessed students' attitudes and perceptions of DB.
- Data were analyzed comparing students with and without performance anxiety.
Main Results:
- 73% of students reported experiencing performance anxiety.
- 89% believed DB would benefit them as dentists; 88% would use it in daily life.
- Students with performance anxiety showed greater agreement on DB's value and willingness to use it before exams (P=.016, P=.018).
Conclusions:
- Diaphragmatic breathing (DB) may serve as an effective coping mechanism for dental students.
- Introducing DB can help mitigate stress and anxiety in dental education.
- DB shows promise for improving student well-being and readiness for clinical assessments.
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