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Emotions and respiratory patterns: review and critical analysis
F A Boiten1, N H Frijda, C J Wientjes
1Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Summary
Respiration patterns reflect emotional states, with calm-excitement, relaxation-tenseness, and coping styles being key dimensions. Further research into respiratory cycle forms could reveal finer emotional distinctions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychophysiology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- The relationship between emotions and respiration has been understudied since early experimental psychology.
- Difficulties in accurately measuring respiration have likely contributed to this research gap.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on the connection between emotional states and respiratory patterns.
- To identify the primary dimensions of emotional response reflected in respiration.
- To suggest future research directions for a more comprehensive understanding.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating emotion-respiration relationships.
- Analysis of available data on respiration patterns and emotional responses.
- Synthesis of findings to identify key emotional dimensions and measurement limitations.
Main Results:
- Respiration patterns correlate with general emotional response dimensions linked to situational demands.
- Major dimensions identified include calm-excitement, relaxation-tenseness, and active versus passive coping.
- Current research primarily focuses on respiration rate, amplitude, and volume.
Conclusions:
- Respiration is a significant indicator of emotional states, reflecting underlying dimensions of emotional experience.
- Inclusion of broader respiratory parameters, like cycle form, could enhance the precision of emotion detection.
- Further investigation is warranted to fully elucidate the complex interplay between emotions and respiration.