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Comprehensive review of biorhythm theory
1Psychology Department, Pace University, Pleasantville, NY 10570-2799, USA. thines@fsmail.pace.edu
Psychological Reports
|October 17, 1998
Summary
Biorhythm theory, popular in the 1960s, claimed cycles influenced physical, emotional, and intellectual behavior. A review of 134 studies found no scientific validity for these biorhythm cycles.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Human Behavior Studies
Background:
- Biorhythm theory posits three sinusoidal cycles (physical, emotional, intellectual) influencing human behavior.
- These cycles are believed to commence at birth and remain constant, unaffected by external factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the scientific validity of biorhythm theory.
- To review empirical evidence supporting or refuting biorhythm claims.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of 134 published and unpublished studies on biorhythm theory.
- Critical analysis of methodological and statistical approaches in supportive studies.
Main Results:
- Only 35 out of 134 studies reported findings supportive of biorhythm theory.
- Methodological and statistical flaws were identified in studies claiming support.
- The majority of studies (99) provided no evidence for biorhythm theory.
Conclusions:
- Biorhythm theory lacks scientific validation.
- Empirical evidence does not support the claims of biorhythm cycles influencing human behavior.