We are a research team from the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the University of Potsdam in Germany conducting an anonymous online survey about people’s experiences with breathwork involving active, intensified or accelerated breathing. This survey was developed in collaboration with members of the Berlin Breathwork Council (an association of practitioners and scientists of the Berlin Breathwork Days) and was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Institute of Psychology at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany.
Purpose: The aim of this survey is to gain a better understanding of the effects you notice during or after a breathwork session involving active, intensified or accelerated breathing—for example, effects on your well-being, bodily sensations, and emotions. By participating, you contribute to improving the assessment of breathwork safety and to understanding how such experiences are processed.
Duration: Participation takes approx. 20-25 minutes. Your individual completion time depends on your personal pace and the level of detail in your responses.
Eligibility criteria: The survey is intended for individuals who have participated in a breathwork session no more than 7 days ago. We recommend completing the survey within the first 2-3 days after the session (ideally no earlier than the following morning).
You are warmly invited to participate if you…
- have taken part in a breathwork session within the last 7 days and this session included at least some fast-paced breathing
- Fast-paced breathwork includes a variety of techniques in which the breathing cycle is deeper and/or faster than usual. It is known by various names – for example, Conscious Connected Breathwork or Holotropic Breathwork®– and can be done in different settings. It is most commonly done in groups with one or more facilitators and accompanied by evocative music.
- are at least 18 years old
- speak English or German fluently
- have not completed this survey before
Prize draw: As a thank you for your time, you will have the chance to win one of 50 prizes of €20 in our lottery. In addition, you will receive a concise summary of the latest research findings on breathwork immediately after completing the survey.
TO THE QUESTIONNAIRE
If possible, please complete the survey on a computer.
https://www.soscisurvey.de/breathwork_2026/
Are you unsure if you are eligible to participate? Do you have any further questions? Please do not hesitate to contact Josephine Jörke (josephine.joerke@hu-berlin) and Lena Erdmann (lena.erdmann@uni-potsdam.de).
Our team:
1 Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
2 Universität Potsdam
3 German Center for Mental Health (DZPG)
Berlin Breathwork Council
