Impact of Holotropic Breathwork on Nursing Student Mental Health

Stopped early · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Mental Health

In brief

Purpose of the Study This study investigates whether Holotropic Breathwork (HB)-a technique involving controlled hyperventilation paired with music and guided support-can improve the mental, emotional, and existential well-being of nursing students. The researchers aim to: Evaluate the acceptability and impact of HB in this population. Compare psychological, interpersonal, and existential functioning before and after the breathwork session. Study Design Participants: Up to 72 current UNMC nursing students (age 19+), excluding those with bipolar/psychotic disorders, cardiac/seizure conditions, glaucoma, or recent surgeries. Pregnant individuals are excluded. Intervention: A single-day breathwork session, led by certified facilitators, including preparatory instruction, two breathwork rounds (one as "breather," one as "sitter"), and integration discussions. Data Collection: Surveys before, immediately after, and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Instruments include: Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) Psychological Insight Scale Self and Interpersonal Functioning Scale Purpose in Life Test Emotional Breakthrough and Mystical Experience Questionnaires Significance Nursing students face significant stress, anxiety, and even suicide risk. HB may offer a safe, non-drug intervention to support their mental health. While HB has been studied in other populations, this is the first known study targeting nursing students. Safety Measures Participants monitored by trained facilitators. Pre-screening includes a urine pregnancy test. Emergency plans include psychiatric assessment, Uber/Lyft rides if needed, and referral systems for mental health support. If \>15% of participants experience serious adverse events, the study will be halted.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07106554

Run by

University of Nebraska

People needed

2

Starts

2025-08-28

Expected to finish

2025-08-31

Last updated by the study team

2026-03-04

Who can join

Age: 19 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Currently enrolled in a program at the UNMC College of Nursing (bachelor's, master's, or doctorate).
• 19 years of age or older.

You may not qualify if…

• Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at any point in life (per self-report).
• Diagnosed with a psychotic disorder or have experienced psychotic symptoms at any point in life (per self-report).
• Diagnosed with a cardiac condition, received care for a cardiac condition, or currently have cardiac symptoms (per self-report).
• Ever diagnosed with a seizure disorder (per self-report).
• Uncontrolled hypertension, defined as 140/90 mmHg or greater (measured the morning of the breathwork).
• Diagnosed with glaucoma or retinal detachment.
• Recent surgeries (unspecified, but likely judged as too recent for safe participation).
• Currently pregnant (verified with a urine pregnancy test the morning of the breathwork).

Where it is running

• University of Nebraska Medical Center — Lincoln, Nebraska, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

Trial information comes from ClinicalTrials.gov and is refreshed daily. TrialsForMe does not provide medical care and does not run the studies it lists.