University of Twente Student Theses
The Effects of Wim Hof Breathing Techniques and Cold Exposure on Perceived Stress and Subjective Vitality in Students: A Pre-Post and Daily Experience Sampling Study
Woortmeijer, R.H.M. (2024) The Effects of Wim Hof Breathing Techniques and Cold Exposure on Perceived Stress and Subjective Vitality in Students: A Pre-Post and Daily Experience Sampling Study.
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| Abstract: | Emerging adults, particularly students, often experience significant stress, leading to chronically low vitality and related health risks. The Wim Hof Method (WHM), which includes breathing exercises and cold exposure, is suggested as a way to reduce stress and enhance vitality, but its effectiveness needs further study. This research aims to evaluate the impact of WHM on perceived stress and subjective vitality among students, and to explore the relationship between mindset during cold showers and their frequency. Healthy students participated in a 15-day intervention involving daily breathing exercises and cold showers after a WHM workshop. Pre- and post-test questionnaires measured perceived stress (PSS) and subjective vitality (trait (SVSt) and state (SVSs)), analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The Experience Sampling Method (ESM) tracked WHM frequency, stress, vitality, and mindset levels, analyzed with a multi-linear model. Open-ended questions were analyzed through deductive coding. Of the 35 participants, 91.9% completed the intervention. Significant reductions in PSS (18.77%) and increases in SVSt (13.22%) and SVSs (23.55%) were observed. ESM data showed an 87.6% mean compliance rate but was not normally distributed. No significant association was found between WHM frequency and perceived stress or subjective vitality. The impact of daily WHM activities on stress or vitality was inconclusive due to insufficient non-participation data. In conclusion, the WHM shows promise in reducing perceived stress and increasing subjective vitality after 15 days, suggesting its utility for students. Future studies could improve by incorporating non-participation periods and using more complex questionnaires. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/100481 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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