The Prevalence of Dysfunctional Breathing and its Association with Personality Type in a University Population

Abstract

Copyright © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2017. Background: Dysfunctional breathing (DB) is an umbrella term used to describe an abnormal breathing pattern which can be psychologically or physiologically based. DB has been shown to be exacerbated at times of increased stress and to be related to anxiety disorders; both factors are common within a university setting, particularly around exam time. Personality types, specifically type A personality, share common risk factors with DB, suggesting a possible association. The prevalence of DB within a university population has not been previously investigated. Aims: To investigate the prevalence of dysfunctional breathing within a university population and assess any association between DB and type A personality.