Why do you sigh? Sigh rate during induced stress and relief.
Whereas sighing appears to function as a physiological resetter, the psychological function of sighing is largely unknown. Sighing has been suggested to occur both during stress and negative emotions, such as panic and pain, and during positive emotions, such as relaxation and relief. In three experiments, sigh rate was investigated during short imposed states of stress and relief. Stress was induced by exposure to a loud noise stressor or by anticipation of it. Relief was induced by the end of the stressor or the anticipation that no stressor would follow. Breathing parameters were recorded continuously by means of the LifeShirt System. Results consistently showed that more sighing occurred during conditions of relief compared to conditions of stress.
Vlemincx
Elke
E
University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Van Diest
Ilse
I
De Peuter
Steven
S
Bresseleers
Johan
J
Bogaerts
Katleen
K
Fannes
Stien
S
Li
Wan
W
Van Den Bergh
Omer
O
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003463:Cues; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008170:Lung Compliance / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D001261:Pulmonary Atelectasis / Q000503:physiopathology; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000502:physiology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult