title: Affective responses to qigong: a pilot study of regular practitioners.
abstract: Single sessions of Qigong have been associated with increased positive affect/emotional benefits. In the present study the aim was to refine the present understanding by using newly developed research methodologies. Therefore, affective reactions were studied in a group performing Qigong through pre-, during, and post-assessments using a modified version of the short Swedish Core Affect Scale complemented with open-ended questions. Affect was measured on a group and individual level. The results showed a shift during Qigong toward increased pleasant activated and deactivated affect in the group of 46 women who regularly practice Qigong. Inter-individual responses displayed positive affective responses, which also increased as the bout proceeded for the majority of practitioners. Acknowledging some limitations, these findings have practical implications for the enhancement of positive affect and subjective well-being.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health and Social Sciences, Dalarna University, SE-791 88 Falun, Sweden. mattias.johansson@oru.se
authors.forename: Mattias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Johansson
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hassmén
mesh_terms: D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D001945:Breathing Exercises; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026441:Mind-Body Therapies; D008960:Models, Psychological; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012064:Relaxation Therapy / Q000379:methods*