COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE, AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OUTCOMES OF REBIRTHING (BREATH, BIRTH, SPIRITUAL PSYCHOLOGY)

This is the first known empirical study of rebirthing, a holistic self improvement process. In Experiment I, 26 subjects were randomly assigned to a Treatment Group or to a no treatment Control Group. Treatment consisted of a Rebirth Training Weekend. Subjects in the Treatment Group showed improvement on the Rotter's Internal vs External Locus of Control Test, Self Esteem Scale, Affirmation Scale, and Multiple Affect Adjective Checklist when taken one day, two weeks, and six months after the rebirth training weekend. These results are consistent with rebirthing proponents' claims of increased ability to be the locus of control in one's life, increased self-esteem, increased positive thinking, and decreased anxiety. The scores on the Marlowe-Crown Social Desirability Scale did not differ, indicating that the improvements after treatment are not attributable to lying to produce socially acceptable answers. Cohorts of the subjects as well as psychologists noticed positive changes in these subjects after rebirthing. In Experiment 2, two subjects rested, were rebirthed, and rested again, while eight of their physiological functions were automatically recorded. Volume of air exhaled, oxygen and carbon dioxide expired, pulse volume, pulse propagation time, skin potential response, and electromyograph changed during the rebirth. The interbeat interval did not vary significantly. The changes documented in both Experiment 1 and 2 appear to be consistent with the benefits claimed by rebirthers. Subjects appeared to derive beneficial cognitive, affective, and physiological results from the treatment. These findings indicate that rebirthing merits further serious research and shows promise as a valuable technique for self improvement.