Neofunctional Deep Breathing for Stress Modulation

This technique, rooted in the Neo-Functionalist orientation which actively utilizes body contact, involves direct manual assistance from the therapist during different respiratory movements. This hands-on guidance is specifically aimed at promoting and facilitating congruent movements across the thoracic, diaphragmatic, and abdominal regions throughout the breathing cycle, enhancing the targeted respiratory pattern. The intervention will be delivered by a psychotherapist specialized in Neo-Functional techniques.

Participants will receive occasional physical contact applied by the therapist specifically to the right arm. This contact is deliberately non-specific to the breathing process and contrasts with the targeted manual respiratory assistance provided to the experimental group. Participants in this group will not receive breathing instructions.