The effect of African breath psychotherapeutic workshops on spirituality perceptions and experiences

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of an African breath psychotherapeutic workshop called  Shiso on spirituality perceptions and experiences. In view of previous pilot study findings, it was hypothesized that further Shiso workshops with enlarged samples would improve participants’ spirituality in comparison  with a control group who did not receive the workshop. Quantitative findings from three workshops involving a total sample of 59 participants indicated significant increases in spirituality perceptions as measured on a standardized spirituality scale and as compared to a control group of 41 subjects. Qualitative findings indicated improved spirituality experiences. Results are discussed with regard to further African breath-based research into the relatedness and causal patterns of transformations in spirituality, consciousness and health.

Keywords: African, breath, psychotherapy, workshop, spirituality.