The Sociology of Breathing Robert Joseph Marek rjmarek@att.net LICSW Massachusetts, Ph.D. Sociology February 2023 Abstract This paper utilizes the Buteyko breathing method to represent the advantages of many available breathing techniques. To restore natural breathing and reduce anxiety, we found that at-home practice repetition was the most correlated factor with anxiety reduction. And at-home breathing practice was significantly correlated with increased session attendance. The conclusion can be drawn that the instructor must didactically emphasize the need for home repetitions to keep the anxiety relief the patient desires. The assumption, of course, is that the student will master the technique and be able to eventually call upon it when needed. Given that, in this pilot study, many of the clients had been in treatment for weeks before introducing breathing strategies with little change in anxiety reduction, indicating motivation to improve wasn't a prime factor per se in anxiety reduction. Additionally, practice in-session re-educates and motivates the student to practice out- of-session, which may bring the teaching of breathing into the clinical realm. A literature search does not show a study of the need for session-to-session directed instruction of breathing as standard practice. This paper points to the simple sociological conclusion that the clinician must instill the need to practice good breathing strategies at every session. The instructor-student relationship is vital to the larger social goal of anxiety reduction. Further research must address practical ways to motivate the instructor- student dyad. Keywords: Clinical sociology, breath hold, home practice, anxiety, counseling Introduction While most health professionals teach good breathing techniques as part of their healing interaction, instilling competent breathing patterns in all their patients is a commitment of greater magnitude. It entails learning an efficient process of breathing mechanics that enables a professional to confidently instruct a client and the client to understand why breathing well is important (Jerath et al., 2015). Components of breathing respond to our emotions, our physical activity, and social signals. Intentionally modifying the breathing pattern changes many different emotional