Psychosomatic Medicine 2:110-118 (1940)
© 1940 American Psychosomatic Society

Respiration and Personality--a Preliminary Report

Part I. Description of the Curves

¹ Institute for Psychoanalysis, Chicago

A study has been undertaken of respiratory tracings with special references to psychological correlations. We use an ordinary metabolism apparatus, with very low resistance to respiration, and enlarged so as to be able to include the vital capacity on the same tracing. In describing the curves we consider rate, depth, respiratory level, rounding of tips, "hooks, " "squares" (breath-holding) and "spikes." Averages for the Institute group are given. The tracings are quite individual and relatively constant in approximately 75 per cent of the cases. No correlations with chest shape were found. Respiratory efficiencies varied from 8 to 32 liters of oxygen breathed for one liter absorbed. Spirograms were obtained from small groups of asthmatics, hebephrenics and paranoids. A study of correlations between the records and the intaking and eliminating tendencies of the individual is now in progress.

Note:

Read at the American Psychiatric Association Meeting, St. Louis, Missouri, May 7, 1936.

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