Assessing Vocal Chanting as an Online Psychosocial Intervention.
Frontiers in psychology – January 01, 2021
Source: PubMed
Summary
Online chanting sessions significantly reduce stress and enhance mood, offering a valuable coping tool during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a study with 117 participants, those engaging in a 10-minute online chanting session reported improved positive emotions compared to a control group. Group participants felt a greater sense of connection with their peers, highlighting the communal aspect of chanting. While overall feelings of connectedness remained unchanged, these findings suggest that both individual and group online chanting can serve as effective psychosocial interventions for relaxation and emotional well-being.
Abstract
The ancient practice of chanting typically takes place within a community as a part of a live ceremony or ritual. Research suggests that chanting leads to improved mood, reduced stress, and increased wellbeing. During the global pandemic, many chanting practices were moved online in order to adhere to social distancing recommendations. However, it is unclear whether the benefits of live chanting occur when practiced in an online format. The present study assessed the effects of a 10-min online chanting session on stress, mood, and connectedness, carried out either in a group or individually. The study employed a 2 (chanting vs. control) × 2 (group vs. individual) between-subjects design. Participants (N = 117) were pseudo-randomly allocated across the four conditions. Before and after participation, individuals completed the Spielberg's State Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, the Social Connectedness Scale and Aron's Inclusion of Self in Other Scale. Online chanting led to a significant reduction in stress and an increase in positive affect when compared to the online control task. Participants who took part in group chanting also felt more connected to members of their chanting group than participants in the control group. However, feelings of general connectedness to all people remained similar across conditions. The investigation provides evidence that online chanting may be a useful psychosocial intervention, whether practiced individually or in a group.