Assessing Vocal Chanting as an Online Psychosocial Intervention.
Felicity Maria Simpson, Gemma Perry, William Forde Thompson
Frontiers in psychology January 1, 2021 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647632 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA 10-minute online chanting session reduced stress and increased positive affect compared to an online control task, whether done individually or in a group. Participants in group chanting felt more connected to their chanting group than those in the control group, but general feelings of connectedness to all people did not differ across conditions. The findings suggest that online chanting may serve as a useful psychosocial intervention, even when practiced remotely.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 117 |
| Population | Adults participating in an online study |
| Intervention | Online chanting |
| Duration | 10-minute session |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Covid-19 Chanting Music psychology Relaxation |
| Citations | 26 |
| Key finding | Online chanting significantly reduced stress and increased positive affect compared to a control task, and group chanting increased feelings of connection to the chanting group but not to people in general. |
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.