How Chanting Relates to Cognitive Function, Altered States and Quality of Life

Chanting, the rhythmic vocalization or mental repetition of a sound or phrase, is associated with altered states of consciousness and cognitive benefits, which in turn relate to quality of life. A global survey of 456 English-speaking regular chanters from 32 countries found that stronger intentionality (devotion, intention, sound) and higher engagement (experience, practice duration, regularity) predicted more mystical experiences, flow states, and mindfulness, and less mind wandering. Call-and-response chanters reported more mystical experiences, while repetitive prayer was linked to less mind wandering. The effects on quality of life were indirect, through altered states and cognitive benefits.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Chanting is practiced in many religious and secular traditions and involves rhythmic vocalization or mental repetition of a sound or phrase. This study examined how chanting relates to cognitive function, altered states, and quality of life across a wide range of traditions. A global survey was used to assess experiences during chanting including flow states, mystical experiences, mindfulness, and mind wandering. Further, attributes of chanting were assessed to determine their association with altered states and cognitive benefits, and whether psychological correlates of chanting are associated with quality of life. Responses were analyzed from 456 English speaking participants who regularly chant across 32 countries and various chanting traditions. Results revealed that different aspects of chanting were associated with distinctive experiential outcomes. Stronger intentionality (devotion, intention, sound) and higher chanting engagement (experience, practice duration, regularity) were associated with altered states and cognitive benefits. Participants whose main practice was call and response chanting reported higher scores of mystical experiences. Participants whose main practice was repetitive prayer reported lower mind wandering. Lastly, intentionality and engagement were associated with quality of life indirectly through altered states and cognitive benefits. This research sheds new light on the phenomenology and psychological consequences of chanting across a range of practices and traditions.