Gemma Perry, PhD and William Forde Thompson, PhD | Bond University
This study examined how chanting may contribute to psychological wellbeing and respiratory function in individuals with breathing difficulties such as asthma, COPD, and long COVID. The first study examined the immediate effects of a single 10-minute chanting session, while the second study investigated effects over the course of a 12-week chanting program.
In the first study, 66 participants were randomly allocated to either group chanting (n = 32) or guided relaxation (n = 34). Measures of mood, flourishing, social connection, non-attachment, autonomy, and breathing function were taken before and after the 10-minute session. Qualitative interviews were also conducted post-intervention.
In the second study, 22 participants attended a 12-week online chanting program (although sample sizes varied for whole trial vs micro measures). Self-report measures were collected before and after the entire program (at 4 time points), as well as before and after sessions 2, 5, 8, and 11. Qualitative interviews were also conducted following the program.
The 10-minute chanting session resulted in increased positive mood and social connection, flourishing, non-attachment, and autonomy, with greater benefits observed for participants with dysfunctional breathing. Both chanting and relaxation led to improvements in breathing function.
The 12-week study demonstrated a decrease in hyperventilation and breathing dysfunction, as well as improvements in vocal quality and breath mastery.
This research suggests that vocal chanting offers both immediate and long-term psychological and physiological benefits, particularly for individuals with breathing difficulties. These results highlight the potential for chanting to play a role as a complementary intervention for respiratory and psychological wellbeing.
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Publications:
Ⓒ 2020-2024, The SingWell Project