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How Chanting Relates to Cognitive Function, Altered States and Quality of Life.
Gemma Perry1,2, Vince Polito1, Narayan Sankaran3
1School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
Brain Sciences
|November 11, 2022
Summary
Chanting practices enhance cognitive function and well-being by fostering altered states of consciousness. Intentionality and engagement in chanting are key to achieving these psychological benefits and improving quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Religious Studies
Background:
- Chanting, a practice in diverse traditions, involves rhythmic vocalization or mental repetition.
- Its impact on cognitive function, altered states, and quality of life remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between chanting practices and cognitive function, altered states, and quality of life.
- To explore how specific chanting attributes correlate with psychological outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A global online survey assessed chanting experiences, including flow states, mystical experiences, mindfulness, and mind wandering.
- Data from 456 participants across 32 countries and various chanting traditions were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Stronger intentionality and higher engagement in chanting correlated with altered states and cognitive benefits.
- Call and response chanting was linked to higher mystical experiences; repetitive prayer to lower mind wandering.
- Intentionality and engagement indirectly influenced quality of life via altered states and cognitive benefits.
Conclusions:
- Different chanting aspects yield distinct experiential outcomes.
- Intentionality and engagement are crucial for psychological benefits derived from chanting.
- Chanting offers a pathway to improved cognitive function, altered states, and enhanced quality of life across traditions.
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