Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews Cognitive Science
November 1, 2025
Gemma Perry, Lee Wolff, Nicholas Powers et al.
1 citation
Chanting is an ancient and globally widespread ritualistic practice involving rhythmic vocalization or repetition of words, phrases, or sounds. While previous reviews have considered the neurophysiological impact of meditation and spirituality, chanting has received limited systematic investigation. This review aimed to identify and synthesize neural correlates of chanting, examine...
Music & Science
September 1, 2025
Gemma Perry, Jack Sunjo, Farida Abass et al.
Individuals with breathing difficulties such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and long COVID often experience mood disturbances and isolation. Previous research on musical care has considered the potential of music and singing to support people with respiratory symptoms, but the possible benefits of group chanting have not been explored. Group chanting is a global...
Current Psychology
May 21, 2025
Gemma Perry, Yanan Sun, Vince Polito et al.
Chanting is a universal practice with deep ethnocultural roots. More recently, chanting has become popular on online platforms and meditation apps which have extended chanting practices beyond their original cultural, sacred, and healing traditions. The aim of the current study was to determine if online chanting meditation promotes altered states of consciousness and psychosocial benefits when...
Journal of Religion and Health
December 1, 2024
Gemma Perry, Vince Polito, William Forde Thompson
17 citations
Chanting, an ancient ritual practiced in diverse cultures and traditions worldwide, has typically been employed for meditation, healing, self-awareness, and psychological growth. However, there is little understanding of the physiological and psychological benefits of chanting, and how vocalization might contribute to such effects. This study aimed to determine whether 12-minutes of group...
Brain Sciences
October 27, 2022
Gemma Perry, Vince Polito, Narayan Sankaran et al.
32 citations
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,...
Brain Sciences
January 13, 2021
Gemma Perry, Vince Polito, William Forde Thompson
52 citations
Chanting is a form of rhythmic, repetitive vocalization practiced in a wide range of cultures. It is used in spiritual practice to strengthen community, heal illness, and overcome psychological and emotional difficulties. In many traditions, chanting is used to induce mystical states, an altered state of consciousness characterised by a profound sense of peace. Despite the global prevalence of...
Frontiers in Psychology
2021
Felicity Maria Simpson, Gemma Perry, William Forde Thompson
26 citations
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...