Neural Correlates of Chanting: A Systematic Review
Gemma Perry, Lee Wolff, Nicholas Powers, William Forde Thompson, Oliver Baumann
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Cognitive Science November 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.70018 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 24 |
| Topics | Default mode network Meditation |
| Keywords | Posterior cingulate Psycinfo Anterior cingulate cortex Electroencephalography Cognitive psychology Systematic review Ventromedial prefrontal cortex Neurofeedback Mind-wandering Brain mapping Magnetoencephalography Cognition Relaxation psychology Attentional control Functional neuroimaging Precuneus Neurophysiology |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Chanting activates prefrontal cortex, insula, and cingulate gyrus while deactivating default mode network areas, suggesting mechanisms similar to other contemplative practices. |
Abstract
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 methodological variability, and determine consistent neural patterns across chanting studies and styles. PsycINFO and PubMed databases were systematically searched for neuroimaging studies including chanting, mantra, and repetitive prayer. Articles published through October 8, 2024, were included, yielding 899 initial articles. After applying exclusion criteria, 24 studies were included. Study quality was assessed using the adapted Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) criteria. Findings demonstrate that chanting activates brain regions involved in attention and emotional regulation, including the prefrontal cortex, insula, and cingulate gyrus. Deactivation of default mode network (DMN) areas, particularly the posterior cingulate cortex and hippocampus, was also observed, suggesting reduced self-referential thought. Electroencephalography (EEG) studies revealed increased theta activity, indicating enhanced relaxation during chanting. Although heterogeneity in sample sizes, imaging modalities, participant characteristics, and control conditions preclude a formal meta-analysis, the findings lay a foundation for advancing research into the neural mechanisms of chanting. Chanting engages neural networks associated with attention and emotional regulation. The consistent pattern of prefrontal activation and DMN deactivation suggests mechanisms similar to other contemplative practices.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on default mode network, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The wandering brain: Meta-analysis of functional neuroimaging studies of mind-wandering and related spontaneous thought processes | 2015 | Meta-analysis | |
| Investigating the Functional Heterogeneity of the Default Mode Network Using Coordinate-Based Meta-Analytic Modeling | 2009 | Meta-analysis | |
| The Default Mode Network in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy individuals | 2016 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| Dreaming as mind wandering: evidence from functional neuroimaging and first-person content reports. | 2013 | Systematic review with meta-analytic comparison | |
| Default Mode Network Modulation by Psychedelics: A Systematic Review Participants from included studies | 2022 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- The Neuroscience of Religious and Spiritual Practices: A Systematic Review of Neurotheological Evidence Brain and Behavior August 30, 2026
- The rhythms of trance: Cultural phenomenology and neural mechanisms of music-induced non-ordinary states of consciousness. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews July 1, 2026
Cites 22
- A Systematic Review of Transcendent States Across Meditation and Contemplative Traditions. Explore 2018
- The neuroscientific study of spiritual practices Frontiers in Psychology March 18, 2014
- Brain Activation During Compassion Meditation: A Case Study The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine May 1, 2010
- Rhythmic Chanting and Mystical States across Traditions. Brain Sciences January 13, 2021
- How Chanting Relates to Cognitive Function, Altered States and Quality of Life Brain Sciences October 27, 2022
and 17 more in the library