Identifying alternative mental health interventions: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials of chanting and breathwork
S. Malviya, P. Meredith, Barbra Zupan, L. Kerley
Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health January 22, 2022 DOI: 10.1080/19349637.2021.2010631 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Breathwork Chanting |
| Topics | Breathwork |
| Key findings | Breathwork and chanting provide moderate to strong support for alleviating anxiety, depression, stress, and PTSD symptoms. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT This systematic review of randomized controlled trials investigated the effects of two religious/spiritual (R/S) practices (breathwork and chanting) on mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms). After registering with PROSPERO (CRD42020136645), a systematic search of four major databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and ProQuest) was undertaken using predetermined eligibility criteria. Quality of included studies was assessed using the PEDro scale and Cochrane risk of bias tool. Although varying in quality, 15 included studies provide moderate to strong support for the effectiveness of chanting and breathwork to alleviate anxiety, depression, stress, and symptoms of PTSD.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on breathwork, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pranayamas and their neurophysiological effects | 2020 | Systematic review | |
| Implication of asana, pranayama and meditation on telomere stability | 2018 | Systematic review | |
| Effect of a single session of yoga and meditation on stress reactivity: A systematic review. Healthy adults | 2024 | Systematic review | n = 2,574 |
| The role of non-ordinary states of consciousness occasioned by mind-body practices in mental health illness. | 2023 | Systematic review | |
| Effect of Meditation, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and Relaxation Techniques as Mind-Body Medicine Practices to Reduce Blood Pressure in Cardiac Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Patients with cardiovascular disease | 2024 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | n = 927 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- Exploring the Physiological and Psychological Effects of Group Chanting in Australia: Reduced Stress, Cortisol and Enhanced Social Connection. Journal of Religion and Health December 1, 2024
- Breathwork for Chronic Stress and Mental Health: Does Choosing a Specific Technique Matter? Medical Sciences August 13, 2025
- Breathing Practices for Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Conceptual Framework of Implementation Guidelines Based on a Systematic Review of the Published Literature Brain Sciences December 22, 2023
- Effect of breathwork on stress and mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised-controlled trials. Scientific Reports January 9, 2023
Cites 11
- The Varieties of Self-Transcendent Experience Review of General Psychology May 1, 2017
- Breathing‐Based Meditation Decreases Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in U.S. Military Veterans: A Randomized Controlled Longitudinal Study Journal of Traumatic Stress August 1, 2014
- Rhythmic Chanting and Mystical States across Traditions. Brain Sciences January 13, 2021
- “Effect of pranayama and meditation as an add-on therapy in rehabilitation of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome—a randomized control pilot study” Disability and Rehabilitation May 24, 2012
- Assessing Vocal Chanting as an Online Psychosocial Intervention. Frontiers in Psychology 2021
and 6 more in the library