Vocal Chanting and Relaxation Provide Psychosocial Benefits for Individuals Living with Self-Reported Breathing Difficulties

A brief session of group chanting can boost positive mood more than guided relaxation, according to a randomized trial with 66 Australian adults, 41 of whom had dysfunctional breathing and 25 normal respiratory function. Both chanting and relaxation improved flourishing, social connection, and reduced negative mood, with greater and more consistent benefits for those with breathing difficulties. Non-attachment, autonomy, and breathing function improved similarly across both groups. The authors suggest chanting and relaxation offer psychosocial and breathing-related benefits, particularly for people with dysfunctional breathing, though reduced statistical power to detect group differences means the findings warrant replication.

Study at a glance

Abstract

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 practice involving controlled breathing through rhythmic vocalizations, but unlike singing or music participation it requires no musical skill. This study examined if 10 minutes of vocal chanting improves psychological wellbeing, social wellbeing, and breathing function. Participants were 41 Australian adults with dysfunctional breathing and 25 with normal respiratory function, who were randomly allocated to group chanting ( n = 32) or group guided relaxation ( n = 34), with measures taken before and after. Qualitative interviews were undertaken to support the findings and understand the phenomenology of chanting. The results showed that chanting increased positive mood more than relaxation. Both chanting and relaxation improved flourishing and social connection, while decreasing negative mood, with greater and more consistent benefits observed for participants with dysfunctional breathing. Non-attachment, autonomy, and breathing function improved similarly for all participants. These findings suggest that chanting and relaxation may provide psychosocial and breathing-related benefits, particularly for those with dysfunctional breathing. Despite reduced statistical power to detect group differences, the current findings offer promising evidence that warrants replication in future studies.