Mantram repetition and psychological distress: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Joanne Kraenzle Schneider, Saratu Garba Abdullahi, Scott D Easton, Danny G Willis
Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing June 2023 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12886 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Mantram repetition |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression |
| Keywords | Mantram repetition Psychological distress Somatization |
| Key findings | Across four comparison-group studies measuring psychological distress, mantram repetition showed positive effects ranging from very mild (.08) to very strong (.71), with a summary effect of small magnitude (.23, p = .015). The authors report this effect held even against treatment as usual and psychotherapy, and contend that the portable, cost-effective practice outperformed standard therapies. |
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Researchers have examined several interventions for psychological distress, mindfulness being a popular one. One intervention that fosters mindfulness is mantram repetition. Mantram repetition is an ancient traditional practice of repeating a sacred word/phrase at various times throughout the day and whenever needed. Psychologically, mantram repetition can mitigate immediate stressors. When used consistently, mantram repetition promotes resilience and deepens mindfulness, thereby promoting recovery from distress. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This paper examines the overall effect of mantram repetition on psychological distress symptoms (i.e., depression, anxiety and somatization). WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The portable, cost-effective, mantram repetition intervention outperformed standard therapies. In people who are prone to psychological distress, practitioners might teach this technique, encouraging them to use it initially as they go through their day and then when they are experiencing distress. Mantram repetition can quiet the mind and pairs well with breathing exercises and routine activities such as walking or exercising, or during chores, thus, integrating the mantram into daily life. INTRODUCTION: Researchers have examined several interventions for psychological distress, mindfulness being a popular one. One mindfulness intervention is mantram repetition. Mantram repetition is an ancient traditional practice of repeating a sacred word/phrase at various times throughout the day and whenever needed. To examine the evidence of the effect of mantram repetition on psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety and somatization). We searched 16 databases and retrieved 12 studies testing the effects of mantram repetition; only four of these measured aspects of psychological distress with comparison groups. All studies showed positive effects ranging from very mild (.08) to very strong (.71). The summary effect across all studies was small (.23, p = .015). Importantly, this small effect was found when compared to treatment as usual and even psychotherapy. The portable, cost-effective, mantram repetition intervention outperformed standard therapies. In patients who are prone to psychological distress, practitioners might teach this technique, encouraging them to use it initially as they go through their day and then when they are experiencing distress. Mantram repetition could be practiced with breathing exercises, when walking or exercising, or during chores, integrating the mantram into daily life.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 4
- Mindfulness‐based interventions for psychological and physical health outcomes in cancer patients and survivors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials Psycho-Oncology September 11, 2019
- Mindfulness‐based stress reduction for psychological distress among nurses: A systematic review Journal of Clinical Nursing July 3, 2019
- Contemplative interventions and employee distress: A meta-analysis. Stress and Health March 15, 2019
- Individual Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Using Mantram Repetition: A Randomized Clinical Trial. American Journal of Psychiatry October 1, 2018