Effect of Regular Listening to the Bhagavad Gita on Psychological Well-Being and Emotion Regulation in Adults
Shilpa Subramanyam
International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research October 11, 2026 DOI: 10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.89459 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pre-post intervention study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 40 |
| Population | Adults aged 25 to 60 years in Bengaluru, India |
| Dose | 15-minute standardized audio track daily |
| Duration | 20 days |
| Measures | Ryff's 18-item Psychological Well-Being Scale, Gross & John's Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) |
| Key points | A 20-day daily 15-minute audio listening intervention of the Bhagavad Gita was associated with significant increases in total psychological well-being (mean 4.15 to 4.88) and cognitive reappraisal (4.08 to 5.00), and a significant decrease in expressive suppression (4.14 to 3.22). The authors conclude that regular auditory exposure to traditional wisdom texts functions as an effective cognitive reframing tool promoting well-being and adaptive emotional processing. |
Abstract
This empirical study evaluates the psychological impact of a 20-day daily auditory listening intervention of the Bhagavad Gita on adult psychological well-being and emotion regulation. Positioned as a secular, text-based auditory contemplative practice, the intervention engaged N = 40 adults aged 25 to 60 years in Bengaluru, India. Participants listened to a 15-minute standardized audio track daily. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using Ryff's 18-item Psychological Well-Being Scale and Gross & John's Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ). Paired-samples t-tests demonstrated a statistically significant increase in total psychological well-being (pre M = 4.15 vs. post M = 4.88, t(39) = 19.64, p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 3.11), with notable gains across all six subscales: Personal Growth (d = 3.29), Purpose in Life (d = 2.83), Environmental Mastery (d = 2.82), Self-Acceptance (d = 2.64), Autonomy (d = 2.43), and Positive Relations (d = 2.40). Cognitive Reappraisal increased significantly (pre M = 4.08 vs. post M = 5.00, t(39) = 14.27, p < 0.001, d = 2.26), while Expressive Suppression decreased significantly (pre M = 4.14 vs. post M = 3.22, t(39) = -12.58, p < 0.001, d = -1.99). Post-test Total PWB was strongly correlated with Cognitive Reappraisal (r = 0.651, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with Expressive Suppression (r = -0.431, p = 0.005). Results confirm that regular auditory exposure to traditional wisdom texts functions as an effective cognitive reframing tool, promoting eudaimonic flourishing and adaptive emotional processing.