Identifying alternative mental health interventions: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials of chanting and breathwork

Article

Malviya, Shikha, Meredith, Pamela, Zupan, Barbra and Kerley, Lachlan. 2022. "Identifying alternative mental health interventions: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials of chanting and breathwork." Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health. 24 (2), pp. 191-233. https://doi.org/10.1080/19349637.2021.2010631
Article Title

Identifying alternative mental health interventions: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials of chanting and breathwork

ERA Journal ID12616
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsMalviya, Shikha, Meredith, Pamela, Zupan, Barbra and Kerley, Lachlan
Journal TitleJournal of Spirituality in Mental Health
Journal Citation24 (2), pp. 191-233
Number of Pages43
Year2022
PublisherTaylor & Francis
Place of PublicationUnited States
ISSN1934-9637
1934-9645
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/19349637.2021.2010631
Web Address (URL)https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19349637.2021.2010631
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.

KeywordsReligious practices; spiritual practices; mental health; breathwork; chanting; sensorimotor; depression; anxiety
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020420313. Mental health services
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Byline AffiliationsCentral Queensland University
University of Queensland
University of the Sunshine Coast
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