Chanting across traditions: altered states and psychosocial implications

This thesis investigates the psychological impact of chanting practices across traditions, an area that has received little scientific attention to date. Despite the global and historical prevalence of chanting, its psychosocial and psychospiritual effects are poorly understood. Even less understood are the effects of new online chanting formats which have emerged with technological advances and the need to move communal practices online during the COVID-19 pandemic. To understand the effects of live and online chanting, data were gathered worldwide from both experienced and novice chanters through a series of online surveys and interventions. The project aimed to uncover mechanisms of chanting that trigger altered states of consciousness (e.g., mystical states, flow, ego dissolution) and lead to pro-social outcomes. Four research questions were investigated: (1) What is the prevalence and nature of mystical experiences across traditions and practices? (2) Are different chanting styles and belief systems associated with different psychosocial benefits? (3) Isoline chanting an effective tool at reducing stress and increasing social connection? (4) Do the effects of chanting differ for experienced chanters compared to novices? A series of investigations revealed, among other results, that (a) 60% of participants from various traditions (e.g., Hindu, Vedic, Buddhism, Hare Krishna, Tantra, Yoga, Kirtan, etc.) experienced mystical states while chanting; (b) absorption, altruism and religiosity were higher among those who reported mystical states; (c) practitioners who valued devotion and setting intentions for chanting had higher mindfulness scores, experienced greater flow, and higher perceived quality of life; (d) online individual and group chanting interventions led to reduced stress and increased positive affect. These and other findings reported in the thesis shed light on the psychological processes by which chanting practices across diverse traditions can impact upon emotional experience, social connection, wellbeing, and altered states of consciousness.