Evidence of religious/spiritual singing and movement in mental health: A systematic review. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Malviya, Shikha; Zupan, Barbra; Meredith, Pamela
• Is Part Of: Complementary therapies in clinical practice. Volume 47(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Religious singing -- Dynamic meditation -- Praise dance -- Mental health -- Spiritual movements; Integrative medicine -- Periodicals; Integrative medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; 615.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101567
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-3881

Abstract

Abstract: Background: While mental health care needs have increased during the global pandemic, access to care has been reduced. Easily accessible alternative interventions may supplement existing mental health services to meet the increased need of mental health care. Our review explored the evidence of two alternative interventions, religious/spiritual (R/S) singing and R/S movement (dynamic meditation and praise dance), in relation to mental health outcomes. Method: After registering with PROSPERO (CRD42020189495), a systematic search of three major databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO) was undertaken using predetermined eligibility criteria. Reference lists of identified papers and additional sources such as Google Scholar were searched. Quality of studies was assessed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data was extracted, tabulated, and synthesised according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: Seven of the 259 identified studies met inclusion criteria. Three studies considered R/S singing, while four considered R/S movement. In R/S movements, three studies considered dynamic meditation while one investigated praise dance. Although moderate to poor in quality, included studies indicated a positive trend for the effectiveness of R/S singing and movement in dealing with mental health concerns. Conclusion: While R/S singing and R/S movement (praise dance and dynamic meditation) may be of value as mental health strategies, findings of the review need to be considered with caution due to methodological constraints. The limited number and poor quality of included studies highlight the need for further quality research in these R/S practices in mental health. Highlights: Religious/spiritual (R/S) singing may offer mental health benefits for people with a religious association. Dynamic meditation, a form of R/S movement, may have mental health benefits. Another form of R/S movement, praise dance, may support mental health with or without religious association. Findings supporting the mental health benefits of R/S singing and movement need to be interpreted cautiously.