Mantras, Stress, Anxiety, Anger, Quality of Life, and Spiritual Well-Being

Researchers from San Diego State University looked at the efficacy of repeating a mantra for reducing stress and stress-related symptoms. The authors tested the feasibility and efficacy of a 5-week (90-min per week) intervention on mantram repetition in a sample of ambulatory veterans.

A convenience sample (N= 62) of outpatient veterans participated in the study by completing pre-and posttest self-report questionnaires on stress, anxiety, anger, quality of life, and spiritual well-being. Wrist-worn counters were provided to track mantram practice.

The study concludes that mantram repetition significantly reduced symptoms of stress and anxiety and improved quality of life and spiritual well-being. In addition, frequent, silent mantram repetition is easily taught and could be used by nurses and patients for managing stress and increasing well-being. The investigators suggest that additional research using a larger sample size and control group is needed to further substantiate the benefits of this intervention.

Citation: Bormann JE, Smith TL, Becker S, Gershwin M, Pada L, Grudzinski AH, Nurmi EA. Efficacy of frequent mantram repetition on stress, quality of life, and spiritual well-being in veterans: a pilot study. Journal of Holistic Nursing 2005 Dec; 23 (4): pages 395-414.