The purpose of this research is to explore how participation in sacred music or chanting activities can affect neuropsychological and emotional states in individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ), using quantitative methods. This study will consider various aspects of religious and spiritual practices that may be associated with these positive effects, such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, contemplative prayer, and breathwork exercises. In addition to these specific examples, the analysis will also examine larger cultural and societal factors that may influence LGBTQ people's engagement with sacred music or chanting. The findings from this study could inform future efforts to improve mental health outcomes for LGBTQ populations through engagement with religious or spiritual practices.
This investigation builds upon previous work examining the role of religion and spirituality in mental health among marginalized groups like LGBTQ individuals. Researchers have found that certain aspects of religious and spiritual practices, including communal worship, rituals, and rites of passage, are associated with better overall wellbeing.
These studies often do not explicitly address sexual identity or gender expression, which can influence an individual's experience within a particular religious tradition. By focusing specifically on LGBTQ participants, we hope to add depth and nuance to existing knowledge about the psychosocial benefits of engaging with sacred music or chanting.
Methodology
The methodology used in this study involved collecting survey data from 100 LGBTQ individuals aged 18-50 years old living in the United States who had engaged in at least one hour of sacred music or chanting per week for six months prior to participating in the research. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) before and after completing a set of chanting exercises. Preliminary analyses were conducted using R software, and additional statistical tests may be run as needed to answer specific research questions.
Results
Results showed that participants experienced significant increases in positive affect and decreases in negative affect following participation in sacred music or chanting activities compared to baseline levels. This suggests that engagement with this type of activity may have neuropsychological benefits for LGBTQ people beyond its perceived emotional impact.
Exploratory analysis revealed differences in responses based on age, race/ethnicity, religiosity, and other factors, indicating possible mechanisms underlying these effects.
The findings suggest that engagement with sacred music or chanting can positively influence both neuropsychological and emotional states among LGBTQ individuals, potentially providing a valuable tool for improving mental health outcomes. Future studies should continue to explore how different aspects of religious and spiritual practices interact with sexual identity and gender expression to inform effective interventions for marginalized populations.
How does engagement with sacred music or chanting impact neuropsychological and emotional states in LGBTQ people?
Engaging with sacred music or chanting can have various impacts on the neuropsychological and emotional states of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) individuals, but it is difficult to make generalizations due to the complexity of these experiences.