Effects of deep breathing, visualisation and vocalisation on levels of stress and anxiety

Abstract

Meditation practices using breathing, vocalisation or visualisation have been used throughout history to promote psychological well-being. This observation has prompted various researchers to study the wide array of its beneficial effect. One such area relates specifically to meditation and its effects on stress and anxiety. This research explored the effects of the combined practice of visualisation, vocalisation and breathing rooted in meditation, on levels of stress and anxiety. A sample size of 8 participants and a pre-test post-test repeated measures design was used. The Cohen 14-item perceived stress scale (PSS) and Zung self-rating anxiety scale (ZAS) were used to measure stress and anxiety levels. After a 6-month period, data analysis revealed a reduction in anxiety levels but not stress, with a relationship between the two. Due to the small sample size and the influence of confounding variables that were not controlled for in the current work, this result needs to be approached with caution and further studies are required to support the findings.