The effect of singing sacred songs on perceived level of anxiety

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of singing sacred songs from one's own religion versus singing sacred songs from a religion different from one's own on the level of state anxiety in typical adults. The independent variables were Religious Affiliation and Song Order. The design yielded four groups: (a) Christians singing Christian songs first and then Buddhist songs, (b) Christians singing Buddhist songs first and then Christian songs, (c) Buddhists singing Buddhist songs first and then Christian songs, and (d) Buddhists singing Christian songs first and then Buddhist songs. The dependent variables were scores on the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Form Y-1), taken after the first group of songs and again after the second group of songs. Pre-test scores on the STAI, taken prior to any singing activities, were used as covariates in the analysis of the data. All groups were less anxious after singing sacred songs from their own religion. Two of four groups were more anxious after singing sacred songs outside their religion.