Gong Meditation as an Intervention for Individuals with Anxiety

Abstract

This experimental, between-groups study tested the hypothesis that participants’ levels of trait anxiety would decrease significantly after listening to recorded sounds produced by a symphonic gong daily for 2weeks as compared to listening to water sounds (WS) or going about activities of daily living (ADL). In addition to trait anxiety, secondary hypotheses predicted changes to Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and electroencephalograph (EEG). Levels of hypnotic trance experienced in the 2 weeks between pre-/post-study meetings were also examined. A total of 26 participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Data analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in trait anxiety in the gong treatment group as compared to the WS group. The treatment group also showed improvement against the ADLgroup, however, the difference was not statistically significant. High frequency HRV decreased in the treatment group overall, and in comparison to controls; however, changes were not significant. The treatment group showed a slight increase in Frontal Alpha Asymmetry as compared to controls, but changes were not significant. The treatment group showed a decrease in frontal midline theta overall, and in comparison to controls, yet changes were not significant. The treatment group showed statistically higher levels of hypnotic trance as compared to the ADL group as measured post study using the phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory. Levels of hypnotic trance were higher than the WS group as well, but changes were not significant.