Objectives: To explore the effect of sacred sound like mantra chanting, prayer recitation, or meditative vocalization on cognition, emotion and psychological well-being.

Eligibility criteria: Included peer-reviewed quantitative studies that examined sacred sounds in spiritual, therapeutic, or wellness contexts, and reported data relevant to brain function, emotional regulation or stress reduction.

Information sources: Searched PsycInfo, Web of Science, JSTOR, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar (2013-2025)

Synthesis of results: Findings were synthesized in a descriptive way

Included studies: 15 studies from diverse age groups and cultural settings were included.

Results: The findings from the included studies indicate that sacred sound-whether in the form of formalized chants, repeated prayers, or sound meditations- act as highly effective means of mental health improvement. They appear to work via neuropsychological processes of brainwave modulation, hormonal regulation, and sensory-motor synchrony.

Limitations: Small sample sizes, most studies were short-term in nature, lack of standard protocols also complicates replication. Conclusions were drawn based on self-report data heavily.