Data for an Experimental Study of Gong Meditation and Anxiety

This experimental study explored the possible correlation between gong meditation and trait anxiety. 26 Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (Tx) treatment group listened to an 11-minute recorded gong meditation daily for 2 weeks, (WS) active control group listened to an 11-minute recording of water sounds in nature for 2 weeks, (C) true control group went about activities of daily living for 2 weeks. Trait anxiety was measured pre- and post-study using the State Trait Anxiety for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety (STICSA, trait scale). EEG was measured pre- and post-study using an EEG headset. HRV was measured pre- and post-study using devices from the HeartMath Institute. Levels of Hypnotic Trance were measured post-study only using the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI).

Trait anxiety in the Tx group showed a statistically significant reduction in STICSA trait values as compared to the WS group and both control groups combined. Hypnotic trance showed a statistically higher PCI HSS value as compared to WS group. Biological measures were inconsistent and not significant.

The study was not sufficiently populated for the findings to be definitive. However, statistically significant reduction in trait anxiety in the Tx group compared to the WS group and all controls combined merits further study.