The Effect of Hare Krishna Chanting on Exam Related Anxiety and Stress among College Students-Single Group Pre-Post Intervention Study
Abstract: Background: Examination-related anxiety and academic stress are common psychological concerns among college students and may adversely affect academic performance, emotional well-being, and quality of life. Hare Krishna chanting has been proposed as a simple mind-body intervention that may promote relaxation and improve psychological health. However, limited evidence is available regarding its effectiveness in reducing examination-related anxiety and academic stress among college students. Objective: To evaluate the effect of Hare Krishna chanting on exam-related anxiety and perceived academic stress among college students. Study Design: Quasi Experimental study (single group -pre and post design) Place and Duration of the Study: College of physiotherapy, SVIMS and duration is 12 weeks. Methodology: The study was conducted among 30 college students aged 18-25 years who exhibited moderate to high levels of anxiety according to the Westside Test Anxiety Scale. The participants underwent a 12-week Hare Krishna chanting intervention. Test anxiety was assessed using the Westside Test Anxiety Scale (WTAS), while academic stress was measured using the Perceptions of Academic Stress Scale (PASS). Assessments were performed at pre test, the 4th week, the 8th week, and the post test (12th week). Results: Hare Krishna chanting showed a gradual and statistically significant reduction in both exam-related anxiety and perceived academic stress throughout the intervention period. Improvements were observed at each assessment, indicating that participants experienced progressive benefits with continued practice of Hare Krishna chanting. Overall, the intervention was effective in reducing psychological distress associated with examinations. Conclusion: The findings indicate that a 12-week Hare Krishna chanting intervention significantly reduced examination-related anxiety and perceived academic stress among college students. The results suggest that Hare Krishna chanting may serve as a safe, simple, cost-effective, and non-pharmacological complementary intervention to promote psychological well-being in students during examination periods.
Keywords: Hare Krishna chanting, exam-related anxiety, academic stress, college students, Westside Test Anxiety Scale, Perceptions of Academic Stress Scale, non-pharmacological intervention
How to Cite?: O. Vennela Reddy, Dr. K. Madhavi, Dr. M Suresh Kumar, Dr. N. Kavitha, "The Effect of Hare Krishna Chanting on Exam Related Anxiety and Stress among College Students-Single Group Pre-Post Intervention Study", Volume 15 Issue 11, November 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 421-424, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR261111123902, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR261111123902