Mechanisms involved in the effectiveness of holy name repetition on stress reduction

Today, human beings inevitably face stress and its negative outcomes. Recently, application of religious-cultural traditions have been introduced as effective strategies to cope with stress. Clinical trials and studies by researchers in the fields of psychology of religion and health have demonstrated that holy name repetition reduces stress and enhances peace in individuals and patients. However, almost no comprehensive investigation has theoretically interpreted the possible mechanisms involved in this effectiveness. The main objective of the current study was to describe and analyze the approaches explaining mechanisms by which Zikrs reduce stress. In so doing, a review study was conducted. In addition to religious books, the data were also collected through databases, including Sciencedirect, Pubmed, Magiran, SID, Proquest, Eric, Psychinfo, Springer, Ebsco, and Noormags, from 2000 to 2019. Altogether, 36 studies were found and ultimately, 19 studies entered into investigation. Different approaches in explaining the process of the effectiveness of Zikrs on reducing stress were collected and then reflected in the article after describing and interpreting. Findings demonstrated that each of the following approaches may take a part in explaining this complex process, extending our knowledge regarding this mechanisms involved in this effectiveness: physiological perspective, cognitive approach, emotional-affective view, mindfulness-based perspective, attachment-oriented approach, generalized expectancies perspective, self-fulfilling prophecy, and imaginal world paradigm. Application of merely one perspective in explaining the process of the effectiveness of Zikrs on reducing stress may limit the general view of researchers in the field. On the other hand, an integrated, mixed and comprehensive approach may pave the way for a better understanding and analysis of this process. Ultimately, theoretical implications and practical applications of the findings have been discussed.