Use of a Religious HYMN in Remission of Symptoms of Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder): A Case Study

Abstract

This case report described a veteran with social anxiety disorder who reported fears of negative evaluation by others, social avoidance, and accompanying physiological symptoms of heart palpitations, gastrointestinal discomfort, muscle tension and mental confusion. The symptoms of social anxiety disorder subsided with the use of a Christian hymn "Be Still My Soul" and its accompanying musical poem, in Finlandia. The veteran attributed the symptom remission to the feeling of stillness and surrender to God conveyed by the words and music of the hymn. Although previous studies have shown that both music and religious beliefs can affect mental health, the findings in this case cannot be generalized without conducting further prospective empirical studies.

They’re (not) playing our song: (Ir)religious identity moderates the effects of listening to religious music on memory, self‐esteem, and mood

“…While previous research has focused on religious cues in the form of symbols (e.g., crosses, Christmas trees; Bilewicz & Klebaniuk, 2013; Schmitt et al., 2010), images (Wiech et al., 2008), and buildings (Ysseldyk et al., 2016), another religious cue is music (Lang et al., 2016; Vega, 2012). There is also some evidence that the effects of religious music can be especially powerful, not only in reducing anxiety (Haslam et al., 2014; Khouzam et al., 2005), but also in providing spiritual benefits (Clift & Hancox, 2001; Dingle et al., 2013), comfort during stressful life experiences (Hamilton et al., 2012), and greater life satisfaction (Haslam et al., 2014). This has been demonstrated among Christians who reported stronger positive emotions in response to religious music compared with members of a non‐religious choir, whereas both groups evidenced similar emotions in response to secular music (Miller & Strongman, 2002).…”