What is it about?
This study explored whether listening to music or playing an instrument could help people reduce stress after experiencing a stressful event. The researchers divided participants into three groups: one group sat quietly without any music, another listened to a calming piece of music, and a third used a small xylophone to improvise their own tunes. After going through a task designed to raise their stress levels, participants either listened to music, played music, or sat quietly as a way to recover. The researchers measured stress reduction by looking at physical signs, such as sweat levels on the skin, and by asking participants how they felt afterward. The results showed that listening to music helped lower stress levels more than sitting quietly. Playing music didn’t reduce stress as much as listening, but it did seem to leave participants feeling a bit more satisfied. Overall, the study suggests that listening to music can be a helpful way to relax after stress, and playing music may also have some mood-lifting effects. This research highlights how simple, accessible activities like music can support stress relief in everyday life.
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Why is it important?
This study stands out because it takes a fresh, practical look at how single, brief sessions of musical activities might reduce stress, rather than focusing on the effects of long-term music therapy or structured music interventions. With rising levels of stress and anxiety worldwide, there is a growing need for simple, accessible ways to manage stress in everyday life. This study is timely because it looks at two very different approaches—passively listening to music versus actively creating it—to see how each might quickly ease stress. Unlike many studies that require special training or long-term commitments, this research tests methods anyone can try right away, making it relevant for busy, stressed individuals seeking quick and easy relief.
Perspectives
As the faculty advisor for this publication, I am particularly proud of this study as it embodies both the dedication and vision I have for leading and mentoring students at Salisbury University. This project represents the collaborative efforts of three generations of undergraduate students over five years, a testament to their commitment and growth in the field of applied neuroscience. This study is especially meaningful to me as it marks the first research project to be completed under my new role at Salisbury University, where I established the applied neuro lab with a mission to provide hands-on, impactful research opportunities for undergraduates. My goal has been to create a supportive environment where students not only learn research methods but also engage in work that has real-world relevance. In this study, students had the opportunity to explore the ways music might serve as a practical tool for stress reduction, which has applications in everyday life for managing stress in accessible, noninvasive ways. Through this project, I aimed to instill a strong foundation of research skills while emphasizing the value of collaborative learning across different cohorts of students. The final publication is not just a culmination of our scientific findings but also a celebration of our shared goals—fostering a deeper understanding of the brain and behavior, developing research skills, and contributing meaningful insights that can benefit the community at large. This study sets the groundwork for future research in our lab and underscores the role that mentorship and applied learning play in preparing the next generation of scientists.
Associate Professor Echo Elizabeth Leaver
Salisbury University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Stress reduction from a musical intervention., Psychomusicology Music Mind and Brain, October 2019, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/pmu0000246.
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