Name:Rachael, Finnerty

School/Affiliation:McMaster University, Music Therapy Academy

Co-Authors:Dr. Laurel Trainor

Virtual or In-person:In-person

Abstract:

In this RCT we explored if engaging in group music therapy is effective for the management of stress and anxiety. Previous research supports the use of music and music therapy to reduce stress and anxiety in medical settings, however, there is a paucity of research about the use of music therapy for proactive wellness. Considering the growing mental health concerns on university campuses, we explored the implementation of group music therapy on a university campus for proactive wellness. A total of 148 students were randomly assigned to six-weeks of weekly group music therapy or a control group (student life as usual). Significant average reductions in all measures of stress and anxiety were observed from week 1 to week 6 in the music therapy group in comparison to the control group. Measures included: (1) State Trait Anxiety Inventory – State Version (STAI-S), (2) Self-rated stress (1-5), (3) Perceived Stress Scale, and (4) Cortisol from hair samples. Significant average reductions in anxiety (STAI-S) and stress (1-5) were also observed from before to after each of the group music therapy sessions. Additionally, we collected data about personality types and music sophistication highlighting the universality of group music therapy. Overall, this study provides support for group music therapy as proactive option for wellness on campus.