[Improving college students sub-threshold depression by music neurofeedback].

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Music Therapy

Background:

• Sub-threshold depression affects college students, representing a state below clinical diagnostic criteria.
• Early intervention is crucial to improve well-being and prevent the development of full-blown depression.
• Exploring non-pharmacological methods like music neurofeedback is vital for accessible mental health support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of music neurofeedback stimulation in improving the emotional state of college students with sub-threshold depression.
• To analyze changes in electroencephalogram (EEG) parameters and self-reported depression scores following music neurofeedback intervention.

Main Methods:

• A controlled experiment involving 24 college students diagnosed with sub-threshold depression.
• An experimental group (n=16) received 10 minutes/day of music neurofeedback for 14 days.
• EEG data (relative power, sample entropy, complexity) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The experimental group showed significant increases in α, β, and θ rhythm relative power, and decreased δ rhythm.
• Significant increases in sample entropy and complexity were observed in the experimental group post-intervention (P < 0.05).
• No significant changes in EEG parameters were found in the control group (n=8).

Conclusions:

• Music neurofeedback stimulation effectively improved EEG patterns associated with emotional regulation in students with sub-threshold depression.
• The intervention led to a statistically significant reduction in self-reported depression scores (SDS).
• Music neurofeedback presents a promising, non-invasive method for emotional self-regulation and managing sub-threshold depression in college students.