Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2025

Assessing the Effects of Music Listening on Psychobiological Stress in Daily Life
07:17

Assessing the Effects of Music Listening on Psychobiological Stress in Daily Life

Published on: February 2, 2017

13.2K

Psychobiological Stress Regulation in Depressive Women Achieved Through Group Music Therapy: Results From the

Christine Gaebel1,2, Marc N Jarczok3, Corina Aguilar-Raab4

  • 1Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.

Stress and Health : Journal of the International Society for the Investigation of Stress
|March 22, 2025
PubMed

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a stress-related disease that affects women more often than men. Music therapy (MT) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of MDD. However, clinical trials investigating the effects of MT on psychological and psychobiological stress-related outcomes in women suffering from MDD are still scarce. This study was conducted as a randomised controlled trial, with participants assigned to either an intervention group (IG), which received group MT (GMT), or a waitlist control group (CG), which received GMT 6 months later. The primary objective was to assess the impact of GMT on psychological stress outcomes (chronic stress, stress coping, and stress experienced in daily life) and psychobiological stress markers (diurnal salivary cortisol levels and circadian heart rate variability), considering the effects of both group allocation and time. Outcome measurements were taken before, immediately after, and-for some variables-10 weeks following the intervention period. A total of 102 women 18-65 years old and diagnosed with current MDD took part in the study. Overall, the IG demonstrated significantly stronger stress-reducing effects than the CG. Significant improvements were observed in general stress coping, positive thinking, daily life stress, and cortisol levels. GMT is a cost-effective and non-invasive approach to effectively address the stress-related psychological and psychobiological burden associated with MDD. To demonstrate long-term effects and gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms, further methodologically robust studies are needed. TRAIL REGISTRATION: The MUSED study was pre-registered at the German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS00016616). All study-related procedures were published in detail in a study protocol.

Keywords:
cortisoldepressionheart rate variabilitymusic therapyrandomised controlled trialstress

More Related Videos

Clinical Practice Protocol of Creative Music Therapy for Preterm Infants and Their Parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit11:50

Clinical Practice Protocol of Creative Music Therapy for Preterm Infants and Their Parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Published on: January 7, 2020

26.0K
Psychophysiological Stress Assessment Using Biofeedback10:16

Psychophysiological Stress Assessment Using Biofeedback

Published on: July 31, 2009

13.3K

Related Concept Videos

Group Therapy01:26

Group Therapy

Group therapy is a sociocultural approach to psychological treatment, where individuals with shared psychological challenges come together under the guidance of a mental health professional. This therapeutic modality offers unique opportunities for individuals to connect, share, and grow within the context of a supportive group. By fostering mutual understanding and collaboration, group therapy can address a range of psychological concerns effectively, often complementing or surpassing the...
20
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle01:27

Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle

Stress is a multifaceted response to events perceived as challenging or threatening, highlighting physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. Physically, stress can lead to fatigue, sleep disruptions, and various health issues such as frequent colds, chest pains, and nausea. Emotionally, it can manifest as anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger triggered by both minor and major life events. Cognitively, it may result in difficulty in concentration, memory, and...
59
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI01:30

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI

Adopting a healthier lifestyle often requires overcoming significant challenges, but leveraging psychological, social, and cultural resources can facilitate meaningful change. Effective self-change hinges on understanding and applying key tools such as motivation and goal setting, which help sustain efforts toward long-term health benefits.
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
25
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III01:25

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III

Regular exercise and meditation serve as essential tools in managing stress and promoting physical and mental well-being.
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
40
Psychological Responses to Stress01:20

Psychological Responses to Stress

Psychological responses to stress encompass the various cognitive and emotional reactions individuals experience when faced with challenging or threatening situations, such as a job loss. Prolonged exposure to stressors can disturb emotional balance, increasing negative emotions (e.g., anxiety and sadness) and diminishing positive emotions (e.g., joy and satisfaction). These persistent emotional shifts are associated with an increased risk of both physical illness and mental health issues, such...
32
Stress and Mental Health01:30

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
67