Effects of Sound Interventions on the Mental Stress Response in Adults: Scoping Review

This scoping review examines the effects of various sound interventions, including music, natural sounds, and speech, on the stress response in adults.

The review aims to identify key therapeutic factors, including sound type, individual listener characteristics, and environmental influences. It also synthesizes evidence on physiological responses to sound interventions and highlights current research gaps.

We conducted a comprehensive search using databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO, focusing on studies from 1990 to 2024. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, and laboratory experiments that measured stress through physiological markers (eg, heart rate variability and cortisol) and self-reports. A total of 34 studies were included, and thematic analysis was conducted to identify recurring themes in the findings.

The findings suggest that music, especially classical and self-selected pieces, effectively reduces physiological stress markers, including cortisol levels, heart rate variability, and blood pressure. Nonmusical sounds, such as nature sounds and calming voices, also demonstrate potential for stress relief, although research in this area remains limited. While most sound interventions showed positive effects, some studies reported adverse effects, indicating that sound can both alleviate and induce stress. The outcomes were substantially affected by contextual factors such as personal preferences, delivery methods, cultural context, and emphasizing the importance of personalized interventions.

Sound interventions offer promising, noninvasive methods for stress reduction. This review suggests that future research should address gaps in the study of nonmusical sound interventions and further investigate the neural mechanisms underlying stress responses to sound.

RR2-10.2196/54030.