Effects of Classical Music on Behavioral and Physiological Stress Markers in Socially Isolated Prairie Voles

Chronic social stressors negatively affect behavioral, physiological, and neuroendocrine functioning. Interventions such as listening to music may alter behavioral and physiological responses to social stressors. This study investigated the effects of music exposure (vs. ambient noise) during chronic social isolation on physiological and behavioral outcomes in socially monogamous prairie voles. Potential sex differences in responses to chronic social isolation with and without music exposure were also examined. Music exposure significantly reduced validated anxiety- and depression-related behavioral responses (increased exploration and grooming, and reduced immobility) and improved physiological measures (heart rate and heart rate variability) in chronically socially isolated prairie voles. Music exposure attenuated an endocrine indicator of stress relative to ambient noise conditions. Minor sex differences were observed; however, music protected against behavioral and physiological indicators of social isolation in both female and male prairie voles. This study demonstrates protective behavioral and physiological effects of music in a social context, and has translational potential for humans who experience chronic social isolation.