Mental Benefits of Music
The field of Music Therapy continues to demonstrate benefits to help with neurological diseases, trauma, and more. There are, however, mental benefits of music as well. Many of us might recognize such benefits intuitively but researchers are trying to understand this as well.
Studies have shown that musical interventions have a positive impact on our physical health. A recent review published in Perspectives in Public Health looked at whether the benefits of music also apply to our mental wellbeing.
Ways to improve our physical health and well-being are constantly being investigated and the results often contribute to the development and implementation of policies that support positive strategies. Similar investigations are underway for improving our subjective well-being, a term that encompasses various aspects of our mental wellbeing, such as how satisfied we are with life, how worthwhile we feel, and whether we feel anxious or happy. Surveys of the United Kingdom (UK) population have identified that participating in cultural activities has positive effects on subjective well-being.
The most common interventions involved listening to a range of musical genres (although hard rock did not reduce anxiety) and regular group singing. Interestingly, although musical intervention reduced or prevented depression across all age groups, music affected different aspects of wellbeing in different target groups. Music helped ease anxiety and improved mood in students, pregnant women, and prisoners. Mood, purpose, and mental wellbeing improved in healthy adults, and people with chronic health problems found it easier to cope and felt their quality of life improved following musical interventions. Healthy older adults reported that music helped improve quality of life and prevented feelings of isolation; however, music did not always benefit older adults with diagnosed health conditions or risk factors.
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