Effects of Music on Anxiety Levels in Adolescents
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Adolescent anxiety is increasing worldwide, driven by both biological vulnerability and social pressures. This study investigated the extent to which listening to music reduces anxiety levels in adolescents aged 10–19. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining primary data from a survey of 30 participants, along with secondary research consisting of existing literature meta-analysis. Anxiety was measured using a shortened six-item version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC). Participants completed the questionnaire before and after listening to a self-selected music track from three options: classical (Canon in D), lo-fi, or lyrical (Ocean Eyes). Results showed an overall mean reduction of 22.2% in anxiety scores, with Lo-fi producing the greatest decrease (-31.1%), followed by Canon (-22.5%) and Ocean Eyes (-17.3%). These findings suggest that while music generally reduces adolescent anxiety, genre plays a crucial role, with instrumental and repetitive structures being most effective. The study supports prior research that music activates reward and autonomic pathways to reduce stress, but also challenges claims that music only aids post-stress recovery by demonstrating immediate anxiolytic effects. Limitations include small sample size, uneven group distribution, and reliance on self-report without physiological measures. Future research should integrate biological data, such as cortisol or heart rate, to validate these results.
Author: Devhuti Sarda
Language: English
Topic: Music Therapy and Health
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7102407918
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