Studies suggest music is beneficial for mental wellbeing

Quality of life and mental wellbeing are scientifically shown to be improved through music, according to an analysis of multiple studies.

A new analysis based on studies around music, mental health and general wellbeing has revealed that not only listening to but singing and playing music can also benefit the quality of life.

26 individual studies conducted between multiple countries including the UK, US, and Australia has proven a positive boost in mental health of those 779 people studied.

The analysis, titled ‘Association of Music Interventions With Health-Related Quality of Life’, was published by the Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open.

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“Increasing evidence supports the ability of music to broadly promote well-being and health-related quality of life (HRQOL),” reads the study’s abstract.

Within the analysis, it was revealed that “music interventions are linked to meaningful improvements in wellbeing,” based on singing, playing, and consuming music.

“Future research is needed to clarify optimal music interventions and doses for use in specific clinical and public health scenarios,” reads the analysis, with suggestions pointing to an improvement in quality of life similar to that of weight loss and exercise.

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Kim Cunio, an associate professor and convener of musicology at the Australian National University said that “this study makes the connection between our personal experiences and a growing body of data of peer-reviewed research that makes the case for music as a frontline intervention in our health system.”

“All of us are experts in music because we’ve spent thousands of hours listening to music, codifying it in our brain and responding to it. Is it any wonder that when we listen to music, something remarkable happens?

“This is the true wonder of music – that there is no rule as to what is best to listen to. We have to follow the heart,” she added.

[Via The Guardian]

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Editorial Assistant, follow her on Twitter