Music therapy for stress reduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined 47 studies involving 2,747 participants to assess the impact of music therapy on stress reduction. The results showed a medium-to-strong effect in reducing both physiological stress markers (e.g., heart rate, cortisol levels) and psychological stress (e.g., anxiety, nervousness). Music therapy, which includes active participation guided by trained therapists, was more effective than passive music listening. This suggests that music therapy is a valuable, non-pharmaceutical method for managing stress, benefiting emotional and cognitive health.

Engage in guided music therapy sessions to reduce stress and enhance mental well-being. Active participation, such as improvising music or singing with a therapist, appears especially effective. While these findings support its use, music therapy should complement—not replace—traditional treatments for severe stress or anxiety. Choose a qualified therapist to tailor the experience to your needs, and aim for regular sessions to maximize benefits.