The Role of Music in Stress Management: An Exploratory

Study of Emotional Regulation

NAME - PRAKSHI DHASMANA

ENROLLMENT NO. - 2252061260
REGIONAL CENTER-
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Table of Contents
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Synopsis
1.1 Overview of the Study

Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Review of Literature
Chapter 3: Rationale of the Study
Chapter 4: Methodology
4.1 Research Problem
4.2 Objectives of the Study
4.3 Hypotheses
4.4 Operational Definitions
4.5 Sample and Sampling Technique
4.6 Research Design
4.7 Tools and Instruments for Data Collection
– Questionnaire (with details)
4.8 Data Analysis Techniques

Chapter 5: Results and Discussion

5.1 Quantitative Findings
– Participant Demographics (with charts/tables)
– Stress Profile (with charts/tables)
– Coping Mechanisms (with charts/tables)
– Music listening habits (with charts/tables)
– Summary of Key Quantitative Findings (table)
5.2 Qualitative Findings (Themes from open-ended responses)
5.3 Discussion in Light of Previous Research

Chapter 6: Conclusion and Implications

Conclusion
Implications of the Study
Limitations of the Study
Suggestions for Further Research

References
Appendices
Appendix A: Survey Questionnaire
Appendix B: Consent Form

Synopsis
1.1 Overview of the Study

Stress is one of the most pressing challenges of modern life, affecting individuals across different
age groups, occupations, and social contexts. It is widely acknowledged that chronic stress can
negatively impact both physical and psychological well-being, contributing to anxiety, depression,
burnout, and impaired functioning. While traditional approaches such as therapy, medication, and
physical exercise are well-documented for stress reduction, there has been growing recognition of
alternative, non-invasive strategies that are more accessible and adaptable to daily life. Among
these, music has emerged as a particularly powerful coping mechanism.

Music is a universal human experience and has long been associated with emotional regulation.
Previous research has demonstrated that music can reduce physiological arousal, lower cortisol
levels, and provide psychological comfort by diverting attention from stressors. Unlike clinical
interventions, music is cost-effective, portable, and highly personalized, as individuals can select
genres, tempos, and lyrics that resonate with their moods and needs. However, while much of the
existing literature emphasizes music therapy in clinical contexts, fewer studies have focused on
everyday listening habits and the ways in which ordinary people use music in their daily lives to
regulate stress.

This study seeks to explore the role of music in stress management, focusing on how individuals
perceive and utilize music for emotional regulation in non-clinical, everyday contexts. The research
investigates:

• The frequency and intensity of stress experienced by individuals,

• The primary sources of stress (e.g., work, family, studies, financial issues),

• The habits and patterns of music listening (e.g., frequency, duration, devices used,
preferred genres), and

• The perceived impact of music on stress reduction and mental well-being, based on
participants’ personal reflections.

A descriptive survey research design was adopted, employing a structured questionnaire

distributed online. The instrument included both quantitative items (closed-ended questions on
stress levels, coping strategies, and music habits) and qualitative items (open-ended questions on
participants’ experiences and reflections). This mixed-method approach provided not only
measurable insights but also a deeper, subjective understanding of how music influences mental
health.

Preliminary findings reveal that stress is most often reported as occurring “sometimes” or “often,”
with evenings being the most stressful time of day. Work and family emerged as the most frequent
sources of stress, while music was the most widely used coping strategy. A large proportion of
participants reported listening to music daily, primarily via mobile phones, with genres and
preferences varying according to mood. Qualitative responses emphasized feelings of calmness,
relaxation, emotional release, and improved focus following music listening.

In summary, this study highlights music as a readily available, natural, and effective tool for
stress regulation, demonstrating its relevance in everyday life outside of clinical interventions. The
findings not only contribute to the academic understanding of stress and coping but also carry
practical implications for integrating music into stress management strategies in educational,
occupational, and therapeutic settings.

1. Introduction

Stress is a common psychological and physiological response to challenges and demands of daily
life. High levels of stress negatively impact both physical and mental well-being, leading to anxiety,
depression, burnout, and impaired functioning. In recent years, non-invasive and natural coping
mechanisms have gained prominence in stress research. Among these, music has been widely
recognized as a therapeutic and accessible tool.

Music influences mood, reduces physiological arousal, and helps regulate emotions by providing
relaxation and distraction from stressors. Unlike medical interventions, music is cost-effective,
easily available, and adaptable to individual preferences. While several studies have examined
music therapy in clinical settings, limited research exists on how everyday listening habits
influence stress management in the general population.

The present study seeks to explore the relationship between music and stress reduction, examining
how individuals perceive the role of music in managing their psychological well-being.

2. Review of Literature
 1. Thoma et al. (2013) found that listening to relaxing music after a stressful task lowered
cortisol levels and heart rate, demonstrating music’s effect on physiological stress recovery.

2. Pelletier (2004), in a meta-analysis, reported that music significantly reduced anxiety across
clinical and non-clinical samples.

3. Juslin & Sloboda (2010) highlighted that music can regulate a wide range of emotions,
such as relaxation, comfort, and motivation, making it a versatile tool for psychological
health.

4. Chanda & Levitin (2013) proposed that music influences the brain’s reward and emotion
centers, including dopamine pathways, which explains its stress-relieving effects.

5. McFerran & Saarikallio (2014) emphasized that individual differences, such as preference
for music genre, tempo, and lyrics, play a key role in the effectiveness of music for stress
management.

These findings establish that music can serve as a powerful emotional regulator and a tool for
coping with stress, though more research is needed on how individuals experience this relationship
in daily life.

3. Rationale of the Study

Stress is a universal phenomenon that significantly affects mental health. While pharmacological
and clinical methods exist for stress management, they are not always accessible or affordable.
Music, however, is a universal, non-invasive, and culturally embedded practice that can provide
stress relief.

This study is significant because it:

• Examines the personal experiences and perceptions of individuals regarding music as a

stress management tool.

• Explores the specific aspects of music (lyrics, melody, tempo) that are perceived to reduce
stress.

• Adds to the growing body of research on positive psychology and everyday coping
strategies.
4. Methodology

4.1 Research Problem

Does music play a significant role in managing stress, and what specific aspects of music are
perceived as most effective in reducing stress?

4.2 Research Questions

1. How important do individuals perceive music in managing their stress?

2. Which emotions are most commonly regulated through music?

3. What qualities of music are perceived as effective for stress reduction?

4. How do individuals describe their psychological and physical responses after listening to
calming music?

4.3 Objectives

1. To examine the perceived importance of music in stress management.

2. To identify emotions that are commonly regulated through music.

3. To explore the qualities of music that participants associate with stress relief.

4. To analyze participants’ self-reported experiences of music in reducing stress.

4.4 Hypotheses

• Null Hypothesis (H₀): Music has no significant perceived role in managing stress.

• Alternative Hypothesis (H₁): Music has a significant perceived role in managing stress.

4.5 Operational Definitions

• Stress: A state of psychological strain or tension, self-reported by participants.

 • Music: Any form of audio stimulation including songs, instrumental pieces, or genres, as
reported by participants.

• Perception: The participants’ subjective evaluation of music’s role in regulating stress.

4.6 Sample

• Sample Size: 37 participants

• Age Range: 18–71 years

• Gender Distribution: 27 females and 10 males

• Educational Background: Postgraduates (16), Undergraduates (15), Others (4), Diploma

holders (2)

• Sampling Technique: Convenience sampling through online distribution (Google Forms).

• Population Representation: Adults across different age groups, genders, and educational
backgrounds.

4.7 Research Design

The present study adopted a descriptive survey research design with a mixed-methods approach.
This design was chosen because it allows for the systematic collection of data regarding
participants’ experiences of stress, their coping mechanisms, and the role of music in stress
regulation. Both quantitative data (through
closed-ended questions) and qualitative
data (through open-ended questions) were
collected to provide a more comprehensive
understanding of the research problem.

The survey method was appropriate as it

enabled the researcher to reach a wider group
of participants efficiently, ensuring the
collection of diverse responses. The quantitative component provided measurable insights into
stress levels, frequency, coping strategies, and music-listening habits. Meanwhile, the qualitative
component captured participants’ personal reflections on the emotional and psychological impact of
music, thereby enriching the findings beyond numerical data.

The design was cross-sectional in nature, as data was collected at a single point in time. This
allowed the researcher to examine the current relationship between stress and music listening habits
without manipulation of variables.

4.8 Tools for Data Collection

A researcher-designed questionnaire was created and administered online using Google Forms.
The questionnaire included:

1. Demographic section: Age, gender, education, occupation, and residence.

2. Closed-ended questions: Likert-scale items assessing the perceived importance of music in

stress management, frequency of music use, and emotions regulated.

3. Open-ended questions: Participants described how music helped them cope with stress,
what qualities of music were most effective, and their psychological/physical changes after
listening.

• Validity: The tool was content-validated through expert review.

• Reliability: Not statistically calculated due to exploratory design but ensured by consistency
of themes in responses.

Statistical Techniques: Results of various studies will be analysed and depicted in the form of
graphs and pie charts.

5. Results and Discussion

5.1 Quantitative Findings

• Participant Demographics
The study included a varied group of participants in terms of gender, education level, occupation,
and area of residence. Most participants were students, with a majority residing in urban areas. A
small proportion reported having a diagnosed mental health condition.
• Stress Profile

- Frequency of Stress: 40.5% sometimes experience stress; 35.1% often experience stress.

- Stress Levels: Most participants rated their stress between 3 and 4 on a 5-point scale.
- Time of Stress: Evening was reported as the most stressful time (35.3%).

- Sources of Stress: Work (63.9%) and family (63.9%) were the most common stressors, followed
by studies, relationships, and finances
• Coping Mechanisms

- Music as Coping Tool: 75% cope with stress through music.

- Other Strategies: Exercise, meditation, sleeping, and talking to friends were also reported.

• Music Listening Habits

- Listening Frequency: 48.6% listen daily, while many others reported multiple times a day.

- Device Used: 75.7% primarily use mobile phones.

- Listening Contexts: Most common while traveling, studying/working, and during emotional
moments.
- Preferred Genres: Bollywood, instrumental, devotional, and pop were the most frequent
choices.

• Summary of Key Quantitative Findings

Table presents a summary of the most significant results from the survey. It shows that stress was a
common experience, particularly in the evening, and was primarily caused by work and family
responsibilities. Music emerged as the most widely used coping strategy, with most participants
listening daily through mobile phones.

VARIABLE Percentage (%)

Sometimes experience stress 40.5%
Often experience stress 35.1%
Evening as stressful time 35.3%
Work as a source of stress 63.9%
Family as a source of stress 63.9%
Use music to cope 75%
Listen to music daily 48.6%
Use mobile phone for music 75.7%

5.2 Qualitative Findings

1. Body and Mind Response to Music

Themes included:

• Calmness/Relaxation: “I feel calm,” “Relaxed and stressless.”

• Improved Focus: “Music stops overthinking and helps me focus.”

• Emotional Release: “I cry and then I’m relaxed and fall asleep.”

• Physical Relief: “Tension in my muscles starts to ease.”

2. Role of Music in Mental Well-being

• Mood Regulation: “Music improves our mood to some extent.”

• Therapeutic Role: “It plays a vital role in keeping you calm.”

• Emotional Support: “Music makes me feel understood and supported.”

• Spiritual Connection: “Certain raags make my mind and body calm.”

3. Stress Levels Without Music

• Increased Stress: “Yes, stress levels will be increased. Music helps me calm down and
diverts my mind.”

• Therapeutic Value: “Yes, because music feels like therapy for me.”

• Alternative Coping: A minority felt otherwise: “No, I can regulate my emotions by other
means.”

4. Situations Where Music Helped

• Academic Stress: “Before exams I would listen to music to calm down and focus.”

• Work/Family Conflicts: “Whenever I had workload or argument with close ones, music
definitely helped me.”

• Personal Struggles: “I listen to music 24/7 so I can ignore family taunts and drama.”

• Mental Health Episodes: “During my panic attacks I listen to soothing music.”

 • Daily Stress: “While driving in traffic,” “Whenever I have a stressful day at work.”

5.3 Discussion

The results confirm that stress is a frequent experience, especially in the evenings, with work and
family as the most common stressors. These findings are consistent with existing literature
identifying occupational and relational stress as dominant factors in modern life (MacDonald et al.,
2012).

Music emerged as the most significant coping mechanism, with 75% of participants using it for
stress management. This is in line with Thoma et al. (2013), who argue that music serves as an
effective tool for emotional regulation in everyday contexts.

Qualitative findings reinforced these results by highlighting that music provides psychological
relief (calmness, mood improvement, emotional expression) and physiological effects (relaxation,
reduced muscle tension). Such outcomes align with Chanda & Levitin (2013), who explain the
neurochemical mechanisms behind music’s stress-reducing impact.

Thus, the study establishes that music functions not only as a recreational activity but also as an
accessible, low-cost, and effective tool for managing stress.

6. Conclusion and Implications

Conclusion

The present research explored the relationship between stress and music listening habits. The
findings revealed that stress is a common experience, with most participants reporting stress either
sometimes (40.5%) or often (35.1%), and evenings being the most stressful time of day. Work and
family were identified as the leading sources of stress, each affecting 63.9% of participants.
Importantly, music emerged as the most widely used coping strategy, with 75% of participants
reporting its role in managing stress, and nearly half (48.6%) listening daily. The majority accessed
music via mobile phones (75.7%), indicating the accessibility and centrality of music in everyday
life.
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Overall, the results support the idea that music is not only a common leisure activity but also an
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effective tool for emotional regulation and stress reduction.

Implications

The findings of this study have several implications:

1. Practical Implications: Music can be considered a cost-effective, accessible, and non-

invasive stress management strategy. Universities, workplaces, and healthcare providers
could incorporate music-based interventions (e.g., relaxation playlists, guided music
sessions) as part of stress reduction programs.

2. Theoretical Implications: The study adds evidence to psychological theories of emotion

regulation, supporting music as a mechanism for coping with negative affect and stress.

3. Social Implications: As mobile phones were the primary medium, digital platforms and
streaming services can play an important role in delivering therapeutic music to a wider
audience.

Limitations

This study had certain limitations:

• Sample size: The number of participants (n ≈ 37) was relatively small, which may limit
generalizability.

• Sampling method: Most participants were students or urban residents, which may bias
results.

• Self-report measures: The data relied on self-reported responses, which may be influenced
by social desirability or recall bias.

• Cross-sectional design: Stress and coping were measured at one point in time, so causal
relationships cannot be established.

Suggestions for Further Research

Future studies could build upon these findings by:

1. Using larger and more diverse samples, including rural populations and different age groups.
 2. Conducting longitudinal or experimental studies to examine the causal impact of music on
stress reduction.

3. Exploring specific genres of music and their differential effects on stress and emotional
regulation.

4. Investigating physiological responses (e.g., heart rate, cortisol levels) to provide objective
evidence of music’s impact.

5. Examining cultural differences in music preferences and coping strategies.

References

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological

Association (7th ed.). American Psychological Association.

Koelsch, S. (2014). Brain correlates of music-evoked emotions. Nature Reviews Neuroscience,

15(3), 170–180. [Link]

MacDonald, R., Kreutz, G., & Mitchell, L. (Eds.). (2012). Music, health, and wellbeing. Oxford
University Press.

Miranda, D., & Claes, M. (2009). Music listening, coping, peer affiliation and depression in
adolescence. Psychology of Music, 37(2), 215–233. [Link]

Thoma, M. V., Ryf, S., Mohiyeddini, C., Ehlert, U., & Nater, U. M. (2013). Emotion regulation
through listening to music in everyday situations. Cognition and Emotion, 27(3), 534–543. https://
[Link]/10.1080/02699931.2012.740126

Yinger, O. S., & Gooding, L. F. (2014). Music therapy and music medicine for children and
adolescents. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 23(3), 535–553. https://
[Link]/10.1016/[Link].2013.03.003

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Appendices
Appendix A: Survey Questionnaire

CONSENT

Before you begin, please read the following:This is a psychology-based academic survey conducted
as part of a project under BPCE 144. Your participation is voluntary. Your responses will remain
anonymous and will be used strictly for educational purposes.
By clicking "Yes," you consent to participate.

Consent Form
This study is part of a BPCE 144 project. Participation is voluntary, and all responses will remain
anonymous and confidential. By continuing, you consent to participate.
Mark only one oval.

Yes, I agree to participate.

No, I do not agree.

Skip to question 2

PARTICIPANT DETAILS
2. Email Address
3. Name
4. Age
5. Gender Mark only one oval.
Female
Male
Prefer not to say
6. Current Education Level (Mark only one oval)

Undergraduate
Postgraduate
Diploma
 Other
7. Occupation
Tick all that apply.
Student
Working professional
Self-employed
Homemaker
Unemployed
Other (please specify)
8. Area of Residence
Mark only one oval.
Urban
Suburban
Rural
9. Do you have any diagnosed mental health condition?
Mark only one oval.
Yes
No
Prefer not to say
Skip to question 10
Stress Profile

10. How often do you experience stress?

Mark only one oval.

Never
Rarely
Sometimes
Often
Always
11. Rate your average stress level (1 = No stress, 5 = Extremely stressed):
Mark only one oval.

1
2
3
4
5

12. What time of day do you feel most stressed?

Mark only one oval.
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night
13. What are your main sources of stress? (Select all that apply)
Tick all that apply.
Studies
Work
Family
Health
Financial Issues
Relationships
Social Media
14. How do you usually cope with stress? (Select all that apply)
Tick all that apply.
Music
Exercise
Meditation
Talking to friends
Sleeping
Eating
Skip to question 15

Music Listening Habits

15. How often do you listen to music?

Mark only one oval.
Rarely
Weekly
Daily
Multiple times a day
16. How many hours per day do you spend listening to music?
Mark only one oval.
Less than 30 mins
30 mins–1 hour
1–2 hours
More than 2 hours
17. When do you most often listen to music? (Select all that apply)
Tick all that apply.
While studying/working
Before sleeping
While traveling
While exercising
During emotional moments
18. What device do you mainly use to listen to music?
Mark only one oval.
Mobile Phone
Laptop
Smart Speaker
Radio
Other:
19. What genre(s) of music do you prefer when feeling stressed? (Select all that apply)
Tick all that apply.
Classical
Lo-fi
Pop
Rock
Instrumental
Devotional
Jazz
Bollywood
Other:
20. Do you have a favourite song or playlist that helps when you're stressed?
21. Do you prefer lyrical or instrumental music when stressed?
Mark only one oval.
Lyrics
Instrumental
Depends on mood
22. How loud do you usually play your music?
Mark only one oval.
Low volume
Medium volume
High volume
Varies with mood
Skip to question 23
Music as a Tool for Stress Reduction

23. Has music ever helped calm you during a stressful event or period?
Mark only one oval.
Yes
No
Not sure
24. How quickly do you feel a change in your mood after listening to music?
Mark only one oval.
Instantly
Within a few minutes
After some time
No noticeable change
25. Do certain types of music make you feel more anxious or stressed?
Mark only one oval.
Yes
No
Sometimes
Not sure
26. Do you actively choose music to match or change your mood?
Mark only one oval.
Yes, always
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
27. What emotions does music help you regulate best?
Tick all that apply.
Anxiety
Sadness
Anger
Loneliness
Exhaustion
Overthinking
Other:

Skip to question 28
Reflection & Opinion

28. In your opinion, how important is music in managing your stress?

Mark only one oval.
1
2
3
4
5
29. Do you think your stress levels would be different if you did not have access to music?
Why or why not?
30. Can you describe a specific situation when music helped you cope with stress or anxiety?
31. What qualities do you think make certain music effective for reducing stress?
Tick all that apply.
Slow tempo
Soothing vocals
Familiarity
Instrumental sounds
Lyrics I relate to
Nostalgia
Rhythmic beat
Cultural or spiritual connection

32. How does your body or mind respond after listening to calming or stress-relieving music?
33. In your own words, what role do you believe music plays in mental well-being?
Thank you for completing the questionnaire!
34. Please take a moment to self-reflect: Did you answer each question carefully and honestly
according to your current experiences?
Mark only one oval.
Yes, I answered all questions carefully and honestly.
No, I might have rushed or guessed some answers.
I am unsure