Music Therapy and Mental Health: A Quasi-Experimental Assessment of Anxiety and Depression Reduction Among Adults

Abstract

Mental health conditions and disorders, such as anxiety and depression, are common, but factors like cost, access to professionals and stigma limit access to traditional care. Music therapy is a potential alternative approach that does not involve the use of medications. This study was a quantitative pre-test/post-test design to determine the effectiveness of a music therapy intervention for 100 adults (ages 18-60) to reduce anxiety and depression. The intervention consisted of 2–3 sessions per week that lasted for 30–45 minutes, such as listening, singing, and instrument playing, and song writing. GAD-7 and PHQ-9 were used to assess anxiety and depression levels, respectively. The analysis of paired t-tests, effect size, correlation, and perception surveys were conducted. Results indicated that both outcomes were significantly decreased. Mean GAD-7 scores decreased from 13.42 to 8.67 (mean reduction 4.75 points), t(99)=12.34, p<0.001, Cohen's d=1.23. Mean PHQ-9 scores decreased from 14.85 to 9.46 (mean reduction 5.39 points), t(99)=13.87, p<0.001, Cohen's d=1.39. 78% (anxiety) and 81% (depression) participants made clinically meaningful improvements. There was a moderate correlation between attendance and improvement (r=0.52, anxiety; r=0.48, depression; both < 0.001). The overall response rate was very favourable with a score of 86–94% agreement of the participants in therapeutic benefits and healthcare integration. The study found that structured Music therapy is highly effective and has large effect size in reduction of anxiety and depression levels, besides being highly acceptable. Music therapy is a simple, easy-to-access and low cost non-pharmacological treatment for adult mental health.