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McMaster studies show music therapy improves student mental health

It’s been said that music is medicine — and now there’s proof, thanks to research by McMaster PhD student Rachael Finnerty and her supervisor, Dr. Laurel Trainor.

In two studies — one conducted online and the second in-person — undergraduate students met in supportive small groups with a music therapist every week for six weeks to listen to music, write songs, participate in music improvisation, and explore the connection between music and coping.

The students showed a significant decrease in stress and anxiety, with results comparable to talk therapy but without the stigma, cost and waiting lists associated with traditional one on-one therapy models. Another group of research participants, who didn’t receive any therapy, showed no decrease in stress levels.

The findings are important, given that university students have higher rates of mental health problems — everything from depression and anxiety to addictions and risk of suicide — than the general population.

The latest study focuses on students in Brock University’s teacher education program and will begin later this year.

“There’s a need for 21st-century strategies,” says Carolyn Milne, whose fund with husband Paul supports the research. “We need innovative, cost-effective ways to help young people. It’s exciting to see two universities collaborating.”

The Brock study will include a new “narrative inquiry” component, where some participants will be invited to share their life experiences with researchers to provide a deeper understanding of their stories and the impact of music therapy.

“We couldn’t do this important research without the support of HCF,” says Dr. Trainor. “This is the evidence that campus wellness centres need to offer more choices to students.”

“Proactive mental health is the future,” Rachael says. “We want people to think of taking care of their mental health through everyday, positive activities like music to be the equivalent of going to the gym.”

Excerpt from 2023-24 annual report