The Influence of Preferred Relaxing Music on Measures of State Anxiety, Relaxation, and Physiological Responses

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to measure physiological and psychological responses to preferred, relaxing music. Eighteen subjects, nine females and nine males ranging in age from 18 to 43, were randomly selected for participation in the study. All music was provided by the subjects, who were tested individually on three separate occasions. Physiological data collected included: (a) vascular constriction, (b) heart rate, (c) muscle tension, and (d) finger skin temperature. Psychological data were assessed with the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory and a seven-point Likert type scale for self-rated relaxation. Results indicated that state anxiety decreased and relaxation increased from pre to posttest conditions consistently across trials. The change, however, was significant only for state anxiety (p < .05). Physiological data showed that the music aroused and excited rather than soothed autonomic and muscular activity. Significant subject × time interaction effects for muscle tension and vascular constriction and significant differences between subjects for finger skin temperature were found, providing evidence for the existence of idiosyncratic physiological responses within subjects.