Exploring music's impact on stress levels through EEG analysis

• Main Author: Ong, Ryan Meng How
• Other Authors: Smitha Kavallur Pisharath Gopi
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Engineering; Medicine, Health and Life Sciences; Stress; Music; Electroencephalogram
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/175270
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In this study, impact of music's valence (emotional content) and arousal (energy level) on stress levels were investigated using Electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis to gauge physiological responses. With the growing concern over global stress levels and the need for effective management strategies, this research explores the potential of music as a real-time stress mitigation tool. Participants were exposed to stress inducers alongside various music types, categorized by perceived valence and arousal, while their EEG responses were recorded. The findings indicate that music with low arousal significantly reduces stress, highlighting the importance of arousal over valence in music-induced stress management. Moreover, individual preferences for music showed a pronounced effect on stress reduction, suggesting that personal taste may play a crucial role. This study contributes to the understanding of music's therapeutic potential in stress management, emphasizing the ability of utilizing music to prevent stress buildup during stressful scenarios.