Music mindfulness acutely modulates autonomic activity and improves psychological state in anxiety and depression.
Christine Ramirez, Gertrude Asumpaame Alayine, Cyril Selase Kwaku Akafia, Kamsiyonna Adichie, Dash Watts, Yizza Galdamez, Lisa Harding, Aza Stephen Allsop
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2025 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2025.1554156 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Participants with moderate symptoms of anxiety and depression |
| Intervention | Music mindfulness |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Electroencephalography Heart rate variability Mental-health Music-therapy Mindfulness-meditation Stress-management |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key findings | Music mindfulness sessions acutely enhance multiple measures of heart rate variability and alter EEG power spectral density in frontotemporal electrodes, while reducing stress and altering state of consciousness. |
Abstract
Anxiety and depression reduce autonomic system activity, as measured by Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and exacerbate cardiac morbidity. Both music and mindfulness have been shown to increase HRV, and clinical approaches incorporating these interventions show promise as effective treatments for symptoms of anxiety and depression. Music mindfulness, which combines music listening with mindfulness activities, may provide unique and synergistic therapeutic benefits for stress management. However, to date, no studies have evaluated the physiological mechanisms underlying a community-based music mindfulness paradigm. We used wearable technology to record electrocardiography and electroencephalography signals from participants with moderate symptoms of anxiety and depression during a community-based music mindfulness paradigm. We also assessed the impact of our music mindfulness session on participant's psychological state. We found that music mindfulness sessions acutely enhanced multiple measures of HRV and altered EEG power spectral density across various frequency bands in frontotemporal electrodes. Both live and virtual music mindfulness sessions also acutely reduced stress and altered participants' state of consciousness; however, only live sessions fostered social connection. Additionally, the physiological and psychological effects of music mindfulness varied based on participants' self-reported sex. Overall, our findings demonstrate that music mindfulness effectively engages autonomic and frontotemporal neural mechanisms, which may contribute to the treatment of anxiety and depression symptoms.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 22 |
| Antidepressant effects of a single dose of ayahuasca in patients with recurrent depression: a preliminary report Patients with a depressive disorder | 2015 | Observational study | |
| Patterning of Cognitive and Somatic Processes in the Self-Regulation of Anxiety: Effects of Meditation versus Exercise Regular practitioners of physical exercise or meditation | 1978 | Retrospective study | n = 77 |
| Dynamic coupling of whole-brain neuronal and neurotransmitter systems Healthy humans | 2020 | Observational study | |
| Psychedelics not linked to mental health problems or suicidal behavior: A population study Randomly selected United States adults | 2015 | Observational cohort | n = 135,095 |
Citations in the library
Cites 56
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
- Self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-transcendence (S-ART): a framework for understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of mindfulness Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2012
- Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Archives of General Psychiatry September 7, 2010
- A systematic review of neurobiological and clinical features of mindfulness meditations Psychological Medicine November 27, 2009
and 51 more in the library