Music Listening for Loneliness
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Loneliness has become an increasingly prevalent concern among older adults. A number of adverse physical and mental health outcomes may result from loneliness in this age group including cognitive decline and depression. These outcomes may lead to a higher strain on healthcare systems. Finding accessible and cost-effective strategies for reducing loneliness and increasing feelings of social connectedness is important for the well-being of older adults. Solo music listening is commonly used to regulate emotions and to promote well-being. While some preliminary evidence suggests that these benefits may extend to loneliness, research has not been clear on the functions or qualities of music that are most effective for older adults. This research project will consist of two parts. In Part 1, an interview will be conducted with older adults to determine what functions of music are most often used and most beneficial when their goal is to reduce loneliness. Part 2 will consist of a between-subjects experiment with four conditions. The top three characteristics obtained from Part 1 will represent the three music conditions, and the fourth condition will be a pink-noise control. Prior to the experiment, participants will self-select three pieces from each of the three music conditions. After selecting their music, they will be randomly assigned to either a music or pink-noise condition. Participants in the three music conditions will listen to the three self-selected pieces that adhere to their assigned condition. Loneliness and social connection outcomes will be assessed before and after listening using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Potential moderators will be assessed after listening, which include nostalgia, absorption in music, and music reward. The results of this project will clarify whether psychological benefits of decreased loneliness and increased social connectedness can be found through music listening to enhance well-being, and whether singing along provides additional benefits. These findings may also be useful in developing future music-based interventions for reducing loneliness.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Frank Russo, PhD
Principal Investigator
Toronto Metropolitan University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Interview
Interviews conducted with older adults to determine beneficial music functions for reducing loneliness
Experiment
Participants engage in a between-subjects experiment with music and pink-noise conditions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in loneliness and social connectedness after music listening
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Solo Music Listening
How Is the Trial Designed?
4
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Third type of music that participants could be assigned to listen to. Participants will listen to three pieces of self-selected music that correspond to their assigned music condition.
Second type of music that participants could be assigned to listen to. Participants will listen to three pieces of self-selected music that correspond to their assigned music condition.
First type of music that participants could be assigned to listen to. Participants will listen to three pieces of self-selected music that correspond to their assigned music condition.
Pink-noise control condition for approximately 15 minutes.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Toronto Metropolitan University
Lead Sponsor
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
Collaborator
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