University of Jyväskylä seeks participants for music and relaxation study in Finland

The University of Jyväskylä is seeking young adults to participate in a study examining how listening to music can promote relaxation and alleviate stress. Marianne Taipale, a doctoral researcher at the Department of Music, Art and Culture Studies, explains that the research will also explore the connections between symptoms of depression and anxiety and everyday listening habits in relation to stress regulation.

“The measurements are currently underway and will continue at least until the end of September,” Taipale states. The findings will be published as part of Taipale’s doctoral thesis. Participants will be asked about their experiences during listening sessions, and their physiological responses will be measured, including heart rate monitoring.

The study aims to include 60 participants aged between 18 and 30 years. Individuals interested in taking part can find more information through the provided link.

Previous research at the University of Jyväskylä has already looked into how music listening influences emotional regulation among young people. For example, one study found that listening to sad music could evoke genuine feelings of sorrow in listeners. Earlier international studies have questioned music’s ability to elicit authentic feelings of sadness.