Singing, listening to or playing music can improve mental wellbeing and quality of life, according to a recent research review.

Results were concluded following a meta-analysis of 26 existing studies which explore the effect of musical interventions on wellbeing. 10 of the studies involved participants listening to music, seven featured music therapy and eight included singing, while the remaining study investigated the effects of gospel music.

Following the review, the research team concluded that the “meta-analysis provided clear and quantitative evidence that music interventions are associated with clinically significant changes in mental health.”

Findings also showed the benefits to mental quality of life associated with experiencing music are similar to those associated with exercise or weight loss.

The team concluded by saying future research needs to focus on investigating what the most optimal music interventions and doses are for distinct scenarios.

The findings emphasise the importance of music at spas and gyms as they suggest that music could amplify the wellbeing benefits already achieved after visiting either facility.

Furthermore, the review could encourage operators to incorporate more music into their guest journey – such as adding dedicated music-centric rituals or retreats to programming – to help guests harness its benefits.

In other news, music psychology specialist Brian d’Souza is bringing sound wellness to spas. D’souza recently launched a new business to offer transformative sound experiences to the spa, wellness and hospitality industries - find out more here.

About the paper

Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open, the review was authored by J Matt McCrary, PhD, Eckart Altenmüller, MD and Clara Kretschmer.

Included studies used short-form surveys to assess 779 participants in total and were conducted in Australia, Brazil, China (Hong Kong SAR), Germany, India, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Thailand, the UK and the US.

To access the full paper, click here.