Music therapy songwriting to improve university students' social connections and mental health
Official title: The Effects and Hyperscanning-Based Neural Mechanisms of Music Therapy on Social Relationships and Mental Wellness in University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by The University of Hong Kong · NCT07024979 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try songwriting-based music therapy to see if it helps university students aged 18–40 with moderate depression, anxiety, or stress feel better and connect more with others.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | September 23, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07024979 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are university students aged 18–40 who speak Mandarin, Cantonese, or English and score at or above 'Moderate' on the DASS-21 subscales (Depression ≥14; Anxiety ≥10; Stress ≥19) without a formal mental health diagnosis.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe psychiatric diagnoses, ongoing chronic illness requiring medication, extensive professional musical training (>10 consecutive years), a history of brain trauma/surgery, or metal implants/piercings that prevent hyperscanning may not benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Participants who are university-aged adults with moderate symptoms on the DASS-21 will take part in a songwriting-based music therapy intervention administered at The University of Hong Kong. While participants engage in interactive music-making, researchers will use hyperscanning to record simultaneous brain activity from interacting individuals and measure interbrain synchronization. Clinical and self-report measures of depression, anxiety, stress, and social functioning will be collected before and after the intervention. The protocol excludes those with long-term professional music training, chronic illness on medication, prior brain trauma or surgery, or metal implants that interfere with recording.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a non-drug way to reduce symptoms and strengthen social connectedness for affected university students.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows music therapy can improve mood and social functioning, but using hyperscanning to link interbrain synchronization directly to clinical benefit is a relatively new approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * (1) adults who aged between 18-40 * (2) without any mental diagnosis * (3) able to speak and read Mandarin, Cantonese, or English * (4) moderate stress or problems in academic activities, problems in interpersonal relationships, or adaptability to college life. * (5) participants DASS-21 score \>= "Moderate" severity on each subscale (Depression \>= 14; Anxiety \>= 10; Stress \>= 19). Exclusion Criteria: * (1) has more than 10 consecutive years professional music training * (2) with chronic illness and taking medication * (3) with prior history of brain trauma or brain surgery * (4) wearing metal piercings or implants.
Where it's running
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2/F., The Hong Kong Jockey Club Building for Interdisciplinary Research
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Wanru Zhao — The University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Wanru Zhao
- Email: wanru@connect.hku.hk
- Phone: (852)59745737
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.