Music therapy songwriting to improve university students' social connections and mental health
The Effects and Hyperscanning-Based Neural Mechanisms of Music Therapy on Social Relationships and Mental Wellness in University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT07024979 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Hong Kong
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.