The Role of Solo Music Listening in Reducing Loneliness and Increasing Social Connectedness in Older Adults

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Music condition 1: Nostalgic music: 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.

Music condition 2: Comforting music: 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.

Control condition (pink-noise): Participants will listen to pink-noise sound for approximately 15 minutes.

Music condition 3: Distracting music: 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.

Study summary

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.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change from Baseline in Loneliness Score After Music Listening — Measured immediately before and immediately after music listening
  State Loneliness measured with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) on a scale from 0-100. 0 indicating lower loneliness, 100 indicating higher loneliness.
• Change from Baseline in Social Connectedness Score After Music Listening — Measured immediately before and immediately after music listening
  Self-reported social connectedness measured using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) from 0-100. 0 indicating lower social connectedness and 100 indicating higher social connectedness.

Trial sites (1)

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