Traditional Music Genres and Mental Well-Being: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Age-Related Associations with Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, and OCD

Abstract

Introduction: This study explores the relationship between traditional music genres (Classical, Folk, Gospel, Country, and Jazz) and mental well-being among modern listeners, focusing on anxiety, depression, insomnia, and OCD. While music’s impact on mental health is well-documented, the specific effects of traditional genres remain underexplored. Given the increasing awareness of mental well-being in both personal and professional settings, this study examines how traditional music influences psychological health across different age groups and demographics.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to analyze how listening to traditional music genres affects mental health metrics, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and OCD. Additionally, the study explores variations in these effects across different demographic groups and evaluates the potential role of traditional music in promoting emotional stability and motivation.

Methods: This study employs a quantitative approach, utilizing survey data from 734 participants. The survey measured the frequency of listening to traditional music genres and self-reported mental health outcomes. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine correlations between music engagement and mental health indicators.

Results: Findings indicate that Classical music has a slight negative correlation with anxiety (-0,048) but a positive correlation with insomnia (0,078). Country music showed weak negative correlations with depression (-0,045) and insomnia (-0,053), suggesting minor therapeutic benefits. Jazz music displayed a positive correlation with depression (0,052), hinting at a possible increase in depressive symptoms. Age was a significant factor, with older participants reporting lower levels of anxiety, depression, and OCD. Traditional genres such as Classical and Gospel were more popular among older individuals, aligning with improved mental well-being, whereas younger listeners reported higher anxiety and depression levels with less preference for traditional genres. Instrumentalists exhibited slightly higher mental health scores across all metrics, highlighting a complex relationship between musical engagement and well-being.

Conclusions: Traditional music genres exhibit nuanced effects on mental well-being, varying by age and listening frequency. The findings suggest that certain genres may have therapeutic potential, while others could contribute to emotional distress. These results should be considered not only by community leaders, cultural and arts managers, human resources professionals, experts in health and education, and civil society organizations but also by those seeking innovative approaches to mental well-being in both personal and professional contexts. Further research is necessary to examine cultural and demographic influences more deeply.