Wellness in Music during COVID-19

by Nicole Tsosie

Everyone has been emotional and physically impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, and that is why we have conducted a research survey to showcase the intersection of art and physical and emotional health response.

The results of our survey have shown immediate benefits to the artistic response of music. We continue to encourage everyone to complete our survey. For those who have already participated in our survey, we thank you.

Preliminary Survey Response

In our research we conducted 5 different components to determine the artistic response of music. Before preforming our art therapy experiment we concluded health data from our participants. Health data of our participant included current heart rate before and after art therapy experiment. Then concluded our 5 components of response.

1. 1. Physical component: amount of sleep night before, amount of exercise

   2. Emotional component: rating emotional levels - sad to happy, etc.

   3. Demographics: age, location, gender

   4. Social Media: social media platforms - give them the opportunity to share on social media

   5. Technology: Is there a way for people to share their heart rates or other medical data (if they choose to post) to us? Show steps, sleep rate, etc.

Method and Materials

The sample study consisted of 9 participants (4 males, 5 females) from California located on the central coast. The participants' age ranged from 32 to 55 years old. Every participant averaged a normal resting heart rate ranging from 80 to 100 beat per minute.

Every participant's heart rate was taken before the study including a completed survey from each participant. The completion of the survey helped evaluate each participant current emotional response, physical, and demographics before listening to the COVID inspired song presented. We encourage each participant to be comfortable and tune into art. To ask question themselves in what comes to mind, what colors you see, or textures. The participants heart rate was taken again after listening to the COVID inspired song. This helped evaluated the participants ending emotional response after listening through an artistic expression.

Online Survey

The online survey concluded questions pertaining to demographic information (age, location, gender), physical component (amount of sleep and exercise), emotional component (rating emotional levels), social media (platforms), and technology (sharing health data). The survey participants remained anonymous.

Survey Results

Based on demographic information of age and gender there was a stronger response in males and females. Males had a slower heart rate before the study with an average emotional response. Males were not upset or excited to participate in the survey. Males 51 and 55 years old had bigger emotional responses. These male participants were energetic and motivated. Depending on the type of song being played. Male participants 30 and 33 years of age had a smaller increase in emotional response, but resulted more in sleep and exercise. Females averaged a higher heart rate before and after the study. The females physical component ages 30 to 55 years old resulted in less sleep, but stayed more active exercising 3 times a week. Female participants at the age of 30 years old said "yes," social media can be used as a platform. For females 50 years older disagreed. Each age group of female participants benefited in the artistic emotional response in music depending on their current physical component condition. Between males and females there's a different response to art therapy.