Music therapy for the treatment of anxiety: a systematic review with multilevel meta-analyses
Music therapy shows a consistent, clinically meaningful reduction in anxiety across many trials, with receptive (listening) and combined approaches often producing the largest effects; the evidence base is strongest in randomized controlled trials and supports using music therapy as a flexible, scalable adjunct for anxiety care.
de Witte, Martina, et al. “Music Therapy for the Treatment of Anxiety: A Systematic Review with Multilevel Meta‑Analyses.” eClinicalMedicine, June 2025, https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370%2825%2900225-1/fulltext
Group music therapy for the proactive management of stress and anxiety
Group music therapy for the proactive management of stress and anxiety | PLOS Mental Health
This study randomly assigned university students to either a six week program of weekly group music therapy sessions or to a “student life as usual” control group, and measured both psychological and physiological indicators of stress and anxiety. The results showed that participants in the music therapy group experienced significant reductions in self reported anxiety and stress after individual sessions as well as across the six week period Physiological measures (hair cortisol) also decreased. Most participants said they found the group music therapy helpful and that they would continue if offered on campus, suggesting it’s viewed as a valuable, non-stigmatizing, and accessible way to support mental well-being.
Finnerty, Rachael, and Laurel Trainor. “Group Music Therapy for the Proactive Management of Stress and Anxiety.” PLOS Mental Health, vol. 2, no. 8, 2025. https://journals.plos.org/mentalhealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmen.0000312