Healthcare workers find stress relief through music therapy.

Tune In, Stress Out: How Music Therapy Can Help Healthcare Workers Find Harmony

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how a music therapy program significantly reduced stress levels among healthcare professionals, offering a harmonious approach to workplace wellness."

In today's fast-paced world, the word "stress" has become synonymous with discomfort. More and more individuals identify themselves or those around them as being stressed. A stressor is any situation or experience that triggers feelings of tension, anxiety, fear, or threat, whether originating internally or externally. The term "stress" initially described intense forces, pressures, or influences on a person, causing deformation, much like heavy weight bending wood.

When stress takes hold, it can trigger various illnesses, including depression. Physically, it can manifest as ulcers, hypertension, panic attacks, herpes, and fibromyalgia, depending on genetic predispositions. Without specialized treatment, severe issues like heart attacks and strokes may arise. Stress itself doesn't directly cause these conditions but rather acts as a catalyst, especially by weakening the immune system, creating opportunities for opportunistic diseases.

Occupational stress can lead to burnout syndrome, where symptoms arise from chronic stress-induced exhaustion. Stressed professionals may find themselves weakened due to expending energy against stressors, leading to deficits in interpersonal relationships and their work environment. Recognizing this, implementing music therapy for healthcare professionals can offer a moment of relaxation and reduce daily stress effects, as studies have shown music can alleviate stress-related physical and mental health issues.

The Healing Power of Music: How Music Therapy Lowers Stress

Healthcare workers find stress relief through music therapy.

A recent study published in the Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem explored the impact of music therapy on stress levels among health professionals at a private hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The study focused on female volunteers, examining how a structured music therapy program could mitigate the effects of workplace stress.

The music therapy program, referred to as "Musical Encounters," consisted of 12 weekly sessions, each lasting 50 minutes. These sessions incorporated music therapy techniques such as improvisation and musical re-creation. Participants engaged in choral singing, exploring various genres of Brazilian popular music and international songs selected by the participants themselves, accompanied by a keyboard played by the researcher.

Participants: The study included 34 female health professionals with an average age of 33.3 years.
Methodology: Stress levels were assessed using the Lipp's Inventory of Symptoms of Stress for Adults (ISSL) before and after the music therapy sessions. A semi-structured questionnaire was also used to gather additional insights.
Music Therapy Techniques: Sessions involved improvisation and musical re-creation, using choral singing and participant-selected songs.
Data Analysis: Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test to determine the significance of changes in stress levels.

The results indicated a significant reduction in stress levels among the participants after the music therapy program. Specifically, there was a 60% decrease in self-reported stress, highlighting the effectiveness of music therapy in managing occupational stress. These findings align with the humanistic theory, which emphasizes an individual's innate capacity to control their life and promote self-development.

Finding Your Rhythm: The Path to a Less Stressed Workplace

This study underscores the potential of music therapy as a valuable tool for reducing stress among healthcare professionals. By integrating such programs into workplace wellness initiatives, hospitals and healthcare facilities can foster a more supportive environment, ultimately enhancing both the well-being of their staff and the quality of patient care. Further research with larger, more diverse groups could solidify these findings and broaden the application of music therapy in healthcare settings.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/s0034-71672013000300013, Alternate LINK

Title: Impacto De Um Programa De Musicoterapia Sobre O Nível De Estresse De Profissionais De Saúde

Subject: General Nursing

Journal: Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Gunnar Glauco De Cunto Taets, Claudio Joaquim Borba-Pinheiro, Nébia Maria Almeida De Figueiredo, Estélio Henrique Martin Dantas

Published: 2013-06-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is stress, and why is it a concern for healthcare workers?

Stress is a complex physiological and psychological response to any situation or experience that triggers feelings of tension, anxiety, fear, or threat. It can originate internally or externally. In the context of healthcare professionals, stress is a significant issue, often arising from the demands of the job. This can lead to burnout, reduced well-being, and potential health problems. This article highlights how music therapy interventions can help mitigate these negative impacts.

What is music therapy, and how was it implemented in this study?

Music therapy is a structured program that uses music-based interventions to improve physical and mental health. In the study, the program was called "Musical Encounters." It involved 12 weekly sessions, each lasting 50 minutes. These sessions included improvisation, musical re-creation, choral singing, and participant-selected songs from various genres of Brazilian popular music and international songs, accompanied by a keyboard. This approach aimed to reduce stress levels among healthcare professionals. The study demonstrates music therapy's potential as a wellness intervention in the workplace.

What methods were used to assess the impact of the music therapy program?

The study used the Lipp's Inventory of Symptoms of Stress for Adults (ISSL) to measure stress levels before and after the music therapy program. Additionally, a semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather more insights. The Wilcoxon test was used for statistical analysis to determine the significance of changes in stress levels. This methodology allowed researchers to objectively assess the impact of "Musical Encounters" on the participants.

What were the key findings regarding the effectiveness of music therapy?

The study showed a significant reduction in stress levels among the participants after the music therapy program. There was a 60% decrease in self-reported stress. This highlights the effectiveness of music therapy in managing occupational stress. The findings demonstrate the positive impact of the "Musical Encounters" program on participants well-being, supporting the integration of music therapy into workplace wellness initiatives.

How can the results of this study be applied to healthcare settings?

Integrating music therapy into workplace wellness initiatives can create a more supportive environment for healthcare professionals, ultimately enhancing their well-being and the quality of patient care. The findings align with the humanistic theory, emphasizing an individual's capacity to control their life and promote self-development. Further research, with larger and more diverse groups, could solidify these findings and broaden the application of music therapy in healthcare settings.