A rising number of university students globally are currently being diagnosed with mental
health problems, and previous research suggests that insufficient social support plays a
significant role in the development of mental illnesses, such as symptoms of depression
and stress. Recent research indicates that 2.6% of young people worldwide experience
depression, which is often associated with insufficient social interactions, challenges
in emotional regulation, and unhealthy social relationships. These challenges may further
impact their educational attainment, mental well-being, and quality of life. To address
the impairment of mental health problems and its related influence on youths and their
families, researchers, psychiatrists, and clinical therapists have been exploring
innovative treatment approaches. Music therapy is one of these approaches.
In recent years, researchers have shifted their focus from simply demonstrating the
effectiveness of music therapy treatment toward a deeper exploration of the underlying
mechanisms of music used in these interventions. The field of research on Interbrain
Synchronization (IBS) offers valuable insights into the intricate neural activities
occurring across different brains and brain regions during human interaction.
Hyperscanning, a widely-used method for studying interbrain synchronization, refers to
the simultaneous measurement of brain activity in two or more individuals who are
interacting with each other through various techniques, such as functional magnetic
response imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), and
functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The use of hyperscaning methods during
clinical music therapy sessions may provide the opportunity to understand how music
interventions affect the neural connections between therapist and client during a real
clinical environment. However, a limited number of studies specifically examine this
phenomenon within the unique setting of music therapy.
This study aims to bridge the gap between neuroscience, clinical music therapy, social
relationships, and mental health by investigating the effects of EEG interbrain
synchronization in undergraduate students. It seeks to explore further the connections
between music, the brain, and psychological well-being, aiming to understand the
underlying neurological mechanism.
This current study will adopt a 2-arm randomized controlled design comparing therapeutic
songwriting (experimental condition) with non-therapeutic music listening and discussion
(control condition). To address the research objectives, this study will track
psychological and neurophysiological changes across four individual sessions through a
combination of repeated measures. Participants and music therapists will wear
synchronized EEG caps during each session to capture interbrain dynamics, while
participants complete post-session therapeutic relationship and satisfaction ratings.
Mental health outcomes will be assessed using standardized questionnaires administered at
baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately following the final session
(post-intervention). This multi-method approach integrates: 1) temporal tracking of
psychological changes (both immediate session-level effects and cumulative intervention
effects), 2) objective neurophysiological data on therapeutic rapport, and 3) subjective
evaluations of the therapeutic process, collectively provide a multidimensional
understanding of music therapy mechanisms.
