Since music listening implies stress-reducing effects, the authors attempted to identify what consequences this behavior initiated in couples. In other words, Wuttke-Linnemann et al. (2019) wanted to determine whether music listening reduced stress in both partners and whether the couples’ music preferences could impact beneficial outcomes of music. To find this information, the researchers utilized a suitable methodology, and 40 heterosexual couples (80 persons) were recruited. During five consecutive days, the participants were measured using specific procedures, including questionnaires and the analyses of saliva samples for the amount of cortisol and alpha-amylase. The scientists relied on hierarchical linear modeling to analyze the collected data. Since Wuttke-Linnemann et al. (2019) identified that dyadic interdependence characterized this data, they relied on a multilevel model for analysis. This approach was selected because it was necessary to distinguish between-dyad and within-dyad variations. All these methodological procedures allowed the researchers to generate valuable results. Neither men nor women had any changes regarding their subjective feeling of stress based on whether they or their partners regularly listened to music. The analysis of saliva samples demonstrated some gender-specific differences caused by music listening. Among men, cortisol secretion was lower if women met men’s musical preferences. Simultaneously, if a partner listened to music that met their individual preferences, both women and men showed higher secretion of alpha-amylase. Among men, the presence of this hormone was also increased when they themselves listened to music. Consequently, these findings are exciting because they demonstrate that music listening affects psychobiological stress processes. Wuttke-Linnemann et al. (2019) also highlight the presence of gender-specific differences as to how specifically music listening can impact stress among men and women. Thus, the study is valuable since it can improve the effectiveness of music therapy in reducing stress.
Reference
Wuttke-Linnemann, A., Nater, U. M., Ehlert, U., & Ditzen, B. (2019). Sex-specific effects of music listening on couples’ stress in everyday life.Scientific Reports, 9(1), 1-10. Web.