The effect of music via the somatron TM on psychosociological parameters of college students

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the use of music via the Somatron TM on selected physiological and psychological parameters of 53 college students. The procedures included monitoring psychophysiological parameters while subjects heard their preferred music either via the Somatron TM or freefield. The control group lay on the Somatron TM with no music. Readings of the physiological parameters of heart rate, skin conductance level (SCL), and electromyography (EMG) readings were taken at five-second intervals and averaged for each of the pre, treatment, and post readings. Data consisted of three continuous readings which were analyzed with repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVA), utilizing a three-by-three split-plot design. Difference scores from pre and post readings of finger temperature, diastolic and systolic blood pressure, and the Profile of Mood States were analyzed with a one-way analysis of variance. Likert scale imagery scores which reported degree of vividness were analyzed with a one-way analysis of variance. A significant treatment-by-time interaction (p < .05) was found for EMG post scores in the pilot study, indicating that the music group increased in post scores while the Somatron and control groups decreased. Results from the main study showed a significant decrease in EMG treatment scores within subjects (p < .05). Results also indicated a significant decrease in treatment scores within subjects for SCL (p < .05). A significant treatment-by-time interaction was found for SCL post scores, with the music group increasing only slightly; however, the somatron and control group markedly increased (p < .05). A significant time effect was found for heart rate; both treatment and post scores significantly decreased from pre scores within subjects (p < .01). Results also showed a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure in the control group (p < .05). Significant music selection effects were found for systolic blood pressure (p < .05), finger temperature (p < .05), and SCL (9 < .05). Significant interactions between music selection and time were found for POMS confusion (p < .05) and POMS vigor (p = .05). The data from this study supports current research which indicates variability in the effect of music on human psychophysiological parameters.

Keyword(s): Somatron, college-students, psychological, physiological.

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