The Therapeutic Benefits of Music and Art Therapy (2021)

Electroencephalography (EEG) can be used to examine the nature of brain wave emissions to inform researchers about a participant’s state of alertness. Typically, when an adult is alert, their brain emits beta waves, which are associated with active thought and learning. When individuals are relaxed, meditating, or while falling asleep, alpha waves become dominant and are associated with relaxation and reduced stress. A sample of 8 participants from SUNY Potsdam’s student body were assessed by EEG while listening to music, playing music, viewing art therapy pieces, and drawing. The participants were also evaluated with EEG before and in-between tests to provide baseline control readings. The EEG data was then analyzed to quantify the prevalence of alpha waves and paired t-tests were performed to determine which practice was most relaxing. Preliminary results show that playing music and drawing are most strongly associated with a generalized increase in alpha wave emission, while listening to music and viewing art therapy pieces induced a less dramatic change. 

• Student(s): John Cristantiello
• Project Mentor(s): Jason Schreer
• L&RF Presentation