PhD defence A.S. ( Antonia) Becker

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation:

This thesis is part of a joint project with Emy van der Valk Bouman, highlighting the importance of collaboration in research. Here, we investigate how music and listener characteristics influence pain and well-being. While music is widely recognized for its therapeutic benefits in healthcare, it remained unclear which types of music are most effective. We first analyzed music commonly used for pain and anxiety relief, finding that calm, slow, and mostly instrumental music is more frequently selected. A pilot study showed that AI-generated music can reduce emotional arousal and increase positive feelings, depending on personal taste. Next, we examined listener characteristics. Personal music preference had a stronger impact on pain tolerance than the genre itself. People responded better to music they chose themselves, regardless of their socio-cultural background. We also explored how listening duration affects pain. Twenty minutes of music improved pain perception, though further research is needed. A global survey revealed that most people want music during painful experiences, and some chose classical music even when it wasn’t their actual preference. Further investigation into individual attitudes highlighted that people have different needs and concerns about music in healthcare. Finally, this thesis investigated the effect of live music. Responses differed depending on whether the musician was physically present. Attending live concerts with the musician being present can enhance well-being. Overall, our findings demonstrate that music is a powerful tool in alleviating pain and improving overall well-being, especially when tailored to individual preferences and delivered in a culturally sensitive way.