Date of Award
4-2024
Degree Name
Master of Music
Department
Music
First Advisor
Edward A. Roth, Ph.D., MT-BC
Second Advisor
Jennifer Fiore, Ph.D., MT-BC
Third Advisor
Joshua D. Naranjo, Ph.D.
Keywords
Emotional synchrony, mental health, music improvisation, music therapy, shared flow, neurohormones
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
An alarming decline in mental health and increase in addiction and substance use disorders over the last few decades have generated increased interest in exploring how improved social health in the community could be a protective factor against mental health crises. Interventions which increase perceived emotional synchrony and shared flow may positively impact the social fabric of society. This paper examines the relationship between self-reported perceptions of emotional synchrony and shared flow and changes in measures of cortisol, dopamine, oxytocin, and vasopressin in blood samples following musical improvisation, with a review of relevant literature also presented. Vasopressin was found to be a significant and strong contributor to changes in self-reported perceived emotional synchrony, and the relationship between vasopressin and perceived shared flow also approached significance and was found to be strongly correlated. Other correlations are discussed, as are recommendations for future research and considerations.
Recommended Citation
Sherwood, Ashley Marie, "The Correlates of Neurobiology and Lived Experiences of Music-Induced Bonding, Empathy, and Shared Flow" (2024). Masters Theses. 5413.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/5413