Examining the CRAFT program’s impact on student musicians’ well-being compared to controls

Consciousness, Relaxation, Attention, Fulfillment, and Transcendence (CRAFT) is a neuroeducational program for self-actualization, happiness, and well-being grounded in yoga, mindfulness, positive psychology, and emotional intelligence. The present study was devised to build on preliminary CRAFT research by examining the effectiveness of CRAFT to enhance tertiary students’ physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. Accordingly, tertiary student musicians ( n = 93) were assessed on psychophysical measures before and after participating in a 3-arm non-randomized controlled trial—conducted once a week for 60–90 min over 7 months within courses based on CRAFT (CRAFT group, n = 28), Alexander Technique (active control group, n = 32), or regular music instruction (inactive control group, n = 33) at a higher conservatory. Measures included surveys of mindfulness, music performance anxiety (MPA), emotional regulation, well-being, and psychological distress, as well as tests of lower body balance and flexibility. Statistical and practical significance of the between-group differences in change scores was tested through planned contrasts and Cohen’s d ESs ± 95% CIs. CRAFT participants reported statistically and practically significant improved levels of overall mindfulness ( d > 0.96), non-reactivity ( d > 0.78), and left leg balance ( d > 1.24) compared to active and inactive controls; observing mindfully ( d = 0.68) and cognitive reappraisal ( d = 0.79) compared to active controls; and right leg balance ( d = 0.69), flexibility ( d = 0.70), proximal MPA ( d = −0.57), dread/scrutiny MPA ( d = −0.69), depression ( d = −0.73), anxiety ( d = −0.68), and overall psychological distress ( d = −0.65) compared to inactive controls. Notwithstanding some limitations, this study supported CRAFT as an effective intervention to multidimensionally enhance tertiary student musicians’ well-being and resilience. Larger multi-arm studies with students from other disciplines are needed to substantiate these findings.