Effects of classical music on behavioral stress reactivity in socially isolated prairie voles

Social stressors negatively influence behaviors and neurobiological functioning in humans and animal models. Listening to music has been shown to improve behavior, cognition, and emotion. However, the interactions of social stress, behavior, and listening to music, as well as potential sex differences, remain less understood. This study investigated the potential protective behavioral effects of classical music exposure in socially monogamous prairie voles. After confirming that prairie voles can hear and display observable behavioral responses to music, socially isolated prairie voles (vs. paired) were exposed to a short-term open field stressor during the presentation of piano or violin music, compared to ambient noise. Exposure to both types of music (vs. ambient noise) altered anxiety-like behaviors and behavioral stress reactivity, with minor sex differences observed. The influence of music on behaviors in the open field was specific to isolated prairie voles, as music did not alter behaviors in paired animals. This research demonstrates that, when social contact is limited or unavailable, exposure to music may improve behavioral responses to a short-term stressor. Continued investigation into the beneficial effects of music in social rodent models will enhance our understanding of the protective influence of music in humans who experience social stress.