Validating the Music Wellness Model: Evidence from Expert and Public Perspectives

Rising rates of mental health concerns worldwide highlight the need for accessible and effective support. Music wellness, defined as “interacting with music in a way that contributes to holistic health and flourishing,” may help address this gap when integrated into education. In 2024, this research team conducted a Delphi study to establish this definition and propose a four-dimensional music wellness model (catalyst, act, outcome, and skill). The present study builds on that work by evaluating the model’s clarity, relevance, and real-world applicability through a mixed-methods validation study. Semi-structured interviews with five experts assessed conceptual coherence and clarity, and a survey of 160 adults examined whether the model reflected everyday uses of music for well-being. Experts confirmed the model’s logic and utility while suggesting refinements to improve clarity. Survey responses showed high overall agreement (mean = 85.6%) across items representing all four dimensions, and all participants reported daily engagement with music and positive emotional effects. These findings support the model’s validity and applicability, providing an evidence-based foundation for integrating music wellness into curricula that promote lifelong health and flourishing.