40. Effects of piano music intervention on emotional regulation in patients with depression

Abstract Background Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), a mood disorder with high recurrence rates, presents limitations in existing pharmacological treatments regarding improving patients' social functioning and emotional regulation. Music therapy has garnered significant attention due to its direct influence on the limbic system and its capacity to modulate emotional arousal levels. However, existing research on the neuropsychological mechanisms underlying active participatory music intervention for emotional regulation in depression remains lacking in quantitative evidence. Based on self-cognition and neuroplasticity theories, this study investigates the clinical efficacy of piano performance in regulating emotions among patients with mild to moderate depression. The core objective is to validate whether short-term, structured piano learning can serve as an effective medium for emotional catharsis and restructuring, thereby providing evidence-based non-pharmacological strategies for depression recovery. Methods Sixty patients with mild to moderate depression were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). Inclusion criteria excluded severe suicidal tendencies or prior professional music training. Experimental process: (1) Baseline period (T0): All participants completed the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D-17) and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) upon enrollment, with clinical baseline data recorded. (2) Intervention period: Control group: Maintained original antidepressant medication regimen with routine psychiatric health education and follow-up. Intervention group: Received an 8-week piano intervention program in addition to the control group's regimen. Sessions occurred twice weekly for 45 minutes each, emphasizing emotional expression through performance. (3) Evaluation phase (T1): HAM-D and PANAS assessments were conducted at the conclusion of the 8-week intervention period for both groups. Results: Baseline comparisons revealed no significant differences between groups in age, disease duration, or HAM-D scores at T0 (p>.05), indicating comparability. Primary outcomes after 8 weeks of intervention are summarized in Table 1: Depression severity significantly decreased, with the intervention group exhibiting a significant reduction in HAM-D scores at T1 compared to baseline (p<.001) and significantly lower scores than the control group at the same time point (10.42 ± 2.85 vs 16.15 ± 3.10, p<.01). Positive affect was significantly improved. PANAS results showed that the intervention group exhibited a significantly greater increase in positive affect scores compared to the control group (Cohen's d = 0.68). Discussion This study confirms that an 8-week structured piano intervention effectively alleviates depressive symptoms in patients with mild to moderate depression through dual pathways of cognitive restructuring and emotional sublimation, while enhancing positive emotional experiences. It may serve as an effective adjunctive therapeutic approach in the field of mental health rehabilitation. Limited by sample size and follow-up duration, future studies should expand sample size, extend follow-up periods, and integrate techniques such as electroencephalography or functional magnetic resonance imaging to further explore the underlying neural circuit mechanisms. Funding No. 2024SJYB0460.