Actively Recruiting
An ISO Principle-Based Music Intervention for Reducing Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Led by Shanghai Mental Health Center · Updated on 2026-02-17
2000
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
23 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
S
Shanghai Mental Health Center
Lead Sponsor
T
Tsinghua University
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating a music-based intervention guided by the ISO principle to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression caused by work, family, or other factors in adults. The ISO principle supports emotional regulation by gradually changing the emotional qualities of music to help people move toward a desired mood. This study compares different music intervention approaches to help improve emotional well-being using accessible, non-invasive methods. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: the ISO principle music intervention group, the DUL (direct-up-lifting) principle music intervention group, or either of these groups with a 5-day waiting period before starting the intervention. The ISO group receives playlists that start with music matching their current mood and then transition to music reflecting the desired emotional state. The DUL group receives playlists that immediately introduce music representing the target mood to counteract stress. The waiting-list groups receive the same interventions after waiting five days. During the study, participants will complete self-report questionnaires measuring stress, anxiety, and depression at baseline, post-intervention, one week, and one month after the intervention. They will also report perceived stress, anxiety, and depression before and after each music session twice daily from days 2 to 6. Additional assessments include emotional ratings before and after each music piece and daily measures of engagement and acceptability. The study aims to track changes in emotional state and well-being over about one month.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
An ISO Principle-Based Music Intervention for Reducing Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults aged 18 to 60 years
- Minimum of a secondary specialized school degree (vocational college) or higher
You will not qualify if you...
- Current or recent use of medication or history of surgical treatment
- History of psychiatric disorders
- Hearing impairments
- Female participants who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 7 days
Participants receive music playlists designed according to different principles to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Those in waiting-list groups begin their intervention after a 5-day waiting period. The intervention includes listening sessions twice daily from Day 2 to Day 6.
Daily visits or assessments from Day 1 to Day 7
Duration - Up to 1 month after intervention
Participants are monitored for stress, anxiety, and depression up to one month after the intervention to assess lasting effects.
3 follow-up visits on Day 13, Day 37, and one post-intervention visit on Day 7
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
The Department of Psychology of Tsinghua University
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China, 100084
Completed
2
Tsinghua University
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China, 100084
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
Dan Zhang
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
4
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