Music as a Therapeutic Agent for Mental Health: a Thematic Review of Its Psychophysiological and Emotional Functions

Music has been widely associated with mental health and well-being, with reported effects ranging from pain and sleep to anxiety, emotional regulation and coping. However, these effects are often discussed separately, providing limited integration of the different ways in which music may function therapeutically. This review examines how music functions as a therapeutic agent for mental health by synthesising its psychophysiological and emotional functions and clarifying the boundaries of its therapeutic role. A thematic review of secondary literature was conducted using the keywords music, music therapy and mental health, supplemented by reference-list searching. The literature was analysed thematically to identify recurring patterns in the reported therapeutic functions of music. The analysis identified two interrelated dimensions. Psychophysiological functions encompassed pain reduction, improved sleep quality, reduced tiredness, relaxation and stress-related physiological responses. Emotional and psychological functions included reduced anxiety, self-expression, emotional regulation, coping and aspects of social and emotional well-being. The findings further indicate that these functions are interconnected rather than operating as isolated therapeutic effects. Music may contribute to mental health through interconnected psychophysiological and emotional functions, while its therapeutic role is best understood as complementary rather than as a substitute for conventional medical or psychological treatment. By integrating diverse reported effects into two functional dimensions and defining the boundary of their therapeutic application, this review provides a more structured account of how music may contribute to mental health and well-being.

mental health; music listening; music-based intervention; music therapy; psychophysiological mechanisms; emotional regulation

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