The Therapeutic Role of Indian Music: Analysing Stress Reduction and Listening Trends in Prospective Teachers

This study investigates the listening habits and stress-reduction effects of Indian music among aspiring teachers, a demographic frequently exposed to the strains of academic and practical training. Using a mixed-methods methodology, the study first focused on the listening frequency, duration, genre choices, listening scenarios, and participation rates of 100 participating teachers. The results showed that the majority of participants listened to music every day or every week, typically for about 30 minutes to 2 hours, indicating the most prevalent genres were Indian classical and devotional. Music was frequently employed for studying and relaxation, highlighting its significance in regulating emotions and cognition. Stress levels were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) before and after a two-week intervention that involved listening to specific Indian music genres every day. Quantitative findings showed that listening to Indian classical and devotional music significantly reduced stress. Themes including improved attention, physical relaxation, emotional release, and cultural grounding were also emphasized in qualitative interviews. Overall, the study supports the therapeutic potential of Indian music and its applicability in promoting future teachers' emotional health and stress management.