The Impact of Music Instrumental Training and Second-Language Learning as Extracurricular Activities on Children’s Well-Being: A Randomised Controlled Study From a Positive Psychology Perspective

This study explores the effects of nearly 7 months of extracurricular music instrumental training and second-language learning on psychological well-being among Year 4 children (8-year-old+) from middle socioeconomic backgrounds in Spain. A randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 70 participants assigned to one of three conditions: Music (individual or group lessons), English (individual or group), and Control. Subjective well-being, overall life satisfaction, psychological well-being, and positive and negative affect were assessed before and after the intervention programme. Results revealed a positive effect of the group music instrumental condition on psychological well-being, with this group being the only one presenting lower baseline psychological well-being scores. Moreover, the control group experienced a significant decline in psychological well-being from pre- to post-intervention, a change not observed in any of the intervention groups. This study represents the first attempt in the literature to assess with a RCT the effect of music instrumental training on standardised well-being constructs – rather than isolated well-being measures – from a positive psychology perspective. We interpret the findings with consideration to baseline differences and the sensitivity of some well-being measures. Further research is needed to replicate these results and explore their implications with other interventions.