Perceived Stress and Preferred Music Genres of Sri Lankans in urbs and sub-urbs- A pilot study

Abstract

The relationship between music preferences with associated stress was suggested in previous studies and music was proposed as a popular diversion strategy from stressors to resort to on a daily basis. However, the possibility of utilizing music as a potential perceived stress reducer in Sri Lanka is seldom studied. This preliminary study assesses the associations between the preference for selected music genres and the respective perceived stress of Sri Lankans in urbs and suburbs. Participants (n=75) were selected representing five economic classes (Upper, Upper Middle, Middle, Working, and Poor), and three age categories (Generation-y, x, and Baby Boomers). Ten music model tracks were selected representing ten music genres, i.e., new age, romantic instrumental, gypsy music, jazz, folk, nature music, Indian classical, western classical, rock, and hip-hop. The preferences were evaluated using a 9-point visual scale and perceived stress was evaluated using a previously validated perceived stress scale (PSS), developed by Sheldon Cohen. Results suggested that the participated individuals with high perceived stress tend to prefer romantic instrumental, rock, and hip-hop genres. The stressed individuals in the middle class and working class showed preference towards rock while in poor class, showed preference towards romantic instrumental. Interestingly, the impact of age on the observed correlations was not significant. This pilot study provides evidence that the perceived stress of the selected population in Sri Lanka does have a connection with their individual preferences for romantic instrumental, rock, and hip-hop music genres, and the findings of this study warrant a similar study in a wider population in the future.