Investigating the Impact of Musical Soundscapes on Well-being: A Qualitative Focus Group Study Using Arts-Based Methods

Abstract

This study explores the impact of musical soundscapes on well-being through a qualitative inductive thematic analysis. Utilizing focus groups and participatory arts-based methods, participants engaged with meditative soundscapes periodically over a week, sharing their responses through text, voice, and visual imagery. These multisensory responses were cross-referenced with focus group transcripts to deepen the thematic analysis. The findings reveal diverse positive outcomes, including personal, psychological, physiological, and sociocultural benefits. Notable emergent themes include intersensory synchrony, embodied musical affects, stress relief, self-transcendence, communal connection, and integrated well-being. The study underscores the capacity of musical experiences, which transcend cultural boundaries, to enhance well-being across these dimensions. These preliminary results highlight the potential of cross-cultural musicality to foster holistic well-being, suggesting that musical soundscapes can act as a powerful medium for enhancing well-being.

摘要

本研究通过质性归纳式主题分析, 探讨音乐声景对幸福感的影响。采用焦点小组与参与式艺术本位方法, 受试者在一周内分阶段体验冥想声景, 并通过文字、语音及视觉意象分享其反馈。这些多感官反馈与焦点小组转录文本进行交叉比对, 以深化主题分析。研究结果揭示了多样化的积极效益, 涵盖个人、心理、生理及社会文化多个层面。显著涌现的主题包括：多感官协同效应、具身化音乐影响、压力缓解、自我超越、社群联结及整合性幸福感。该研究强调了音乐体验超越文化界限、进而提升多维度幸福感的能力。这些初步结果凸显了跨文化音乐性促进整体幸福感的潜力, 表明音乐声景可作为提升幸福感的有效媒介。