Uses and Perceptions of Music in Times of COVID-19: A Spanish Population Survey

Abstract

Since March 14, 2020, Spanish citizens have been confined to their homes due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participating in musical activities has been associated with reduced anxiety and increased subjective wellbeing. The aim of this study is to analyze how Spanish citizens used music during the lockdown period. We also study perceptions of the impact music has in everyday life, in particular examining the respondents’ insights into the effects of listening to music in situations of isolation. The study was conducted using the MUSIVID19 questionnaire administered to a total of 1868 Spanish citizens. The results indicate that during lockdown, respondents perceived an increase in the time they devoted to musical activities such as listening, singing, dancing or playing an instrument. The participants also reported using music to cope with the lockdown, finding that it helped them to relax, escape, raise their mood or keep them company. The findings suggest an improvement in their perception of the value of music in personal and social wellbeing during the lockdown. However, the study reveals significant differences in the use and perceptions of music according to respondents’ personal situations. Age and feelings of vulnerability may lead to more conservative uses of musical practice and to more moderate perceptions of the positive values of music.

Exploring Changes in Musical Behaviors of Caregivers and Children in Social Distancing During the COVID-19 Outbreak

“…Results showed that caregivers tended to engage more frequently in music-related activities (e.g., listening to music) during social distancing compared with a typical day before social restrictions. This finding agrees with a general trend revealed by studies showing an increase in the time adults spent on musical activities during the COVID-19 pandemic (Cabedo-Mas et al, 2020;Krause et al, 2020).…”

“…It has been shown that social interactions through music can effectively reduce feelings of loneliness and provide a sense of togetherness and belonging (Labbé et al, 2007;Laukka, 2007;Miranda and Claes, 2009;Tymoszuk et al, 2020). This may explain a general trend observed across the globe regarding the use of music through online musical gatherings (e.g., live music streams and concerts) as a positive coping strategy to deal with feelings of loneliness and social/physical disconnection (Cabedo-Mas et al, 2020;MacDonald et al, 2020;Vandenberg et al, 2021).…”

Longitudinal changes in home-based arts engagement during and following the first national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom

“…reading and listening to the radio/music) was associated with lower levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms and higher levels of life satisfaction in adults in the UK [5]. Similarly, musical activities helped improve people's mood, boosted their confidence and sense of positivity, and led to a greater sense of connectedness in adults in Spain [6]. It has been proposed that people used the arts to help cope with their emotions and improve their self-development during lockdown [2].…”

Music-Evoked Nostalgia and Wellbeing During the United Kingdom COVID-19 Pandemic: Content, Subjective Effects, and Function

“…For those who have experienced an increased negative mood as a result of the pandemic, music listening has helped them to cope emotionally, and regardless of changes in emotions, music has provided a sense of social connectedness for all (Fink et al, 2021). Similar coping effects of music listening have been reported related to relaxation, raising mood, escapism, and social surrogacy, as well as an increased perception of the general value of musicfor wellbeing during lockdown (Cabedo-Mas et al, 2021). In close relation to our research, a study conducted by Yu-Cheong Yeung (2020) has demonstrated the existence of a link between the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in listening to music deemed nostalgic on the music streaming service Spotify.…”