Drumming Effect on Anxiety
Abstract
This study evaluated anxiety in adult participants in a protocol-based drumming circle. The study took place in a community hospital in the northeast. A convenience sample of adults 18 years and older who were new to drumming interventions were recruited through flyers. There were 34 female and 19 male participants. The majority of the participants were white, and ages ranged from 18 to 64 years old. Fifty four percent (n = 29) reported major stress in the past 6 months. We found a significant reduction in state anxiety following a drumming protocol, regardless of gender. A nurse-facilitated, hospital-based drumming circle led to reductions in state anxiety of drumming-naïve participants. Further study is warranted to determine long-term health benefits. The Remo Protocol is easy to use, takes no pre-learned skills to participate, can be used from childhood to adulthood, and group size can vary. This drumming intervention may prove beneficial for relaxation, alleviating anxiety, and fostering a sense of community in populations who are facing mental health challenges. A nurse-facilitated, hospital-based drumming circle led to reductions in state anxiety of drumming-naïve participants. Further study is warranted to determine long-term health benefits. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)