Research Article
Sonic therapy for anxiety management in clinical settings
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.1145/3154862.3154892, author={Mehdi Mark Nazemi and Maryam Mobini and Diane Gromala and Hin Hin Ko and Julie Carlson}, title={Sonic therapy for anxiety management in clinical settings}, proceedings={11th EAI International Conference on Pervasive Computing Technologies for Healthcare}, publisher={ACM}, proceedings_a={PERVASIVEHEALTH}, year={2018}, month={1}, keywords={clinical settings anxiety biofeedback physiology immersion environmental sounds}, doi={10.1145/3154862.3154892} }- Mehdi Mark Nazemi
Maryam Mobini
Diane Gromala
Hin Hin Ko
Julie Carlson
Year: 2018
Sonic therapy for anxiety management in clinical settings
PERVASIVEHEALTH
ACM
DOI: 10.1145/3154862.3154892
Abstract
Traditionally, healthcare facilities have been designed from a practical standpoint providing efficient spaces for laboratories and increased numbers of rooms to accommodate beds for patients. Such an approach has often led to facilities that “function effectively” but can indirectly create an atmosphere that is stressful, undermining the psychological needs of patients. This research uses an interdisciplinary approach combining immersive environmental sounds constructed as auditory journeys and biofeedback to help manage anxiety and stress in clinical settings. A study was designed exposing 55 patients experiencing anxiety and stress to the auditory journeys. Physiological measurements of skin conductance level (SCL) was used to index parasympathetic activation. Heart rate (HR), and heart rate variability (HF HRV and LF HRV) were used to index sympathetic activation. Although HR, HF HRV, and LF HRV showed no significant effects, the results from SCL were highly significant, suggesting that auditory journeys may assist patients with anxiety management.