This study was designed to test the effect the class-centered group music counseling program had on stress and
anxiety levels in middle school students. The study data was collected from a total of 36 first grade middle
school students attending schools in Busan.
The Academic Stress Test and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory(STAI) were together adopted to verify the
academic stress and anxiety levels experienced by middle school students.
Analysis of Covariance(ANCOVA) and the paired t-test were employed to measure the effect the class-centered
group music counseling program had on stress and anxiety levels in middle school students.
The results of this study were as follows:
Firstly, the class-centered group music counseling program was useful in decreasing academic stress levels of
students.
Secondly, the class-centered group music counseling program also led to a noticeable reduction in student anxiety
levels.
In conclusion, the class-centered group music counseling program, which includes using cognitive behavioral therapy technique, mindfulness meditation, music listening, song singing, instrument playing, and music imagery
techniques, was effective in reducing stress and anxiety levels of middle school students.