The impact of a focussed listening experience on self-compassion and mental health help-seeking

Conference Contribution ResearchOnline@JCU
McClymont, Rachel G.;Krause, Amanda E.
Amanda Krause
Abstract

Background: Many people do not seek mental health support due to self-stigma; however, self-compassion can and mindfulness can reduce the impact of self-stigma. Further, music listening can facilitate mindfulness and self-compassion. Therefore, the present study sought to explore why people might be motivated to attend a focussed listening event and how such an event might promote self-compassion and mindfulness and, in turn, how experiencing these might promote mental health help-seeking intentions. Method: This case study focused on a focused listening experience which involves engaging with a curated music playlist (drawing on soundtrack, ambient and experimental music) along with oral guidance provided by a psychologist. After the experience, participants (N=270, 85.90% female, Mage=37.05) completed an online survey, including their attendance motivations and standardised measures of mindfulness, self-compassion, self-stigma of help-seeking, and help-seeking intentions. A subset of 18 participants were subsequently interviewed about their experience. Results: Attendees experienced feelings of mindfulness, self-compassion and empowerment; processed challenging emotions during the event; and were prompted to practice self-care and connect with others following the event. Additionally, participants experiencing mindfulness during the event buffered the relationship between self-stigma of help-seeking and future help-seeking intentions. Conclusions: In offering an informal opportunity for individuals to engage in self-care (a form of help) as well as an approachable introduction to formal psychological help-seeking, understanding how effective this type of listening experience is at allowing people to easily access difficult emotions and promote self-compassion can inform mental health practitioners about their use of music listening in therapeutic pursuits.

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2025 TropiQ Townsville Research Symposium

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1

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Townsville, QLD, Australia

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Townsville Hospital and Health Service

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Townsville, QLD, Australia

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