Abstract
The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the changes in mood before and after a one time improvisation with a Jamstik™ in order to understand if and how the experience will produce a statistically significant method for quantitatively addressing mood in music therapy. Participants (N: 15) were a convenience sample of male and female college students. Using the Quick Mood Scale (Woodruffe-Peacock, Turnbull, Johnson, Elahi, & Preston, 1998), this research compared pre- and post-test measures in participants' moods after a 15 minute improvisation session with the Jamstik™ while the researcher accompanied on a drum. Results indicated immediate and significant positive changes in four out of the six mood factors after a single session: (a) wide awake/drowsy, (b) relaxed/ anxious, (c) cheertul/depressed, and (d) friendly/aggressive. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the Jamstik™ can be used as a tool of improvisation to bring an immediate, positive impact on mood. Limitations and suggestions for future research are provided.
Recommended Citation
Henn, Destiny
(2015)
"The Observed Effects of Recreation Jamstix™ use on Mood: a Pilot Study,"
Augsburg Honors Review: Vol. 8, Article 14.
Available at:
https://idun.augsburg.edu/honors_review/vol8/iss1/14