Mental HealthNCT06542003
The Impact of Performing Arts on Mental Health, Social Connection, and Creativity in University Students
A study testing Movin' and Groovin' for Wellness in people with Mental Health and Quality of Life, run by National University of Singapore at 1 site in Singapore.
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate whether the "Movin' \& Groovin' for Wellness" (MGW) performing arts program is able to support mental, social, and emotional health in NUS students. It will also assess the program's impact on students' well-being. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Mental Health, Quality of Life, Social Isolation
- What is being tested?
- Movin' and Groovin' for Wellness
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 76 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSingapore
- Study dates
- 29 Aug 2023to 1 Dec 2023
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Be currently enrolled in NUS
- Be between the ages of 18-40 years old
- Be fluent (speak and write) in English
- Able to commit to attending the live sessions for the entire 10-week period
- Have normal or corrected-to-normal hearing and vision
Who cannot join
- Have been diagnosed with a neurological or hearing impairment, or a physical impairment that would prevent moving/dancing
- Are taking medicine to treat their mental health (as this would be a confound in the study)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Movin' & Groovin' for Wellness: A Drumming and Dancing Program to Support Well-being in NUS Students
The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate whether the "Movin' \& Groovin' for Wellness" (MGW) performing arts program is able to support mental, social, and emotional health in NUS students. It will also assess the program's impact on students' well-being. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Does participation in the program decrease depressive symptoms, stress levels and anxiety?
- Does the program foster creative expression among participants?
- Does the program foster social connections among participants?
Read more
Researchers compare the effects of the facilitated music and dance sessions (MGW program) to a Control group that does not participate in these activities. Participants are randomly assigned into either the Experimental (MGW) group or Control group.
Those in the Experimental group are randomly allocated to one of two subgroups, where participants either experience drumming or dancing sessions first (for 5 weeks), followed by the other activity (e.g., the only difference between subgroups is the order in which they experience the facilitated sessions). Both the drumming and dancing sessions are led by trained professionals. The sessions are held weekly for 10 weeks in dedicated performance rooms. Participants also complete questionnaires, and have the opportunity to participate in a focus group discussion to provide feedback about the program.
Control group participants complete the same questionnaires at the same time points without participating in the activities. The program aims to evaluate the effectiveness of music and dance in promoting mental health, social well-being, and creativity among university students.
- Conditions
- Mental Health, Quality of Life, Social Isolation, Creativity
- Being tested
- Movin' and Groovin' for Wellness
- Keywords
- mental health, social connection, creative expression, arts and health, music intervention, dancing, drumming, performing arts
- Medical subject headings
- Psychological Well-Being, Social Isolation, Arts syndrome
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Movin' and Groovin' for WellnessBehavioural
Movin' and Groovin' for Wellness (MGW) is a 10-week program consisting of facilitated drumming and dancing sessions. The sessions include guided activities involving drumming, dancing, and group improvisation. Each session lasts approximately 1.5 hours, with activities designed to improve mental well-being, enhance social connections, and foster creative expression. The sessions are guided by professional facilitators.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| MGW Drum and Dance Group | Experimental | Participants in the intervention group engage in a 10-week program that includes both drumming and dancing sessions. The group is further divided into two subgroups due to logistical reasons, with one subgroup attending five weeks of drumming sessions followed by five weeks of dancing sessions, and the other subgroup attending sessions in the opposite order. All participants in this arm participate in both drumming and dancing sessions. Receives: Behavioral: Movin' and Groovin' for Wellness |
| No-treatment Control Group | No intervention | Participants in the control group do not participate in the drumming and dancing sessions. They represent "normal student life". They only complete the same questionnaires at the same time points as the intervention group to serve as a baseline comparison for evaluating the impact of the interventions. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Changes in depressive symptoms, stress levels and anxiety levels
Measurement of participants' depressive symptoms, stress levels and anxiety levels using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The scores from the DASS-21 questionnaire are used to assess these changes. Depression/Anxiety/Stress sub-scales' scores can range from 0-21 with higher scores indicating worse symptoms.
Measured: Baseline, Week 5, Week 10
Changes in quality of life
Measurement of participants' quality of life using the WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). This measure captures physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental domains. The physical, psychological, social, and environmental domain scores each range from 4-20 with higher scores indicating a higher quality of life.
Measured: Baseline, Week 5, Week 10
Secondary outcomes (6)
Changes in social connection
Measurement of participants' social networks using the Short Form Lubben Social Network Scale. This scale evaluates the frequency and quality of participants' social interactions. The Friend sub-scale scores range from 0-15 with higher scores indicating more social connection with friends. The Family sub-scale scores range from 0-15 with higher scores indicating greater social connection with family.
Measured: Baseline, Week 5, Week 10
Changes in creativity
Measurement of participants' creative experiences using the Experience of Creation Scale. This scale assesses the impact of creative activities on participants' feelings of empowerment, freedom to decide, impact, and creativity. The scores range from 4-20 with higher scores indicating better experience of creation.
Measured: Baseline, Week 5, Week 10
Changes in resilience
Measurement of emotional resilience using the Brief Resilient Coping Scale. This scale measures participants' ability to cope with stress and adapt to changes, with higher scores indicating better resilience. The scores range from 4-20 with higher scores indicating high resilient copers.
Measured: Baseline, Week 5, Week 10
Changes in mood regulation through music
Measurement of participants' use of music for mood regulation using the Brief Music in Mood Regulation Scale (B-MMR). This scale evaluates various strategies of music listening that individuals use to manage their mood and emotions. For each sub-scale, the scores range from 3-15 with higher scores indicating greater use of that listening strategy for mood regulation.
Measured: Baseline, Week 5, Week 10
Participant experience
Collection of participants' experience in the program. The bespoken survey asks about students' experiences in the program, spanning artistic engagement, creative expression, comfort, mood, sense of well-being, and social aspects of the program.
Measured: Week 5, Week 10
Qualitative feedback from focus group discussion
Collection of lived experience from focus group discussion (FGD) about the program's impact on mental health, social connection, and creativity, as well as general feedback about the MGW program.
Measured: Within two weeks post-program completion
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted7 Aug 2024
- Study start29 Aug 2023
- Primary completion27 Nov 2023
- Study completion1 Dec 2023
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Mental HealthStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by National University of SingaporeThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants are randomly assigned to two primary groups: an intervention group and a control group. Within the intervention group, participants are further divided into two subgroups due to logistical reasons, allowing for separate sessions for music and dance activities. This division is not to provide different interventions, but rather to manage the logistics of hosting the sessions, e.g. where only so many students may participate in group drumming at a time.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 76 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- National University of Singapore
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Kathleen Rose Agres, National University of Singapore
- Investigators
- Kathleen R Agres, PhD, Principal investigator, National University of Singapore
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06542003
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- NUS-IRB-2023-3
- Status last verified
- Aug 2024
- First submitted
- 3 Aug 2024
- Last updated
- 12 Aug 2024
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: The IPD won't be shared.
Publications
Agres KR, Chen Y. The impact of performing arts on mental health, social connection, and creativity in university students: a Randomised Controlled Trial. BMC Public Health. 2025 May 2;25(1):1628. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-22552-3.
PubMed 40316963
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 12 Aug 2024. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Movin' & Groovin' for Wellness: A Drumming and Dancing Program to Support Well-being in NUS Students
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06542003
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- NUS-IRB-2023-3
- Conditions
- Mental Health, Quality of Life, Social Isolation, Creativity
- Keywords
- mental health, social connection, creative expression, arts and health, music intervention, dancing, drumming, performing arts
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 76 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- National University of SingaporeUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 29 Aug 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 27 Nov 2023 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Dec 2023 (actual)
- First posted
- 7 Aug 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate whether the "Movin' \& Groovin' for Wellness" (MGW) performing arts program is able to support mental, social, and emotional health in NUS students. It will also assess the program's impact on students' well-being. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Does participation in the program decrease depressive symptoms, stress levels and anxiety?
- Does the program foster creative expression among participants?
- Does the program foster social connections among participants?
Researchers compare the effects of the facilitated music and dance sessions (MGW program) to a Control group that does not participate in these activities. Participants are randomly assigned into either the Experimental (MGW) group or Control group.
Those in the Experimental group are randomly allocated to one of two subgroups, where participants either experience drumming or dancing sessions first (for 5 weeks), followed by the other activity (e.g., the only difference between subgroups is the order in which they experience the facilitated sessions). Both the drumming and dancing sessions are led by trained professionals. The sessions are held weekly for 10 weeks in dedicated performance rooms. Participants also complete questionnaires, and have the opportunity to participate in a focus group discussion to provide feedback about the program.
Control group participants complete the same questionnaires at the same time points without participating in the activities. The program aims to evaluate the effectiveness of music and dance in promoting mental health, social well-being, and creativity among university students.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants are randomly assigned to two primary groups: an intervention group and a control group. Within the intervention group, participants are further divided into two subgroups due to logistical reasons, allowing for separate sessions for music and dance activities. This division is not to provide different interventions, but rather to manage the logistics of hosting the sessions, e.g. where only so many students may participate in group drumming at a time.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| MGW Drum and Dance Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Movin' and Groovin' for WellnessParticipants in the intervention group engage in a 10-week program that includes both drumming and dancing sessions. The group is further divided into two subgroups due to logistical reasons, with one subgroup attending five weeks of drumming sessions followed by five weeks of dancing sessions, and the other subgroup attending sessions in the opposite order. All participants in this arm participate in both drumming and dancing sessions. |
| No-treatment Control Group | No intervention | –Participants in the control group do not participate in the drumming and dancing sessions. They represent "normal student life". They only complete the same questionnaires at the same time points as the intervention group to serve as a baseline comparison for evaluating the impact of the interventions. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Be currently enrolled in NUS
- Be between the ages of 18-40 years old
- Be fluent (speak and write) in English
- Able to commit to attending the live sessions for the entire 10-week period
- Have normal or corrected-to-normal hearing and vision
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Have been diagnosed with a neurological or hearing impairment, or a physical impairment that would prevent moving/dancing
- Are taking medicine to treat their mental health (as this would be a confound in the study)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Movin' and Groovin' for WellnessMovin' and Groovin' for Wellness (MGW) is a 10-week program consisting of facilitated drumming and dancing sessions. The sessions include guided activities involving drumming, dancing, and group improvisation. Each session lasts approximately 1.5 hours, with activities designed to improve mental well-being, enhance social connections, and foster creative expression. The sessions are guided by professional facilitators. | Behavioural | MGW Drum and Dance Group |
Primary outcome
Changes in depressive symptoms, stress levels and anxiety levels
Time frame: Baseline, Week 5, Week 10
Measurement of participants' depressive symptoms, stress levels and anxiety levels using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The scores from the DASS-21 questionnaire are used to assess these changes. Depression/Anxiety/Stress sub-scales' scores can range from 0-21 with higher scores indicating worse symptoms.
Changes in quality of life
Time frame: Baseline, Week 5, Week 10
Measurement of participants' quality of life using the WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). This measure captures physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental domains. The physical, psychological, social, and environmental domain scores each range from 4-20 with higher scores indicating a higher quality of life.
6 secondary outcomes
Changes in social connection
Time frame: Baseline, Week 5, Week 10
Changes in creativity
Time frame: Baseline, Week 5, Week 10
Changes in resilience
Time frame: Baseline, Week 5, Week 10
Changes in mood regulation through music
Time frame: Baseline, Week 5, Week 10
Participant experience
Time frame: Week 5, Week 10
Qualitative feedback from focus group discussion
Time frame: Within two weeks post-program completion
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 12 Aug 2024.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 40316963Agres KR, Chen Y. The impact of performing arts on mental health, social connection, and creativity in university students: a Randomised Controlled Trial. BMC Public Health. 2025 May 2;25(1):1628. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-22552-3.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. The IPD won't be shared.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Kathleen R Agres, PhD principal investigator
National University of Singapore
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Movin' and Groovin' for Wellness in people with Mental Health and Quality of Life, run by National University of Singapore at 1 site in Singapore.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 12 Aug 2024. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Singapore. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Changes in depressive symptoms, stress levels and anxiety levels (time frame: Baseline, Week 5, Week 10). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06542003, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 12 Aug 2024.