The role of oxytocin in music interventions: A systematic review

Aim of this review was to identify and synthesize the results of primary studies on the relationship between oxytocin and music. This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. A systematic literature search was conducted via PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar and PsychArticles. Our inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) music intervention, including either active music-making or passive music listening, and (2) pre- and post-measurement of oxytocin as a blood or saliva test. Only primary studies were selected for review. Article search, data extraction and methodological study were performed by two reviewers independently in October 2023. Of the 839 initially identified articles, 15 articles met the inclusion criteria. Two additional studies were added via literature cross-references resulting in a total number of 760 participants. Of the 17 included studies, four studies showed an increase in oxytocin levels, three studies showed a decrease in oxytocin levels and five studies showed unchanged or non-significant changes in oxytocin levels. Another five studies showed opposing changes in oxytocin levels depending on the type of music intervention or characteristics of the participants, such as the extent of empathy. The methodological quality of studies varied, with six studies classified as low risk studies, seven studies at moderate risk of bias and four studies as high studies. Due to contradictory results of previous studies, more scientific research is needed to further explore and better understand the evidence obtained to date. Individual differences and contextual factors will have a key role in better understanding the relationship between the oxytocinergic system and music.