Emotion Equalization App: Arranging Music for Therapeutic Purposes

PhD Thesis Proposal Defence


Title: "Emotion Equalization App: Arranging Music for Therapeutic Purposes"

by

Miss Man Hei LAW


Abstract:

Depression and anxiety are the common mental health issues in Hong Kong that 
impact work and academic performance, and personal well-being as a whole. This 
proposal introduces the Emotion Equalization App, designed to evaluate various 
therapeutic methods using Russell's 2D emotional plane model. Through our 
studies and analysis of different therapeutic approaches, we aim to uncover how 
therapeutic music influences human perception.

Our studies reveal that therapeutic approaches utilizing music sequencing can 
be simple and effective by manipulating two parameters - arousal and valence 
values - within Russell's model. The objective is to identify treatments that 
can regulate energy levels and transition moods from negative to positive. Our 
findings emphasize the significance of environmental settings in managing 
perceived energy levels and using music with a valence score below five (out of 
nine) during therapy sessions.

In our studies, positive music is observed to align with shifts in listeners' 
moods in improving their emotional state. Particularly noteworthy is the 
relaxing music outperforms other methods and surpasses common therapeutic 
mindfulness music and sounds. These findings provide key elements for enhancing 
mood regulation and emotional well-being through technology and further benefit 
individuals in need and the industry.


Date:                   Friday, 29 November 2024

Time:                   10:00am - 12:00noon

Venue:                  Room 5501
                        Lifts 25/26

Committee Members:      Prof. Andrew Horner (Supervisor)
                        Prof. Raymond Wong (Chairperson)
                        Prof. Gary Chan
                        Dr. Desmond Tsoi