Abstract
Over time, unmanaged stress and anxiety can potentially impact nursing students’ health and academic performance. A randomized controlled approach explored the effects music has on stress and anxiety levels in undergraduate nursing students. Students ( n = 89) were randomized into two recording groups, and variables such as demographics, heart rate, blood pressure, and State-Trait Anxiety (STAI) scores were measured and compared. There were significant differences in mean STAI scores ( p < .001), in heart rate means ( p < .000), and in mean blood pressures ( p < .001). Music can have an influence on students’ physiological and/or psychological responses while also promoting them to engage in self-care.