The impact of integrated Indian Classical Carnatic Ragas on Positive and Negative Affect

Abstract

This research contribution aims to investigate the integration of Indian Carnatic ragas on Positive Affect and Negative Affect experienced by individuals as a response to the ragas. Grounded in the fundamental theory of emotion by W. B. Cannon (1927), the study highlights the occurrence of emotional response to a stimulus which is the musical ragas in this study. The ragas Ananda Bhairavi, Thodi and Shree have been researched to have psychological, physiological and therapeutic effects on listeners. As stand-alone ragas Ananda Bhairavi alleviates discomfort and promotes well-being. Thodi shows in reducing anxiety and increasing emotional resilience. Shree raga proves effective, especially for pregnant women in times of anxiety, fear and depression during their term. This study delves into the integrated effect of 3 ragas involving a sample size of 140, ranging from age 18 – 45 selected through purposive sampling method. The research follows pre-test and post-test with control group design. Participants will be administered with Positive and negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) before and after the application of ragas. t-tests were used for statistical analysis using Jamovi. The results showed that Carnatic music intervention had no significant effect on positive or negative affect within the experimental group (p > .05). However, between-group analyses revealed significantly higher positive affect in the music group both pre- and post-intervention (p < .001, d = 1.061 and d = 0.877, respectively). No significant between-group differences were found for negative affect, although the music group consistently reported higher, non-significant levels of negative affect compared to the control group.