THE APPLICATION AND IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVENESS OF THETA-WAVE BINAURAL BEAT MUSIC INTERVENTION FOR HIGH-STRESS PUBLIC SERVANTS

Authors: Suli Li & Wen Li*

ABSTRACT

Discipline inspection and supervision cadres are exposed to substantial occupational stress, yet convenient and accessible psychological interventions for this group remain limited. As an emerging digital intervention, binaural beat music has shown potential for stress reduction among individuals with anxiety; however, its effectiveness has not been examined in this high-stress occupational population. This preliminary mixed-methods study explored the immediate stress-relieving effects, subjective experiences, and practical acceptability of theta-wave binaural beat music among discipline inspection and supervision cadres. Forty on-duty cadres from a region in Sichuan Province participated in a single 6 Hz theta binaural beat music session during routine work and subsequently completed subjective assessments and open-ended written feedback. The findings indicated that most participants experienced immediate physical and psychological relaxation, improved mood, enhanced attentional focus, temporary relief from acute stress, and greater emotional stability. Many participants also reported reduced anxiety and irritability, immersive listening experiences, and a diminished sense of time. Qualitative results further revealed a gradual shift from tension to calmness, suggesting that physical relaxation and cognitive attentional diversion may function as complementary mechanisms of stress relief. No marked differences were observed across gender or age groups, indicating broad adaptability of the intervention. This study represents an initial application of binaural beat music among discipline inspection and supervision cadres and provides preliminary evidence for its feasibility and immediate stress-relieving effects. The findings contribute to the development of digital, non-pharmacological stress management strategies for public servants, while observed individual differences offer directions for optimizing future intervention protocols.

Keywords: binaural beats; music intervention; discipline inspection and supervision cadres; psychological stress; digital intervention

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