Introduction
Perceived stress levels have increased from the COVID-19 pandemic
(TMGH-Global COVID-19 Collaborative, 2021;). Prior to the COVID-19
pandemic, perceived stress levels in diverse (age, gender, education,
etc.) adults, as determined by the perceived stress scale (PSS-10), were
approximately 16-18 pts (Champion, Economides, & Chandler, 2018; Cohen
& Janicki-Deverts 2012; Andreou et al., 2011). Since the pandemic,
average PSS-10 scores have increased to approximately 20-29 pts (Napoli,
2022; Aly et al., 2021; Meaklim et al., 2021; TMGH-Global COVID-19
(Collaborative, 2021; Adamsom et al., 2020; Agyapong et al., 2020), and
those with anxiety disorders have higher perceived stress scores
compared to nonanxious individuals (Mozumder 2022; Meaklim et al., 2021;
Agyapong et al., 2020; Cohen & Janicki-Deverts, 2012; Andreou et al.,
2011).
Prolonged stress severity can result in anxiety and depressive disorders
(Khan & Khan, 2017) and negatively influence health and mortality
(Keller et al., 2012). Moreover, excess stress can lead to an anxiety
disorder relapse (Francis, Moitra, Dyck, & Keller, 2012). There are
emotional differences between those with and without anxiety or
depressive disorders. Individuals with anxiety and depressive disorder
demonstrate affective hyperactivity and describe feeling more threatened
and less in control of their emotions when compared to nonanxious
individuals (Llera & Newman, 2010). Moreover, individuals with anxiety
or depressive disorders have a lower positive affect and higher negative
affect compared to individuals without these disorders (Díaz-García et
al., 2021; Díaz-García et al., 2020, Crawford & Henry, 2004.; Watson,
Clark, & Tellegen, 1988).
Emotion-focused coping is a component of stress management intended to
lower perceived stress and negative affect. Emotion-focused coping
includes soothing behaviors or mechanisms that provide extrinsic and
intrinsic processes involved in monitoring, evaluating, and modifying
emotional reactions (Gross, 1998; Lazarus, 1993). Soothing activities
may include listening to music, taking a shower, massage, and
meditation. Listening to music was one of the most effective coping
strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic (Krause, Dimmock, Rebar, &
Jackson, 2021; Ribeiro, Lessa, Delmolin, & Santos, 2021; Vidas,
Larwood, Nelson, & Dingle, 2021 ). In addition, non-noxious sensory
activities (e.g., touch, massage) for relaxation appear to lower
physiological stress markers (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, and
cortisol levels) and increase hormones (oxytocin, serotonin, and
dopamine) associated with positive mood and mental well-being (Field,
Hernandez-Reif, Diego, Schanberg, & Kuhn, 2005; Lindgren, Rundgren,
Winsö, Lehtipalo, Wiklund, et al., 2010; Uvnäs-Moberg, Handlin, &
Petersson, 2015).
Sensate® (BioSelf Technology, London, England) is a vibrotactile
wellness device providing a non-noxious, somatosensory activity called
Somacoustics (McDoniel & Chmelik, 2022). Somacoustics combines
infrasonic resonance with aural soundscapes, which posits a soothing
experience for emotion-focused coping. This proposed activity is like
vibroacoustic therapy, which uses infrasonic sound (< 50 Hz)
to produce vibrations while applied to the body (Skille, 1989). Skille
(1989) suggests that vibroacoustic stimulation may improve
stress-induced depression, anxiety, tension, and fatigue. Bartel and
Mosabbir (2021) offered a theoretical basis using sound vibrations,
including infrasound, for various health benefits but acknowledged the
complexity of sound vibrations and suggested additional research is
needed exploring delivery types (e.g., sound frequency, body location)
on various health conditions. A 2013 qualitative study was conducted
with 11 individuals completing six (30-60 minute) sessions of
low-frequency (27-113 Hz) sound applied to the posterior side of the
whole body while individuals were in a chair (Ahonen, Deek, and Kroeker,
2013). Individuals were instructed to close their eyes during each
session. However, there was no indication of additional music added for
listening. Subjective improvement in perceived stress and emotional
enrichment (e.g., inner peace, self-awareness, and clarity) was noted,
and individuals reported a positive experience from the sessions
(Ahonen, Deek, and Kroeker, 2013). However, no formal stress or
emotional questionnaires were used for assessment. A 2019 study
implemented low-frequency (Hz level not disclosed) music impulse
stimulation on the abdomen of 18 adults with depression while they
listened to synchronized music (Sigurdardóttir et al., 2019).
Individuals completed eight 20-minute sessions throughout 1-month.
Results from the study suggest a significant improvement in the Hamilton
Depression Rating scale and improvement in depressive symptoms with no
adverse side effects (Sigurdardóttir et al., 2019). These findings do
offer some possible support for low-frequency vibroacoustic stimulation
for stress and depression, but additional research is needed, as
recommended by Bartel and Mosabbir (2021).