Biography:

Dr. Yilun Shang received his BS and PhD degrees in Mathematics from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He received his PGCert with Commendation in Academic Practice from Northumbria University. He is an Associate Professor with Northumbria University. His research interests mainly include complex networks, system science, applied probability, algebra and combinatorics. He is a recipient of Dimitrie Pompeiu Prize, Energies Best Paper Award, and Outstanding Associate Editor Award of IEEE Access. He is an Editor-in-Chief for Research in Mathematics.

Title:
Online Screening of X-System Music Playlists Using an Integrative Wellbeing Model Informed by the Theory of Autopoiesis

Abstract:
Research suggests that music has a powerful effect on the human mind and body. This article explores the impact of music as an intervention. For this purpose, the X-System technology is used to curate relaxing and enlivening music playlists designed to positively impact wellbeing and emotional state during the COVID-19 pandemic. A wellbeing model grounded in autopoietic theory of self-organisation in living systems is developed to inform the evaluation of the impact of the intervention and ensure the reliability of the data. More specifically, data quality is enhanced by focusing the participants’ awareness on their immediate embodied experience of physical, emotional and relational wellbeing and sense of pleasure/displeasure prior to and after listening to a preferred playlist. The statistical analysis shows significant positive changes in emotional wellbeing, valence and sense of meaning (p < 0.001) with a medium effect size. It also reveals a statistically significant change for physical wellbeing (p = 0.009) with a small effect size. With the relaxing playlists leading to decrease in arousal levels and the enlivening playlists to an increase in activation, it is also concluded that appropriately curated playlists may be able to lead the listener to positive relaxation or activation states or indeed to positive mood change that may have health benefits. This is a joint work done with Dr. Petia Sice, Dr. Garry Elvin, Dr. Chirine Riachy, Dr. Suzannah Ogwu and Dr. Corinna Zink.