Music Listening and Stress Management Among Undergraduate Students of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

This study examines the relationship between music listening habits and stress management among undergraduate students at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, North West Nigeria. University students face a range of academic, financial, and personal stressors that significantly affect mental health and academic performance. This research investigates whether intentional music listening functions as an effective self-regulatory coping strategy among ABU students, identifying the genres preferred, listening contexts, and perceived stress-reduction benefits. A descriptive survey design is employed, with structured questionnaires distributed to 320 students randomly selected from eight faculties. The questionnaire incorporates the Perceived Stress Scale and a music listening behaviour inventory adapted for the Nigerian context. Data analysis uses descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation to assess the relationship between music engagement and perceived stress levels. The study also explores differences across gender, level of study, and academic faculty. Grounded in music psychology, stress coping theory, and recent wellbeing literature from African university contexts, the research contributes to understanding how students informally use music as a wellness resource. Findings will inform student support services regarding the potential of music-based wellness programmes on Nigerian university campuses across all geopolitical zones. Keywords: Music listening, stress management, undergraduates, Ahmadu Bello University, student wellbeing.