Does Participation in Group Music Activities and Pro-Social Behavior Among College Students Have an Association? A Study of the Interlocking Mediating Effects of Positive Social Connections and Peer Support

It has been demonstrated that music can be an effective tool for shaping the future of college students. This study aimed to investigate the effects of college students’ participation in group music activities on their pro-social behavior, and for the first time introduced the psychological variables of “positive social connections” and “perceived peer support”. The results of this study show the following: (1) Group music activity participation is positively associated with pro-social behavior. (2) Positive social connections serve as a mediator between college student group music activity participation and college students’ pro-social behavior. (3) Perceived peer support serves as a mediator between college student group music activity participation and college students’ pro-social behavior. (4) Positive social connections and perceived peer support interlock to shape the relationship between group music activity participation and pro-social behavior. This study explores the intrinsic factors of college students’ participation in group music activities to promote their pro-social behavior from the dual perspectives of music psychology and behavioral psychology, provides empirical support for educational practice, emphasizes the importance of group music activities in promoting the development of college students’ pro-social behavior, and provides insights into new perspectives for college students’ overall healthy development.