The double mediating effect of stress regulation and life satisfaction on music use as a coping mechanism and happiness in Chinese older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: This study investigated the relationship between music use as a coping mechanism and subjective happiness among Chinese older adults (COAs) during Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); it also focused on the mediating effect of stress regulation by music and life satisfaction in this relationship.

Methods: Participants were 329 male and female Chinese adults aged 60 years or older. Data were collected using the Sojump application for an online survey. The double mediating effect was analyzed using PROCESS Macro 3.5 Model 6.

Results: The results revealed that music use as a coping mechanism and stress regulation by music were not significantly correlated with subjective happiness of COAs, whereas these were positively correlated with their life satisfaction. Additionally, life satisfaction of COAs was positively correlated with subjective happiness. Stress regulation by music and life satisfaction completely mediated the relationship between music use as a coping mechanism and subjective happiness of COAs during COVID-19. In the double mediation model, music use as a coping mechanism positively influenced stress regulation by music (β = 0.704), stress regulation by music positively influenced life satisfaction (β = 0.162), and life satisfaction positively influenced subjective happiness (β = 0.498).

Conclusion: Therefore, music can promote happiness in COAs in stressful situations through stress regulation and life satisfaction.