Graduation Term

Spring 2026

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Department of Psychology

Committee Chair

Jeffrey Kahn

Committee Member

Dan Ispas

Abstract

Workplace environments are often designed with a focus on efficiency, yet emerging research suggests that environmental features such as aesthetic enrichment and music may influence employee well-being and performance. The present study examined whether visual aesthetic enrichment and auditory stimulation through music could improve well-being, reduce stress, and enhance task performance within a simulated workplace task. Participants completed a 30-minute in-basket task under one of four conditions: a control environment, music only, aesthetic enrichment only, or a combined aesthetic enrichment and music condition. Measures of stress, well-being, and task performance were collected following task completion. Results indicated that neither aesthetic enrichment nor music significantly influenced well-being, stress, or task performance. Additionally, the combination of visual and auditory stimuli did not produce a synergistic effect. These findings suggest that short-term exposure to enriched environmental conditions may not be sufficient to influence psychological outcomes during high-demand, time-limited tasks. The results highlight the importance of considering task characteristics, exposure duration, and individual differences when evaluating the psychological impact of workplace environmental interventions. Future research should examine these interventions in longitudinal workplace contexts to better understand how environmental design influences employee well-being and performance over time.

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

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