Introduction
Music. It is more than just sound. It is both memory, emotion, and teachings wrapped into a melody and rhythm. It is no coincidence that music is used in almost every movie and television show to make us truly perceive the emotion that a character is feeling.
Personally, I listen to music while doing almost everything: getting ready in the morning, showering, working out, studying, and just relaxing. Because of this, I was very curious how music affects our mood and mental health overall, both positively and negatively. This is especially relevant today, as the average teen spends 2.5 hours a day listening to music. Here is what I found:
The Positives
Music can improve your mental health in many ways.
- Lowers Stress
Research shows that music can lessen the extent of depression and anxiety. One study found that college students who listened to classical music everyday reported notably lower anxiety. Another showed that listening to music can help you recover from stress quicker.
- Provides Clarity
Music can help you understand your feelings better. Some studies have even shown that listening to sad music can evoke some pleasant emotions. Additionally, music can help you figure out who you are. Connecting with meaningful music is a powerful way for teens and young adults to define their identity and aspirations.
- Builds Community
Making music and listening to music can connect people and allow you to feel a sense of belonging to something larger than yourself.
The Negatives
- Rumination: Repeated Negative Thinking
Listening to sad music can intensify negative emotions by triggering rumination, a cycle of dwelling on negative thoughts.
- Promotes Risky Behavior & Stereotypes
Although music can build communities that benefit young people, some genres can also encourage risky behaviors like substance use and violence. As a result of the self-defining nature of music, it can also promote the formation of stereotypes.