Psych Special Series - Music
🧠 242/300 - Psychology of vocal or instrumental sounds that you like
Psychology of Music
Part THREE of Thought/Research Writing.
Context: While traveling last month, I came across this idea of writing about a few topics in psychology & give you the valuable insights of these ‘simple’ topics in our lives to help you wonder & question.
Disclaimer: This series is an attempt to understand the concepts of certain subjects through the lenses of Psychology.
These are very broader topics and hence, this is an attempt to compile the points surrounding them. Your feedback will play an integral role as always.
Music is one of the best inventions of mankind. While they are the best way to have a pleasurable experience, they have a direct impact on your mood and sometimes, energy levels.
Let’s dive into learning about the psychological aspects of ‘Music’.
Starting with the definition of music, Music is a collection of coordinated sound or sounds. Making music is the process of putting sounds and tones in an order, often combining them to create a unified composition.
People who make music creatively organize sounds for a desired result, like a Beethoven symphony or one of Duke Ellington's jazz songs. [1]
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But why do we like it?
Multifaceted and deeply rooted in human nature, Music has a powerful impact on our emotions & cognitive processes.
1. Emotional Resonance: Music can evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy and excitement to sadness and nostalgia. When we listen to music that resonates with our current emotional state or helps us express our feelings, it can provide a unique comfort.
2. Dopamine Release: Listening to music we enjoy triggers the brain to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.
This neurochemical response reinforces our desire to listen to music and experience the positive feelings it generates.
3. Stress Reduction: Music has the ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Slow-tempo music with soothing melodies can lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and promote relaxation, making it a popular choice for stress relief.
4. Social Connection: Music is often shared and enjoyed in social settings. It can facilitate social bonding, enhance group cohesion, and provide a sense of belonging when shared with others who have similar musical preferences.
5. Cognitive Stimulation: Music engages various cognitive processes, including memory, attention, and pattern recognition.
Familiar songs can trigger vivid memories and enhance cognitive performance, such as during tasks that require focus.
6. Personal Expression: People often use music to express their identity, values, and emotions.
The music we choose to listen to can serve as a form of self-expression and help us communicate our inner thoughts and feelings.
Related: Impact of Music to our Actions
The impact of music on our moods and motivation, especially in settings like the gym, is a well-documented psychological phenomenon.
Music impacts our moods & motivation during activities like workouts by enhancing mood, distracting from discomfort, facilitating synchronization, boosting motivation, offering a personalized experience, and triggering the release of pleasure-related neurotransmitters.
This psychological interplay between music and our mindset can make exercise more enjoyable and help us stay motivated to achieve our fitness goals.
1. Mood Elevation: Upbeat music with a fast tempo can boost our mood, making us feel more positive and motivated during exercise.
2. Distraction and Synchronization: Music serves as a distraction from physical discomfort and helps synchronize movements, making workouts feel easier and more enjoyable.
3. Motivational Impact: Music's lyrics and themes of determination can inspire and empower individuals to push themselves harder, enhancing their workout performance.
In Conclusion: Leverage the power of music to put yourself in the zone you want to be in.
Sources
https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-music-definition-terminology-characteristics.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6542982/