Myztiq Robinson

Mr. Willett

English 9B

18 April 2016

Music and Mood Changes

Different genres of music affect people in different ways based on their mood. Music

affects people not only mentally or emotionally, but physically too. Music’s impact can be both

good and bad in mental/emotional ways, as well as some physical effects. Some effects are not

specifically good or bad, and different genres may not affect each person in the same way. It all

depends on the genre of the music, and how one is feeling.

Music has many good effects mentally and emotionally. An analysis of five studies on

music for depression concluded that music therapy is not only acceptable for depressed patients,

but it actually helps improve their moods (American Academy of Pediatrics). Calming music can

be combined with cognitive therapy to lower anxiety even more effectively than conventional

therapy alone (American Academy of Pediatrics). In another study, college students reported that

pop, rock, oldies, and classical helped them feel happier and more optimistic, friendly, relaxed,

and calm. Music is so effective in reducing anxiety, it is often used in dental, preoperative, and

radiation therapy settings to help patients cope with their worries about procedures (American

Academy of Pediatrics). People may listen to a certain genre of music to seek a more positive

mood and the listener may seek understanding from music similar to their mood (Rea,

MacDonald, Carnes). Different types of music are therapeutic to people depending on their

mood. For example: when experiencing a stressful time, music with an aggressive tone can help
to release some of the anger that has been built up. Listening to this music without other

distractions (not while driving, cooking, talking, or reading) promotes the best benefits.

Under certain conditions, music can also be mentally and emotionally harmful. In one

study, 144 subjects listened to either New Age, classical, "designer" (music designed to have

specific effects), and grunge rock (Barron). After listening to grunge rock, the subjects had high

increases in fatigue, stress, sadness, and hostility, even in the teenagers who said they liked it

(Barron). Certain kinds of music, particularly at high volumes, can actually induce stress and

people sometimes listen to music they know will enhance their misery (Schubert). Studies show

that teens who spent the most time listening to music had an eight times higher chance of being

depressed (Barron).

Music can even have some physical effect on people. Our hearts actually sync to the

rhythms we listen to. Not all physical effects are good. Vulnerable people may even experience

seizures in response to particular musical compositions (Sacks).

Some of the effects of music are not specifically good or bad, but different genres of

music may not affect each person in the same way. People often have different reasons for

listening to music when dealing with different emotions (Stratton). If one feels frustrated

because of something non-personal--a car problem, or something, happy music can actually help,

and sad music does not appeal (Barron). Music affects the mood of listeners in a positive or

negative manner depending on the type of music it is (Krumhansl). We relate to the lyrics and

feelings associated with the song we’re listening to, but it is the rhythm and tone in the music

that are primarily what causes the change in our emotions. Music can play a powerful role in
mood control, but the intention to improve your mood alone won't work if it's the wrong music

(Barron).

Music impacts us in good and bad mental and emotional ways, as well as some physical

effects. Some effects are not specifically good or bad, and different genres may not affect each

person in the same way. Different genres of music affect people in different ways based on their

mood. The next time one is feeling a certain way, think about the type of music that should be

listened to. The feeling afterwards should be much lighter.

Works Cited

Cohen, Hiyaguha. "Mood, Music and Genre." ​Baseline of Health Foundation​. N.p., n.d. Web.

Rea, Christopher, Pamelyn MacDonald, and Gwen Carnes. "E-rea."​Listening to Classical, Pop,

and Metal Music: An Investigation of Mood​(n.d.): n. pag. Web.

"SiOW fa15: Science in Our World: Certainty & Controversy." ​SiOW fa15 Science in Our World

Certainty & Controversy​. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Apr. 2016.

"Music and Mood." ​HealthyChildren.org.​ N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2016.