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Music Appreciation: The Impact of Music on Mood

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In a survey study most people stated that their investment in music derives from its ability to convey emotions(Gebauer, Kringelbach and Vuust 2012.) Studies have implied that music can elicit basic emotions such as happiness (Gebauer, Kringelbach and Vuust 2012.) Music with a fast tempo and major mode are considered and reacted to as happy music, while music with slow tempo and minor mode are deemed sad(Gebauer, Kringelbach and Vuust 2012.) This effect was shown through fMRI imaging while listening to different genres of music and participant questionnaires (Gebauer, Kringelbach and Vuust 2012.) A study conducted by Greasly and Lamont was able to show that there are two broad types of listeners; less engaged and more engaged(Greasley …show more content…

A study conducted by Martin (2004) implied that positive mood has a beneficial effect on health. These implications suggest that since music can influence mood, ultimately music will influence health. A study conducted by Callaghan (2013) was also able to show music’s effect on mood, also increased creativity. Creativity was tested by a divergent thinking task, with either happy or sad music playing in the background (Callaghan and Growley 2013.) The results of this study implied that creativity levels measured by this task were higher in those with happy background music as opposed to sad (Callaghan and Growley 2013.) Music also has the ability to predict empathy in individuals (Egerman and McAdams 2013.) In the study conducted by Egerman and McAdams, recognition and initiation of an emotion were tested and reported by participants while listening to various musical selections (Egerman and McAdams 2013.) Participants in the recognition rating condition reported lower levels of stimulation of the portrayed emotion in the music than those who were placed in the felt rating condition (Egerman and McAdams

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