In today’s fast-paced society, stress has become an ever-present concern that can lead to serious health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, burnout, and depression. Many individuals seek solace in various stress-relief methods, and one popular avenue is music. A recent study conducted by psychologist and music scientist Krisna Adiasto, who is set to receive his doctorate from Radboud University on January 29, has unveiled intriguing findings about the relationship between music and stress relief. Adiasto’s research challenges conventional wisdom by suggesting that the genre of music plays a minimal role in determining the effectiveness of stress-reducing songs, instead highlighting specific musical characteristics that contribute to their efficacy.
Intriguingly, Adiasto’s study discovered that people’s choices of stress-relief songs span a diverse spectrum of musical genres, including hardstyle, classical, soundtracks, and ambient music. This unexpected variety was uncovered through questionnaires distributed to 470 participants from different nationalities. The participants were asked to identify songs that helped them feel better after experiencing stress. This diverse pool of responses led Adiasto and his colleagues to compile a list of 1,296 songs for further analysis.
The researchers discerned that stress-relieving songs exhibited shared characteristics, which were subsequently categorized into two distinct groups. The first group comprised mellow songs in major keys, exemplified by tracks like “Memories” by Maroon 5 and “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver. The second group featured songs in minor keys that possessed a fairly energetic quality, such as “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran and “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica. Interestingly, these songs often shared common traits, including being performed in the key of E, having a moderate tempo, and adhering to a 4/4 time signature.
To evaluate the practical implications of these findings, two hundred participants took part in an online experiment. They were tasked with performing a stressful activity, after which they listened to a 10-minute audio segment falling into one of three categories: researcher-selected music from the aforementioned groups, self-selected music, or random musical notes. The results were compelling, as those who listened to researcher-selected or self-selected music exhibited faster recovery from stress compared to those who heard random musical notes. Adiasto theorizes that this may be attributed to cognitive distraction induced by selected music, which aids in hastening stress recovery. Furthermore, self-selected music was linked to positive emotional changes, reinforcing its effectiveness in alleviating stress.
However, Adiasto remains cautious when making recommendations, emphasizing the deeply personal nature of music preferences. While the study identified two distinct categories of stress-relief songs, it acknowledges that individual preferences can significantly impact the effectiveness of a particular song. Personal associations and emotional ties to specific music may outweigh the identified characteristics. Therefore, the study underscores the importance of a tailored approach to music-based stress relief.
Perhaps the most significant revelation of Adiasto’s research is the diminishing role of music genres in the stress-relief equation. It challenges the conventional assumption that certain genres, such as classical music, are universally effective in alleviating stress. Instead, Adiasto suggests that music researchers should delve deeper into the audio characteristics of songs to better understand their impact on stress relief.
In a world where stress is an ever-present concern, Krisna Adiasto’s groundbreaking study provides a new perspective on how music can aid in stress recovery. The research highlights the unique power of music to distract the mind and elicit positive emotional changes, irrespective of genre, encouraging further exploration into the realm of music therapy. As Adiasto prepares to receive his doctorate, his work stands as a testament to the profound impact that music can have on our well-being, offering a harmonious respite from the strains of everyday life.
In Deep…..
Stress is a complex physiological and psychological response to challenging or threatening situations that can lead to detrimental health outcomes when chronic or severe. Stress management is essential for maintaining well-being, and one promising avenue is the use of music as a therapeutic tool. This paper aims to elucidate the intricate biological and chemical mechanisms through which music helps decrease stress.
Neurotransmitter Modulation
Dopamine and Pleasure : Music elicits pleasurable emotions through the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with reward and motivation. Listening to music activates the brain’s reward system, leading to feelings of pleasure and relaxation, which counteract stress.
Serotonin and Mood Regulation : Music can enhance the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation. Increased serotonin levels are associated with reduced anxiety and improved mood, contributing to stress reduction.
Hormonal Responses
Cortisol Regulation : Cortisol, a stress hormone, is known to decrease in response to music. Studies have shown that music therapy interventions can lead to lower cortisol levels, thereby reducing the physiological effects of stress.
Oxytocin Release : Music has been found to stimulate the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone” or “bonding hormone.” Oxytocin promotes feelings of trust, social bonding, and emotional well-being, counteracting the detrimental effects of stress.
Brain Regions Involved
Amygdala Modulation : The amygdala, a brain region central to emotional processing, is influenced by music. Music can attenuate amygdala activity, reducing the emotional reactivity associated with stressors.
Prefrontal Cortex Activation : Listening to music engages the prefrontal cortex, responsible for cognitive control and emotion regulation. This activation enhances the ability to cope with stressors and make rational decisions.
Hippocampus and Memory : The hippocampus, critical for memory consolidation, is positively influenced by music. Stress can impair memory function, but music can counteract this effect, promoting cognitive resilience.
Physiological Responses
Heart Rate and Blood Pressure : Music has the ability to lower heart rate and blood pressure, promoting relaxation and reducing the physiological signs of stress.
Respiratory Rate and Stress Reduction : Deep and controlled breathing induced by music can counteract the shallow and rapid breathing often associated with stress. This helps regulate the autonomic nervous system and reduces stress levels.
Music Selection and Personalization
The effectiveness of music in stress reduction is also influenced by individual preferences. Personal associations with specific songs or genres can enhance the therapeutic benefits of music, highlighting the importance of tailoring interventions to individuals.
The therapeutic power of music in reducing stress is supported by a myriad of biological and chemical mechanisms. Neurotransmitter modulation, hormonal responses, brain region involvement, and physiological changes collectively contribute to the stress-relieving effects of music. Understanding these intricate mechanisms provides a foundation for the development of personalized music-based interventions to mitigate stress and improve overall well-being. As research in this field continues to advance, the integration of music therapy into stress management strategies holds great promise for enhancing the quality of life and reducing the burden of stress-related illnesses in our society.
reference link : https://www.ru.nl/en/research/research-news/listening-to-music-after-stress-genre-doesnt-matter
