For my essay, I will be writing about how music is therapeutic and can create different psychological effects on people. Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries and connects people across different cultures. The power of music to evoke emotion is one of its compelling features. Whether it’s Taylor Swift’s cheerful melody that makes us feel happy or a sad Deftones tune that stirs our deepest regrets. It acts as an expressive outlet for our emotions, allowing us to process and express complicated emotions that would be challenging to convey verbally. Music has the ability to affect us viscerally and offer comfort when we need it most. This is accomplished through the rhythm, melody, and harmony of each song.

Moreover, music has been scientifically proven to affect our brain chemistry. Studies have shown that listening to music releases dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that makes us feel more pleasure. This feel good chemical not only enhances our mood, but our well-being as well. It reduces our levels of stress and anxiety. In fact, studies show that music therapy is a recognized form of treatment in healthcare settings as it has been shown to heal depression, anxiety and even chronic pain. Music serves as a human companion, offering constant healing in our lives whenever we need it.

Sources:

• Music for stress and anxiety reduction in coronary heart disease patients. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Bradt, J., Dileo, C., & Potvin, N. (2013).

This systematic review analyzes the effects of music interventions on stress and anxiety levels in individuals with coronary heart disease. The study found that music can effectively reduce stress and anxiety in this population, suggesting its therapeutic potential.

• Music listening enhances cognitive recovery and mood after a middle cerebral artery stroke. Särkämö, T., Tervaniemi, M., Laitinen, S., Forsblom, A., Soinila, S., Mikkonen, M., … & Hietanen, M. (2008).

This study explores the effects of music listening on cognitive recovery and mood in stroke patients. The findings indicate that music listening can enhance cognitive functions and improve mood, demonstrating the potential of music as a therapeutic tool in stroke rehabilitation.

• The effect of music on the human stress response. Thoma, M. V., La Marca, R., Brönnimann, R., Finkel, L., Ehlert, U., & Nater, U. M. (2013).

This experimental study investigates the impact of music on the human stress response. The results suggest that listening to music can reduce stress levels and regulate physiological stress markers, highlighting its potential as a stress management tool.

• The effect of music therapy on mood states in neurological patients: A pilot study. Journal of Music Therapy, Magee, W. L., & Davidson, J. W. (2002).

This pilot study examines the effects of music therapy on mood states in neurological patients. The findings indicate that music therapy can positively influence mood and emotional well-being, supporting its use as a therapeutic intervention in neurological settings.

• Music training improves verbal memory. Chan, A. S., Ho, Y. C., & Cheung, M. C. (1998).

This study investigates the effects of music training on verbal memory. The results suggest that individuals with musical training demonstrate improved verbal memory skills, indicating the cognitive benefits of music education.