the psychology of music

www.helpingpsychology.com

The Psychology of Music

http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/psychology/images/stories/images/musiccognition.jpg

http://www.helpingpsychology.com/



According to British psychologist Glenn Wilson, music plays a very central role in the lives of people and is

ranked highly among pleasures including sex, food and drink.




Studies show that music of all genres can have a great impact on both the physical and psychological aspects of the human body, in addition to that of plants and animals.




The American Music Therapy Association describes this form of treatment as “the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship.”

http://www.musictherapy.org/




People suffering from psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression and autism have shown great improvement in various mental respects after listening to certain classifications of music.




The reason for this is purely neurological.

As mental disorders, both anxiety and depression are associated with lower levels of the neurotransmitter Serotonin within the brain, which can reduce brain activity on an alarming scale.




Musical tunes and melodies help restore Serotonin levels to a more natural, calming state. Typically the more melodious the music is the better, as it also has the power to calm nerves and reduce stress.



Music is also celebrated for its innate restorative abilities, literally healing from the inside out.

Cognitive function benefits from music in a variety of ways as well; mood is largely influenced by the sound of music.


Marketers actually research how music influences shoppers, for example, a store that plays pleasant, positive tunes usually enhances the customers’ experience and keeps them coming back for more, so the theory goes.

http://www.dhs.gov/library/graphics/st_brain_music_photo.jpg


Memory is another brain function that increases under the influence of song.

Music defines decades, bridges barriers and provides a soundtrack to life, so the theory that music promotes health and wellbeing isn’t that far off the scale.

www.argosy.edu

www.HelpingPsychology.comHelping Psychology

Is Sponsored By

http://www.argosy.edu/?cid=LSTRM_AUWA_089_SRCH_001

http://helpingpsychology.com/