The functions of music for affect regulation

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 208-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annelies van Goethem ◽  
John Sloboda
Keyword(s):  
Everyday Life ◽  
Affect Regulation ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Current Paper ◽  
Diary Study ◽  
Music Listening ◽  
Emotional Wellbeing ◽  
Personal Benefit ◽  
Regulation Strategies ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Musical experiences are often reported to influence emotions ( Juslin & Västfjäll, 2008 ; Sloboda, O’Neill, & Ivaldi, 2001 ): people consciously and unconsciously use music to change, create, maintain or enhance their emotions and moods (affect) on a daily basis for their personal benefit ( DeNora, 1999 ; Schramm, 2005 ). This is known as affect regulation. However, existing research has not yet answered questions of how music regulates affect, especially beyond the expressive properties of music ( Meyer, 1956 ). The aims of the studies presented here were to investigate (a) how music functions to regulate affect, (b) which affects it regulates, and (c) whether music listening can be considered a successful affect regulation device. A one-week diary study with interviews and a three-week diary study were conducted. The main findings were: (1) music helps through broader affect regulation strategies like distraction, introspection, and active coping; music can for example distract someone from the affect or situation, or help to think about the affect or situation in a rational way; (2) music plays a major role in creating happiness and relaxation; (3) music overall is a successful regulation device with a range of underlying mechanisms helping different strategies. The current paper is a valuable addition to the existing literature and provides several new insights into the function of music for affect regulation in everyday life. The insight gained into which strategies and underlying mechanisms are involved when music is used for affect regulation might be used for the benefit of people’s emotional wellbeing.

The Functions of Music for Affect Regulation

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 208-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annelies van Goethem ◽  
John Sloboda
Keyword(s):  
Everyday Life ◽  
Affect Regulation ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Current Paper ◽  
Diary Study ◽  
Music Listening ◽  
Emotional Wellbeing ◽  
Personal Benefit ◽  
Regulation Strategies ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Musical experiences are often reported to influence emotions (Juslin & Västfjäll, 2008; Sloboda, O'Neill, & Ivaldi, 2001): people consciously and unconsciously use music to change, create, maintain or enhance their emotions and moods (affect) on a daily basis for their personal benefit (DeNora, 1999; Schramm, 2005). This is known as affect regulation. However, existing research has not yet answered questions of how music regulates affect, especially beyond the expressive properties of music (Meyer, 1956). The aims of the studies presented here were to investigate (a) how music functions to regulate affect, (b) which affects it regulates, and (c) whether music listening can be considered a successful affect regulation device. A one-week diary study with interviews and a three-week diary study were conducted. The main findings were: (1) music helps through broader affect regulation strategies like distraction, introspection, and active coping; music can for example distract someone from the affect or situation, or help to think about the affect or situation in a rational way; (2) music plays a major role in creating happiness and relaxation; (3) music overall is a successful regulation device with a range of underlying mechanisms helping different strategies. The current paper is a valuable addition to the existing literature and provides several new insights into the function of music for affect regulation in everyday life. The insight gained into which strategies and underlying mechanisms are involved when music is used for affect regulation might be used for the benefit of people's emotional wellbeing.

Does Synchronicity Point Us Toward the Fundamental Nature of Consciousness? An Exploration of Psychology, Ontology, and Research Prospects

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bethany Butzer
Keyword(s):  
Everyday Life ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
General Public ◽  
Carl Jung ◽  
Current Paper ◽  
Contemplative Practices ◽  
Fundamental Nature ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Ultimate Nature

The topic of synchronicity has long intrigued philosophers, scientists and the general public. Carl Jung formally introduced the term “synchronicity” in the 1950s, however to date very little empirical research has explored the underlying mechanisms of synchronicity. In other words, why do synchronicities occur? Are synchronicities random, or do they hold clues about the ultimate nature of reality? Drawing on theoretical and empirical research, the current paper explores the idea that synchronicity might be one way that the fundamental (i.e., ontologically primary) nature of consciousness reveals itself to us in everyday life, and that contemplative practices such as meditation might be capable of invoking synchronicity. In addition, while several useful theoretical overviews of synchronicity exist, there are very few peer-reviewed academic articles on synchronicity, and even fewer empirical research studies. Therefore a further purpose of this paper is to summarize theoretical perspectives on synchronicity in an attempt to spark a renewed interest in conducting empirical research on this topic. The evidence presented in this paper suggests that consciousness might represent the underlying nature of reality, that contemplative practices might give humans access to this fundamental consciousness, and that synchronicity might be one way that this fundamental consciousness reveals itself to us in everyday life.

scholarly journals Musical affect regulation in adolescents: A conceptual model

2019 ◽  
pp. 65-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margarida Baltazar
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Affect Regulation ◽  
Energy Levels ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Music Listening ◽  
The Core ◽  
Regulatory Strategies ◽  
Core Components ◽  
Regulation Strategies ◽  
Musical Affect

Adolescents actively use music for affect regulation. In this chapter, affect is considered as a broad umbrella term containing moods, emotions, motivational impulses, and energy levels. Theoretical and empirical research has recently been unveiling the components involved in affect self-regulation, such as the psychological functions of music listening, affective goals, regulation strategies, and musical mechanisms. The study of these components and of their interactions has resulted in a better understanding of the dynamics between music engagement, wellbeing, and psychological development among adolescents. The purpose of this chapter is to present a conceptual model of musical affect self-regulation. The core components of the model are regulatory strategies and musical mechanisms, which interact across the dimensions of cognition, feelings, and bodily reactions.

scholarly journals Musical affect regulation in adolescents: A conceptual model

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margarida Baltazar
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Affect Regulation ◽  
Energy Levels ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Music Listening ◽  
The Core ◽  
Regulatory Strategies ◽  
Core Components ◽  
Regulation Strategies ◽  
Musical Affect

Adolescents actively use music for affect regulation. In this chapter, affect is considered as a broad umbrella term containing moods, emotions, motivational impulses, and energy levels. Theoretical and empirical research has recently been unveiling the components involved in affect self-regulation, such as the psychological functions of music listening, affective goals, regulation strategies, and musical mechanisms. The study of these components and of their interactions has resulted in a better understanding of the dynamics between music engagement, wellbeing, and psychological development amongst adolescents. The purpose of this chapter is to present a conceptual model of musical affect self-regulation. The core components of the model are regulatory strategies and musical mechanisms, which interact across the dimensions of cognition, feelings, and bodily reactions.

scholarly journals Loss and profound intellectual disabilities: the significance of early separation responses

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 315-323
Author(s):  
Hannah Young
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Affect Regulation ◽  
Current Paper ◽  
Emotional Wellbeing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cognitive Difficulties ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Separation Distress ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Regulatory Functions

Purpose Intellectual disabilities (ID) may complicate the experience of bereavement and loss, in those with communicative impairments compounded by complex healthcare needs and sensori-motor limitations. Whilst theorists have argued that the cognitive difficulties of people with profound ID impede mourning reactions, none have attempted to make sense of the responses they do exhibit. The current paper discusses this. Design/methodology/approach A select review considers the neurobiology underlying attachment bonds, complications in attachment formation and affect regulation in people with ID, and separation responses of people with profound ID. Findings The current paper demonstrates that by recognising the affective nature of separation distress, an understanding beyond a cognitive conceptualisation is possible. Research limitations/implications It is worth questioning whether people with profound ID are incapable of any meaningful form of person permanence. A critical review could deal with this comparatively by drawing on research of person and object permanence in typically developing children. Practical implications Of specific interest, the bio-behavioural regulators of relationships may help us to appreciate the importance of routine physical health and social care for emotional wellbeing in this group. Originality/value It is argued that by appreciating the basic emotional and regulatory functions of relationships, we can achieve a greater insight into the loss experiences of people with profound ID that will offer therapeutic direction.

Regulation of Experienced and Anticipated Regret for Daily Decisions in Younger and Older Adults in a Swedish One-Week Diary Study

GeroPsych ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 233-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pär Bjälkebring ◽  
Daniel Västfjäll ◽  
Boo Johansson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Diary Study ◽  
Anticipated Regret ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Decision Regret ◽  
Diary Method ◽  
Regulation Strategies

Regret and regret regulation were studied using a weeklong web-based diary method. 108 participants aged 19 to 89 years reported regret for a decision made and a decision to be made. They also reported the extent to which they used strategies to prevent or regulate decision regret. Older adults reported both less experienced and anticipated regret compared to younger adults. The lower level of experienced regret in older adults was mediated by reappraisal of the decision. The lower level of anticipated regret was mediated by delaying the decision, and expecting regret in older adults. It is suggested that the lower level of regret observed in older adults is partly explained by regret prevention and regulation strategies.

Guest is God

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Drew Thomases
Keyword(s):  
Everyday Life ◽  
Sacred Space ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Economic Changes ◽  
Ethnographic Fieldwork ◽  
Northwestern India ◽  
Gathering Place ◽  
Short Time ◽  
The Town

This book is based on ethnographic fieldwork in Pushkar, a Hindu pilgrimage site in northwestern India whose population of 20,000 sees an influx of two million visitors each year. Since the 1970s, the town has also received considerable attention from international tourists, a group with distinctly hippie beginnings but that now includes visitors from a wide spectrum of social positions and religious affiliations. To locals, though, Pushkar is more than just a gathering place for pilgrims and tourists: it is where Brahma, the creator god, made his home; it is where pilgrims feel blessed to stay, if only for a short time; and it is where Hindus would feel lucky to be reborn, if only as an insect. In short, it is their paradise. But even paradise needs upkeep. Thus, on a daily basis the town’s locals, and especially those engaged in pilgrimage and tourism, work to make Pushkar paradise. The book explores this massive enterprise to build “heaven on earth,” paying particular attention to how the articulation of sacred space becomes entangled with economic changes brought on by globalization and tourism. As such, the author not only attends to how tourism affects everyday life in Pushkar but also to how Hindu ideas determine the nature of tourism there; the goal, then, is to show how religion and tourism can be mutually constitutive.

scholarly journals Augmenting Function with Value: An Exploration of Reasons to Engage and Disengage from Music Listening

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 205920432110225
Author(s):  
Amanda E Krause ◽  
Solange Glasser ◽  
Margaret Osborne
Keyword(s):  
Everyday Life ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Uses And Gratifications ◽  
Affective Responses ◽  
Cognitive Factors ◽  
Music Listening ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Functional Perspective ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis

Investigations of music in everyday life are dominated by a functional perspective, drawn from work using the theory of Uses and Gratifications. In so doing, we may have neglected to fully appreciate the value people place on music listening. Therefore, the present study considered if, and why, people value music listening and probed instances when they may not want to listen to music in everyday life. A sample of 319 university students residing in Australia (76.50% female, M age = 20.64) completed an online questionnaire, on which they were asked to provide short responses to open-ended questions directly addressing two research questions. Inductive thematic analysis yielded 13 themes synthesizing how participants valued listening to music, such as appreciation, emotion, time and engagement, cognitive factors, and mood regulation. Reasons for not listening to music were summarized by eight themes dominated by interference with activities that required focus or concentration, followed by environmental context, affective responses, music engagement and inversely, a preference for silence or other auditory stimuli. Fifteen percent of participants stated there was never a time they did not want to listen to music. The findings provide a novel perspective on the value of music listening beyond that considered by uses and gratifications with regard to the function of listening to music in everyday life.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document