Consolation through music: A survey study

Abstract

Even though music is widely used as a source of solace, the question as to how and why music offers consolation remains largely unexplored. The aims of the present study are as follows: (a) to compare listening to music versus other self-soothing behaviors, (b) to explore when music is used as a means for solace, (c) to identify aspects of music that are important for providing solace, and (d) to explore behavior while listening to consoling music. Participants completed an internet survey distributed through the websites of Dutch National Radio 2 and Radio 4 (N = 445). The survey consisted of the Geneva Emotion and Music Scale (GEMS), the solace-scale from the Music in Mood Regulation questionnaire (MMR), questions concerning means of solace, situations requiring comfort, song aspects, and feelings and activities during music listening. The main findings indicate that: (1) music is the most important source of consolation compared with other soothing behaviors, (2) situations in which people have experienced loss and sadness are the primary situations in which music offers solace, (3) consoling music induces a feeling of being moved and a mixture of both positive and sad emotions; the most important aspects of a song for soothing purposes are the music itself and the lyrics, and (4) music for comfort is listened to predominately in solitude, as the sole activity. On the basis of these findings, a characterization of listening to consoling music is compiled. Behavior and song aspects are discussed in terms of how and why they are helpful in providing solace.

Sad Songs Say So Much: The Paradoxical Pleasures of Sad Music

“…This is consistent with people's reports that they listen to sad music for comfort or consolation (Hanser et al. ).…”

Listening to ironically-enjoyed music: A self-regulatory perspective

“…As indicated in the table several gender and age differences were found: In line with literature (Saarikallio, 2011;Hanser, Ter Bogt, Van den Tol, et al, 2016;Ter Bogt, Mulder, Raaijmakers, et al, 2010) younger people were more likely to listen to music to regulate mood and emotion and older people were more likely to listen to ironically enjoyed music for reminiscence and nostalgia. In line with literature (Carlson, et al, 2015;Ter Bogt, et al, 2010) females were more likely to listen to ironically enjoyed music for diversion and relaxation.…”

The appeal of sad music: A brief overview of current directions in research on motivations for listening to sad music

“…In contrast, low sound levels, slow pace and minor chords are characteristics of sad music (Gabrielsson & Lindström, 2001;Juslin, & Laukka, 2004, Khalfa, Roy, Rainville, Dalla Bella, & Peretz, 2008. More recent results additionally emphasizes the importance of sad lyrics that are relatable for the listener in sad music (Eerola, Peltola, & Vuoskoski, 2015;Van den Tol & Edwards, 2013) and in music that provides solace or comfort when being sad (Ter Bogt et al, 2015, submitted for publication;Hanser, Ter Bogt, Van den Tol, Mark, & Vingerhoets, 2016), whereas lyrics may not play such an important role in happy music.…”