The Role of Trait and State Absorption in the Enjoyment of Music

Abstract

Little is known about the role of state versus trait characteristics on our enjoyment of music. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of state and trait absorption upon preference for music, particularly preference for music that evokes negative emotions. The sample consisted of 128 participants who were asked to listen to two pieces of self-selected music and rate the music on variables including preference and felt and expressed emotions. Participants completed a brief measure of state absorption after listening to each piece, and a trait absorption inventory. State absorption was strongly positively correlated with music preference, whereas trait absorption was not. Trait absorption was related to preference for negative emotions in music, with chi-square analyses demonstrating greater enjoyment of negative emotions in music among individuals with high trait absorption. This is the first study to show that state and trait absorption have separable and distinct effects on a listener’s music experience, with state characteristics impacting music enjoyment in the moment, and trait characteristics influencing music preference based on its emotional content.

Rhythmic Chanting and Mystical States across Traditions

“…A total of 60% of participants scored over 60% on all factors of the MEQ30 and therefore met the criterion for a complete mystical experience associated with their chanting practice [ 56 , 58 ]. Figure 2 displays the percentage of participants within the main reported traditions who reported having a complete mystical experience.…”

“…Example items include “when listening to organ music or other powerful music, I feel as if I am being lifted into the air” and “I am deeply moved by a sunset” and “I feel as though my mind could envelope the whole world.” Total scores range from 0 to 136 with higher scores reflecting higher absorption. The MODTAS has been reported to have an internal reliability of α = 0.96 [ 55 , 56 ].…”

“…Total scores range from 0 to 136 with higher scores reflecting higher absorption. The MODTAS has been reported to have an internal reliability of α = 0.96 [55,56].…”

Reflections on Inner and Outer Silence and Consciousness Without Contents According to the Sphere Model of Consciousness

“…As a trait, absorption involves the ability to highly focus attention ( Tellegen and Atkinson, 1974 ) and is related to meditation, empathy, and hypnotic ability ( Lau et al, 2006 ). State of absorption has been assessed using questions like “I was not distracted but was able to become completely absorbed in what I was experiencing” ( Hall et al, 2016 ).…”

Effects of musical cultural experience on music emotion processing

“…他们认为, 大脑存在基于长期聆听某类 音乐后形成的"原型"表征, "原型"表征的激活是导致 音乐偏好产生的重要原因, 当加工与"原型"相符的 音乐刺激时, "原型"表征会在较大程度上激活, 从而 激活对音乐作品的喜爱感和偏爱感. Schubert [49,54] 人 [48,70] 的观点强调音乐事件内部表征包括3个方面的 部分, 即音乐刺激因素、聆听的社会环境因素和听者 个体的因素 [71] . 人们更喜欢聆听熟悉音乐的原因不 仅仅在于音乐刺激本身, 还在于它激活了与聆听音 乐经验相关的场景和人物互动等社会文化图式.…”