By Ketut Sumerjana
In recent years, there has been a lot of interest in the complex field of studying the link between neurochemical reactions, emotions, and music. Studies have shown that low-tone music may influence mood regulation and emotional states by triggering intricate interactions among the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol [1].
Music, particularly music in minor keys, has the power to evoke strong emotional reactions, which in turn may influence one's mood and mental health via neurochemical changes.Studies have demonstrated that exposure to music in a minor note activates the brain's reward and pleasure circuits. Kardzhieva and Allan's study found that major mode concertos had a slight effect on eye blink reactions. Listening to sad music boosts emotional involvement and dopamine release [2], suggesting that the minor mode concerto "Winter" substantially impacted these emotions [3]. Recent research indicates that sad music can significantly improve one's mood by triggering the production of the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine [4].
In addition, it has been highlighted that fully immersing oneself in music listening is an essential component of mood regulation. According to [5], people are able to better control their moods and delve more deeply into their emotional experiences when they spend more time immersed in music. Listening to music in a minor key might provide a cathartic release since this absorption can help with the processing of unpleasant emotions [6].
Suggested that minor music's emotional depth might alleviate stress and help one release pent-up emotions, thereby improving one's mood. Examining the physiological responses to music, particularly in relation to cortisol levels, may provide a better understanding of the impact of subtle tonal music on mood. While some research has failed to draw firm conclusions on how music affects cortisol levels in stressful settings, there is evidence that music may lower cortisol levels in certain contexts, which in turn reduces anxiety and stress [7]. For minor music in particular, this is important since it has the potential to induce meditative and contemplative states, which in turn help with processing emotions and lowering stress levels.
Studies looking at the correlation between daydreaming and listening to music have shown that the former may serve as a background for the latter's impact on one's emotional state. Negative emotions like anxiety and tension are associated with daydreaming when listening to music, according to research by [8]. This shows that people may be able to better absorb their emotions and control their mood by listening to minor tonal music, which is often associated with melancholy and contemplation.
Music, particularly when played in a minor key, has the potential to evoke strong emotions, according to studies conducted [9]. There may be a cultural component to the emotionality of musical modes, as research suggests that people who communicate in tone languages may be more sensitive to emotional differences in music.
This heightened sensitivity may amplify the emotional impact of sophisticated tonal music, making it a powerful tool for mood control in many cultural situations.Studies have demonstrated the potential of music as a significant intervention for mood disorders, recognizing its therapeutic value in clinical settings. To alleviate depressed symptoms, it is crucial to comprehend how individuals listen to music in therapeutic settings, as stressed [10]. As a result, it's critical that therapists build therapeutic methods around the emotional reactions induced by various musical modes, especially minor music. Essential for emotional regulation is the interplay between subtle tonal music and neurochemical reactions like serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol.
Minor music's emotional impact may increase dopamine production, which in turn enhances pleasure and emotional processing. In addition, physiological reactions, such as cortisol levels, show that music may reduce stress, and the ability to absorb it makes it a more powerful instrument for mood regulation. Cultural awareness of musical emotional differences highlights the multifaceted relationship between music, emotion, and mood. Therefore, understanding the psychological and neurochemical mechanisms of mood regulation requires a basic understanding of tonal music.
References
[1] N. Patrik, and Västfjäll, "Emotional responses to music: The need to consider underlying mechanisms Daniel. Emotional Responses to Music: The Need to Consider Underlying Mechanisms. 5, 2008," 2008.
[2] L. M. Riby, S. K. Fenwick, D. Kardzhieva, B. Allan, and D. McGann, "Unlocking the Beat: Dopamine and Eye Blink Response to Classical Music," NeuroSci, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 152-163, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4087/4/2/14.
[3] L. Riby, S. Fenwick, D. Kardzhieva, B. Allan, and D. McGann, "Unlocking the Beat: Dopamine and Eye Blink Response to Classical Music. NeuroSci 2023, 4, 152–163," ed, 2023.
[4] H. Bearman, "Music & The Brain–How Music Affects Mood, Cognition, and Mental Health," 2018.
[5] E. Jakupčević1, Dobrota3 2021PP, "Music as a Tool for Mood Regulation: The Role of Absorption vs. Mindfulness," 2021.
[6] S. TenBrook, Music and Its Effects on Emotion Regulation, Emotional Catharsis and Psychological Well-being. California State University, Fullerton, 2018.
[7] N. K. Schaal, J. Brückner, O. T. Wolf, E. Ruckhäberle, T. Fehm, and P. Hepp, "The effects of a music intervention during port catheter placement on anxiety and stress," Scientific Reports, vol. 11, no. 1, p. 5807, 2021/03/11 2021, doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-85139-z.
[8] J. Deil, N. Markert, P. Normand, P. Kammen, M. B. Küssner, and L. Taruffi, "Mind-wandering during contemporary live music: An exploratory study," Musicae Scientiae, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 616-636, 2023, doi: 10.1177/10298649221103210.
[9] Y. L. Qian, M. (2023). "Tone Language’s Effect on Emotional Detective Music.Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,6,154-159.," 2023.
[10] M. Powell, K. N. Olsen, and W. F. Thompson, "Does music help regulate depressive symptoms for fans of violently themed music?," Psychology of Music, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 1296-1311, 2022, doi: 10.1177/03057356211044200.
