Psychological Explanation To Why We Enjoy Listening To Sad Songs

Main image via Metro

 

We’ve all had our fair share of ‘emo’ moments. 

Curling up in bed, looking out the window, while listening to sad music for no apparent reason? We have all done that. 

However, if you hear people saying there’s something wrong with you, maybe it’s time for you to stand up against that view. Sadness, just like any other basic emotion, is innate and universal.

Psychological studies have mentioned that the following factors could contribute to why some of us enjoy listening to sad music. 

 

1. Memories

We are all suckers for beautiful memories, aren’t we? Listening to sad music is said to trigger us reflecting on nostalgic memories. There is some consolation in recollecting the good times, as well as sadness from missing them, like your school days, or your first love. 

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2. Helps in channelling emotions

Listening to sad songs helps us channel our frustrations or anger in a better way. When we indulge in these songs, we’re ‘disconnected’ from real life for a bit and we may even cry it out, which can make us feel alot better. It also helps us to calm down. 

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3. Prolactin

Sources say that at the biological level, sad music is linked to a hormone called prolactin. It’s associated with crying and it helps to overcome grief. Prolactin produces feelings of calmness, which would help us to counteract mental pain. 

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4. Empathy 

Expressions of sadness and grief are likely to make us more empathetic towards people who are really going through difficult times. It helps us understand what another person is actually feeling. Not everyone is good at saying what they feel. 

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5. Mood Regulations 

Sad music helps some people from making dangerous decisions. It helps to regulate our mood from distressing situations like a bad breakup or death of a loved one. Besides that, if the lyrics resonate with the listener’s personal experience, it will make them feel better as it gives them a sort of feeling like they’re voice is being heard, or there’s someone who actually gives a voice to them.

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6. Imaginary friend

Sad music is more like an imaginary friend. It has the ability to provide us company and comfort. People tend to listen to sad songs when they’re lonely and it’s as though they’re accompanied by a virtual person to help them cope with their feelings. 

 

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Times are difficult, so if listening to sad songs makes you feel better, do it regardless of what people say. Can you relate to any of the reasons above? 

We definitely can! What’s your go-to sad song?

By: Piravina Ragunathan