Sad music can be enjoyable for many listeners.
Music can be used for emotional release. Music helps to channel one’s frustration or purge (catharsis) negative emotions (anger and sadness). When we listen to sad music (or watch a sad film), we are disconnected from any real threat or danger that the music (or movie) represents.
Sad music can release the hormone prolactin, a soothing and tranquilizing hormone that produces feelings of calmness to counteract mental pain. The hormone prolactin helps to curb grief.
People who are emotionally moved by sad or tragic arts tend to score higher on overall measures of empathy. Listeners who scored high on empathy are most affected by sad music. They tend to have a well-developed imaginative ability to recognize the experience of a fictional character or person.
Sad music is a powerful trigger for nostalgic memories of foregone times. The revisiting of nostalgic memories may enhance the mood, especially if the memories are related to pivotal and meaningful moments in life (i.e., high school, or college).
Sad music produces the psychological benefit of mood regulation. The listeners enjoy the mere presence of a virtual person represented by the music who is in the same mood can help to cope with sad feelings.
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