The positive effects and satisfaction derived from listening to music are often highlighted in people's daily experiences and in research on music psychology. However, according to a new study published on Neuroscience News, citing the journal Psychology of Music, not all emotions evoked by music are pleasurable. The study, conducted by researchers from the universities of Jyväskylä and Oslo, examined the impact of listening to certain unpleasant types of music, which has been infrequently studied so far.
**Two Types of Listeners**
Analysis revealed two types of listeners: those with a strong negative attitude toward unpleasant music and those with a more neutral stance. The data indicates that strong negative attitudes stem from unpleasant feelings and physical reactions triggered by the music, along with aspects related to the listener's biography, identity, social values, and aesthetic preferences, as well as the listening context. For some individuals, listening to unpleasant music can lead to overt hatred and aggressive behavior, which, in the worst cases, is directed toward others.
**Negative Effects**
The study's lead researcher, Assistant Professor of Music Psychology Hanna Raika Peltola from the University of Jyväskylä, stated, "Although the research indicates undeniable positive potentials for music, there is relatively little understanding of its negative effects," noting that "music can elicit a very primal reaction of aggression."
**Embarrassment about Reactions**
Among the most intriguing findings in the study were the feelings of embarrassment associated with individuals' strong reactions toward something that seems innocuous, like music. Peltola added that this state "suggests that music is automatically perceived in societies as something entertaining and enjoyable, thus other types of experiences may be viewed as exceptional or somewhat wrong." Consequently, "the potential negative effects of listening to music should be explored more broadly in future research.” She explained that "exposure to music in public spaces, for example, can evoke strong aversion and tension in some individuals, negatively affecting their well-being."
