Listening to Music and Emotion Regulation in Adulthood
摘要
One of the most fascinating aspects of experiencing music is the dynamic in feelings that arises, i.e., how music plays with emotions. Arousal moods and self-forgetfulness are not rare experiences felt by only a few experts. Music is used widely as a relaxation method, not only for its emotion-regulating function but also for educational demands that can be involved. This has been documented throughout history many times. In the introduction to his music theory (circa sixth century BC), Boetius reports Plato’s view that minds suffer from immoral music and agrees with Cicero that the frenzied exuberance of drunken young men can be calmed down by a change in the way the flute is played (Boetius 1985). Descriptions of music such as the language of feeling (Ludwig Feuerbach), of passion (Richard Wagner), and as having the deepest influence on the mind of all arts (Napoleon Bonaparte) are quotes that are still widely used in everyday language.