EXPLORING EMOTIONAL RESONANCE: LISTENER PERSPECTIVES ON MUSIC THAT EVOKES POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EMOTIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63878/cjssr.v3i2.714Abstract
This study explores how musical compositions elicit distinct emotional responses from listeners, focusing on both positive and negative emotions. Through a detailed analysis of listener feedback, the research identifies common emotional themes—excitement, anger, joy, fear, sadness, and love—while also highlighting variations in how individuals experience these emotions. The musical tracks designed for the study aimed to evoke specific emotions, and participants’ physiological and psychological reactions were recorded to understand how well the music aligned with the intended emotional cues. The track labeled “Excitement” generally induced feelings of happiness and energy, but some listeners also reported a darker undertone, possibly due to anxiety or introverted tendencies. Similarly, the “Anger” track triggered expected feelings of frustration and aggression but also evoked responses like numbness or disturbance in some individuals. Notably, some participants reported feeling excitement or relaxation, suggesting that anger, for some, serves as a release rather than solely a negative emotion. In the case of “Joy,” while most listeners felt happiness and tranquility, a few experienced sadness, which was unexpected but can be linked to the slowness of the music triggering feelings of melancholy. The “Fear” track evoked not only fear but also excitement in listeners who enjoy confronting their fears, further blurring the lines between traditionally distinct emotional responses. Love, as represented in the music, was universally recognized, with participants associating it with peace and happiness, though some listeners noted its connection to general affection rather than just romantic love. The study highlights the complex and often unpredictable nature of emotional responses to music, demonstrating that while certain musical patterns can be associated with specific emotions, personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and individual psychological tendencies play significant roles in shaping these reactions. Limitations include a small sample size and geographical constraints, suggesting the need for future research with broader demographics and more diverse musical stimuli. This study adds to the understanding of how music influences emotions, proposing that emotional responses are multi-layered and subject to personal interpretation.