Simulated sadness lets us experiment with and learn from this emotion. They are the emotional equivalent of Neo sparring with Morpheus in the “Matrix” movie. They give us a safe, controlled space in which we can explore simulated sadness. This feeling of nostalgia can help increase our sense of social connectedness, mitigate feelings of meaningless, and reduce anxiety.Ī completely different type of psychological theory is that Adele’s songs are emotional gyms. The remainder experience other, often related emotions, most commonly nostalgia. Indeed, when people listen to sad music, only around 25% say they actually feel sad. It may be nostalgia, rather than sadness, that we enjoy. Sad music can be experienced as an imaginary friend who provides support and empathy after loss.įeeling moved can also result from memories being triggered of important moments of our lives. A sense of communal sharing boosts our feeling of being moved and triggers feelings of comfort and belonging.Ī related suggestion is that Adele’s sad music can be a friend to us. This lets us share an emotional experience with others. Indeed, when we have listened to “30,” we may turn to reaction videos to see how others feel. This may explain why the people most likely to feel moved by sad music are those high in empathy. This experience is sometimes called kama muta, a Sanskrit term meaning “moved by love.” Feeling moved can involve chills, goosebumps, a flood of emotions (including romantic ones), a warmth in our chest, and elation.īut why do we feel moved? The American writer James Baldwin got at this when he reflected: “The things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive.” Similarly, feeling moved can come from us suddenly feeling closer to other people. The psychology of sad musicĪ key reason we enjoy sad songs is because they profoundly “move” us. Yet other studies have hinted at a role for prolactin and oxytocin in making sad music feel good. One study found no evidence that sad music increases prolactin levels. Clicking on Adele’s song may be like clicking on our own metaphorical morphine drip. They do so by making us feel calmed, consoled, and supported.įeeling Adele’s pain, or recalling our own, may cause such chemical changes within us. When we experience real-life loss, or empathize with another’s pain, hormones such as prolactin and oxytocin are released within us. From the GGSC to your bookshelf: 30 science-backed tools for well-being.
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