Why We Listen to Sad-Sounding Music: Philosophical Perspectives, Psychological Functions and Underlying Brain Mechanisms

Liila Taruffi*, Stefan Koelsch

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in book/report/conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Although sadness is typically described as a negative emotion, in aesthetic contexts it is paradoxically associated with pleasurable experiences. Here, we take an interdisciplinary approach to the investigation of sadness in music, accounting for philosophical, psychological and neuroimaging approaches. We offer a comprehensive framework explaining how sad music can become pleasurable and what motivates people to seek sad music. The evidence discussed throughout this chapter shows that pleasure in response to sad music is related to different psychological benefits and is the outcome of a complex interplay of personality traits, current mood and contextual variables.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Routledge Companion to Music, Mind, and Well-being
EditorsPenelope Gouk, James Kennaway, Jacomien Prins, Wiebke Thormahlen
Place of PublicationNew York ; London
PublisherRoutledge
Chapter17
Pages235-248
Number of pages14
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9781315164717
ISBN (Print)9781138057760, 9780367659677
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Dec 2018

Publication series

NameRoutledge Music Companions
PublisherRoutledge

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