The Consoling Power of Music: The Role of Emotions and Musical Aspects

Music and emotions are inextricably linked to one another. Music's ability to evoke emotion in listeners, is one of the reasons why people turn to music to improve their mood or express what they are feeling. Even though music is able to console, little systematic research has considered how music can offer consolation. This dissertation investigates music's consoling properties and considers related behavior, such as crying over music. Our research shows that listening to music is one of the foremost ways for people to console themselves, even more so than looking for support from others, eating, or crying. Moreover, it is a very private and intimate activity that mostly occurs when alone after the experience of a personal loss, such as the loss of a loved one or feeling misunderstood. Songs of consolation elicit feelings of being moved, sadness, and nostalgia, but also give rise to feeling strengthened, and relaxed.