Why you listen to music
What you mainly turn to music for.
Research on the 'functions of music' (Schäfer et al., 2013) finds people mainly use music for mood, arousal and self-awareness. A self-description of what you reach for music for. (Functions of music (music psychology))
Groups
- To feel — To reach, express and process emotions.
- For energy — To get energised, pumped up or motivated.
- For focus — As a backdrop for work, study or concentration.
- To unwind — To relax, de-stress and calm down.
- To connect — To share, bond and enjoy with others.
- To discover — To explore new sounds, artists and genres.
- For nostalgia — To revisit memories and moments from the past.
- For the art — To appreciate the craft, lyrics and musicianship.
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