Music is often inspired by love’s separations and the pain of the soul, but a new study reveals that the ability to control the music we listen to is linked to a reduction in feelings of pain.
A report from researchers at Queen Mary University and Dublin College indicates that study participants felt that listening to selected melodies helped them feel happier compared to those who listened to music in a conventional way.
The feeling of control over music choices may help reduce pain – (Photo: Maria Fabrizio).
Previous studies have shown that music can reduce pain, particularly chronic pain lasting more than 12 weeks. However, the relationship between pain and music remains unclear, especially in cases of acute (short-term) pain.
The basic components that make up music, such as rhythm or melody, seem unrelated to pain relief. Instead, researchers suggest that the feeling of being able to control one’s own decisions is key to alleviating pain.
To clarify this issue, the study authors conducted a small experiment involving 286 adults currently facing acute pain to assess their pain levels before and after listening to a piece of music. The authors of the study selected a piece of music with two different versions that varied in complexity.
Participants were randomly assigned to listen to either the low-complexity or high-complexity version of the song. The researchers also selected some individuals and “whispered” that they were given the choice to listen to one of the two versions, but in reality, everyone listened to the same melody.
Results: Participants who were given the option to choose the version of the song experienced greater pain relief than other volunteers.
According to assessments, the volunteer group enjoyed both versions of the song, but the researchers did not find any correlation between the complexity of the music and the level of pain relief it provided.
The research team also noted that participants who had a strong connection to music in their daily activities experienced even better pain relief.
Overall, the research team concluded that the feeling of control over the music one listens to and a general fondness for music can significantly help reduce pain.
