Ever Wondered Why You're Drawn to Sad Music? Here’s the Reason(s)

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Back in 2018, the illustrious country queen Reba McEntire voiced a sentiment many of us have felt but perhaps never expressed: that the somber tones of sad songs can, in fact, be healing. They shed light on the hidden pain, dispelling shadows with their melancholic embrace.

Empathy and Pleasurable Sadness

This intriguing sentiment delves deep into one of music psychology's most beguiling riddles: what is it about somber tunes, from the classic refrains of Beethoven to the evocative strains of the Beatles, that so captivates our hearts?

This inclination towards the pensive isn’t exclusive to music. Our souls are equally entranced by tear-jerking films and heart-wrenching literature.

But what's the science behind this paradox?

Embarking on the research of "pleasurable sadness," Dr. Jonna Vuoskoski, a professor of music cognition at the Department of Psychology of University of Oslo noted that those high on the empathy scale resonate the most with these somber artworks. Vuoskoski suggests that for these empathetic souls, delving into melancholic art is akin to a nostalgic journey, filled with wonder and tranquility.

Yet, there's more to this puzzle.

The Therapeutic Role of Melancholic Music

A 2019 study out of the University of South Florida delved into the listening preferences of those grappling with major depressive disorder.

They found that these individuals are often drawn to somber tunes not to wallow but to find solace. Contrary to the belief of some, this study proposes that such music might offer a gentle respite, a peaceful interlude, to those battling inner turmoil.

Music cognition expert Tuomas Eerola from Durham University, UK, offers another perspective. While personal connections are unparalleled in their comforting potential, there exists a unique solace in a heartfelt ballad.

This profound connection, he suggests, comes from the non-invasive nature of music. A melody, unlike a friend or family member, offers empathy devoid of judgment or interrogation.

Embracing Sorrow for Emotional Relief

Another study, interestingly titled after the Beatles' classic "Let it Be," delves into the therapeutic potential of embracing rather than evading sorrowful emotions.

This acceptance, rather paradoxically, may pave the way to more positive emotional outcomes, the study found. This finding suggests that immersing oneself in sad films or music may be one form of therapeutic acceptance.

Eerola further elucidates this point, emphasizing the irreplaceable solace that familiar tunes, films, or artworks can provide during challenging times. These soul-stirring pieces, rather than deepening our despair, offer a poignant reminder of shared human experiences, providing a comforting embrace in the process.

In essence, these melancholic masterpieces serve not as harbingers of prolonged sorrow, but as bridges to relief, pleasure, and an enriched emotional connection with the world around us. And isn’t that an embrace we could all do with a little more of?