The relationship between music, degree of liking, and self-reported relaxation

Author(s): Zalanowski, A. H.

Journal/Book: Journal of Music Therapy. 1984; 21: Silver Spring, Maryland, USA. National Association for Music Therapy 8455 Colesville Rd., Suite 930 20910 Silver Spring, Maryland USA. 184-192.

Abstract: The role of music in relaxation was examined by having subjects rate their level of relaxation after fifteen minutes of either listening to one of five types of music or sitting in silence. Subjects also rated the pleasurable quality of the experience, ability to empty the mind, and liking of the music. No single type of music was found to lead to significantly more relaxation; however, atonal music produced significantly less relaxation. The most important factor in relaxation was the degree of liking for the music; significant correlations occurred between liking and relaxation, pleasure and not thinking. Individual preferences must thus be considered when using music to aid relaxation; precategorized soothing music may not always be soothing.

Keyword(s): music, music-listening, tension, preference, relaxation-training.

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