Psychoanalytic theory of aggression and mastery in the music listening experience: a review of the literature

Abstract: This literature-review thesis argues that aggressive energy manifested from the destructive drive Thanatos is channelled into the music listening experience. Multileveled psychic involvement facilitated by the structure in music and the symbolism of the listener invites id expression via reghression, incorporation, identification and sublimation. Listener involvement is indicated by emotion, explained as the combination of physical arousal and cognitive orienting processes. Neutralization of aggressive energy, or mastery is experienced as pleasure. Implications for music therapy are applied and suggestions are made for future research.

Keyword(s): Psychoanalytic, aggression, mastery, listening.

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