Music and peak experiences: An empirical study

Journal/Book: Mankind Quart. 1998; 39: 1133 13Th St NW, #C-2, Washington, DC 20005, USA. Inst Study Man. 203-224.

Abstract: Anomalous experiences, such as inner voices or moments of revelation, have been reported from the earliest of times, and music has often been associated with them. Tapes of music were played on two occasions to 74 individual members of college staff who had previously completed questionnaires on their histories of peak experiences, based on the descriptions of Maslow, and the associated antecedents. By pressing a button synchronized to the music, some 77% of participants indicated that at least one significant experience had occurred to them during the sessions. Significantly more reports occurred with upbeat music than was the case with gentle music. Thoughts and feelings evoked by the music were noted on post-test questionnaires: some indicated strong emotional reactions or mystical images, the more so with the upbeat music. Although association of the music with previous events may have been partly responsible for the participant responses, arousal theory also appeared to be implicated in the reactions. Whether or not such strong affective responses can be brought about in the listener simply through manipulation of a composition, is contrasted with the notion that music may have inherent emotional qualities.

Note: Article Lowis MJ, Nene Univ Coll, Dept Psychol, Northampton NN2 7AL, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): peak experiences; altered states of consciousness; music; arousal; evoked memories

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