Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science Article Recommendation--Music and Adolescent Mental Health: A Deep Connection

In today's digital age, music is an inseparable part of teenagers' lives. It's not just entertainment but a crucial medium for emotional expression and psychological adjustment. So, how exactly does music impact adolescents' mental health? Let's dive into this complex and fascinating relationship.

Music can be a double-edged sword when it comes to adolescents' mental health. On the positive side, it significantly boosts teenagers' mood and alleviates stress and anxiety. Research shows that up to 49.2% of adolescents experience improved emotions through music. Different genres have distinct effects: traditional music sparks inspiration, while low-frequency music helps ease sadness and stress. Moreover, music is a vital resource for adolescents to build their identity and cope with life's challenges.

However, music isn't always beneficial. Certain genres like rock and heavy metal have been linked to negative emotions and risk-taking behaviors in teenagers. For instance, adolescents who prefer these genres may be more prone to depression, aggression, and drug use. Additionally, young musicians face the challenge of performance anxiety, which can negatively affect their mental wellbeing.

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Music Therapy: A Promising Psychological Intervention

Music therapy has emerged as a powerful tool for adolescent mental health intervention. When combined with positive psychology, it enhances adolescents' hope and emotional abilities, reduces anxiety, and increases happiness. For example, studies have found that music therapy provides bereaved adolescents with a platform for emotional expression and connection. It also helps them cope with the challenges of loss.

Group music therapy is also gaining attention. By facilitating group interaction and consensus support, it enhances participants' sense of belonging and offers a channel for communication and social interaction. This approach has been particularly effective in helping displaced adolescents process trauma-related emotions in a safe environment.

Social Phenomena: The Mental Health Landscape Behind Music

Music preferences can reflect adolescents' mental health status. Those in psychological distress are more likely to choose heavy metal music and may feel sadder or more stressed after listening to it. This doesn't mean music causes these issues but rather mirrors the mental state of young people.

In reality, we observe that teenagers in depressive moods often lean towards sad music, which might deepen their negative emotions. Conversely, upbeat music can energize them and help them overcome psychological slumps.

Implications for Music Education

The relationship between music and adolescent mental health is complex and multi- dimensional. Music education should go beyond skill-teaching and focus on students' psychological growth and emotional needs. Music teachers should offer diverse materials and create an environment where adolescents can freely express and process their emotions.

Music holds immense power that can either boost or undermine adolescents' mental health. It's our responsibility to guide young people in using music positively, turning it into a trusted companion on their growth journey.

The connection between music and adolescent mental health is far more profound and complex than we might imagine. It not only affects individual development but also reflects the diversity and evolution of social culture. Let's listen with care and guide with love to create a positive and energetic musical world for adolescents.

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The study was published in Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science, Hill Publishing Group

https://www.hillpublisher.com/ArticleDetails/4446 

How to cite this paper: Zishan Xiong, Peng Jin. (2025) A Review of Literature on Music and Adolescent Mental Health. Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science, 9(2), 211-218.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2025.02.001