Date of Award

Summer 8-1-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Thomas Johnson

Second Advisor

Elizabeth O'Laughlin

Third Advisor

Virgil Sheets

Abstract

This study sought to bolster research related to the function of sad music listening. Music listening is a common coping strategy for individuals attempting to cope with and manage different emotional states, including negative or sad moods and emotions. Research surrounding self-reported reasons or motivations for listening to sad music outlines several factors that appear to serve as mood-management strategies. However, there are discrepancies among these motivations across research, which thus far has consisted of qualitative interviews of participants. (Garrido & Schubert, 2011; Saarikallio & Ekkila, 2007; Van den Tol & Edwards, 2013). Additionally, it is unclear whether listening to sad music helps promote adaptive problemsolving strategies, such as reflection, serves as a means for expressive suppression through distraction, or if negative attentional biases increase sad music listening (Garrido & Schubert, 2013b; Gotlib et al., 2004; Wenzlaff & Bates, 1998). The current study utilized quantitative data collected from 221 undergraduate students at a Midwestern university. Consistent with hypotheses, results produced Diversion and Emotional Arousal factors as motivations for listening to sad music in addition to four other components: Catharsis/Validation, Mood Repair/Relaxation, Memory Retrieval, and Mental Work/Reflection. All but one component (Diversion) predicted sad music listening. Contrary to hypotheses, the current study did not find support that those who endorsed reflection as a motivator for listening to sad music tended to engage in rumination more than reflection. Findings revealed that contrary to hypotheses, the component of Diversion was not associated with expressive suppression. Given the relationship between sad music listening and depressive symptoms in this study, results have clinical implications that may be considered when treating those with depression who listen to sad music.

Download

Share

COinS