Qld Uni Researchers Find Heavy Music Is Basically The Same As 'A Warm Hug'

This probably goes a long way towards explaining why heavy metal fans are some of the most physically frightening but nonetheless approachable and friendly people around — a study into the effects of "extreme music" has determined that fans of aggressive tunes enjoy positive emotional benefits akin to those generated by "a warm hug" from exposure to their jams of choice when experiencing anger or other unpleasant sensations.

The research, which targeted listeners between 18-34 years of age and has been published in academic journal Frontiers In Human Neuroscience, was carried out by University Of Queensland psychology honours student Leah Sharman and Dr Genevieve Dingle. To acquire their findings, participants were put through a 16-minute "anger induction" session, in which they described events or periods in their lives that invoked negative feelings, before being monitored for a baseline period, then spending 10 minutes each listening to a song of their choice and in silence. They were then monitored a final time.

Surprisingly, Sharman said, "All of the responses indicated that extreme music listeners appear to use their choice of music for positive self-regulatory purposes."

As UQ News reports, the results, compiled from a sample of 39 participants — the majority of whom (74%) were Australian-born — stand in stark contrast to existing studies that have historically shown a link between "loud and chaotic music" and negative emotional or physical behaviour.

"We found the music regulated sadness and enhanced positive emotions," Sharman told the university. "The music helped them explore the full gamut of emotion they felt, but also left them feeling more active and inspired.

"Results showed levels of hostility, irritability and stress decreased after music was introduced, and the most significant change reported was the level of inspiration they felt."

"A secondary aim for the study was to see what music angry participants would select from their playlist," Sharman continued.

"It was interesting that half the chosen songs contained themes of anger or aggression, with the remainder containing themes like, though not limited to, isolation and sadness, yet participants reported they used music to enhance their happiness, immerse themselves in feelings of love and enhance their well-being."

You heard the scientists: get a quick shot of happiness below before you carry on with your day.