Introducing a new model of emotion dysregulation with implications for everyday use of music and music therapy

Abstract

Music has the power to modify feelings and evoke emotions. Thus, not surprisingly, emotion regulation is one of the primary goals of the everyday use of music. Music therapists often use the effects of music to address emotions and emotional problems in their musical work. Although an increasing number of publications address emotion regulation and the influence of music in terms of regulating emotions, the quantity of different approaches makes orientation difficult. This article aims to define the core features of emotion regulation and present an integrative model of emotion dysregulation, with a focus on how dysregulation evolves. This paper first discusses current definitions and concepts of emotion regulation from the fields of musicology and psychology. Next, focusing on dysregulation, the article introduces a new model of emotion dysregulation based on a review of relevant literature. This model views dysregulation as the consequence of chronic over- or underregulation or as the result of relying solely on harmful regulation strategies. Finally, the initial implications for everyday music and music therapy are addressed.