An Investigation into Music Found to Trigger Peak Emotional Experiences during Controlled Listening Experiments

Abstract

Peak emotional experiences can be triggered inter alia by music (Maslow 1962). 74 college staff members, from a population previously surveyed for incidences of such experiences, listened to music selections under controlled conditions and recorded the timings of any peak events that might have occurred. An attempt was then made to identify and analyse points in the music that had triggered high incidences of peaks, such as changes in harmony, key or loudness. Although there were individual differences, at the macro level the recorded peaks during 25 to 30 minutes of gentle music revealed an alternating high-low response pattern between different pieces, but such a trend was less obvious with upbeat items. Some reasons for these findings are suggested. The results may have value for those who use music for healing purposes, especially music therapists, and for composers or compilers of music programmes who need to anticipate listener reaction.