What Is The Impact of Music On The Brain's Emotional Thinking?

I. The Meaning of Music 

“Music is something you can feel with your eyes, mind, and heart.” - Ha Yi Chan, Twinkling Watermelon 

Music is an art that uses sound to be able to express and influence our emotions, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; thus, take part in emotional expression and communication. 

II. The Physiology of the Human Brain Connected to Emotions 

The Structures 

The brain has the ability to process emotions rooted from several structures, and which allows it to respond when we listen to music. 

It is said that, “the limbic system is a group of interconnected brain structures that help regulate your emotions and behavior. The structures (also known as components or parts) of the limbic system work together with other brain regions by processing your memory, thoughts and motivations, then tell your body how to respond” (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). Thus, the limbic system plays a role in emotion regulation and response. 

Vallejo (2023) highlights the parts of the brain that controls emotions. These areas collaborate to influence emotional response, shaping and managing emotions. The hypothalamus has a paramount importance in controlling emotional reactions, and 

which also manages the hormone release. The hippocampus aids in storing and recalling memories, and helps understand our spatial surroundings. The amygdala handles responses to environmental stimuli, especially those evoking emotional reactions. It is crucial in fear and anger experiences. The limbic cortex, composed of the cingulate gyrus and parahippocampal gyrus, impacts mood, motivation, and judgment.

Solomon (2024) discusses the neurobiology of emotion; the core of the emotional brain activity lies within the limbic forebrain, which are all subcortical (below the cerebral cortex). The article highlights a research from Joseph E. LeDoux, an American neuroscientist, explains that fear triggered by sound signals travels through the auditory pathway which goes to the thalamus (responsible for relaying information) to the dorsal amygdala (responsible for evaluating information) where the brain assesses this information to generate emotional responses that is activated by way of the thalamo-amygdala pathway that leads to rapid automatic emotional responses. Additionally, emotions can also be provoked through the thalamus to the neocortex pathway (outer part of the cerebral cortex) which underlies cognitive appraisal and evaluation of events. Furthermore, it emphasizes the two neural pathways that trigger emotions, which are the cortical (outer layer of the cerebrum) and subcortical (below the cortex). 

● Cortical: The two hemispheres of the brain differently process emotions. Different emotional states correlate with various brain activity levels in specific areas. The right hemisphere is more attuned to negative emotions which is able to distinguish different emotional expressions. This causes the amygdala and right prefrontal cortex to show increased activity. On the other hand, the left hemisphere is linked to have positive emotions which show increased activity in the left prefrontal cortex, while the amygdala and the right prefrontal cortex remain silent. 

● Subcortical: The thalamo-amygdala pathway for rapid, automatic responses and the thalamus to neocortex pathway for cognitive appraisal and evaluation of events. It explains how infants react emotionally to pain and why adults have a firm inclination towards something and have emotional reactions before recognizing it. 

Neurotransmitters and Hormones

Music can create an impact on the release of various neurotransmitters and hormones that are crucial for emotion regulation. It is known that dopamine is a positive neurotransmitter that is released as a response to pleasurable music which reinforces a positive disposition. Likewise, oxytocin is the bonding and connection neurotransmitter which can increase during shared musical experiences. It also discusses that the stress hormone known as cortisol, can be reduced as it is being outweighed by promoting relaxation and enhancing emotional well-being. The biochemistry behind states that music can serve as a powerful tool for emotional modulation. (Hoffer et al. 2024) 

III. The Psychology of the Human Brain Connected to Emotions 

James-Lange Theory 

According to Fadok (2023), the James-Lange theory posits that emotions are rooted from physiological reactions to stimuli, in which our brain perceives these changes to generate our emotional experiences. In the context of music, the musical elements such as tempo and rhythm can affect one’s emotional experience. For instance fast-paced tempo might evoke happiness and excitement while a slow tempo might elicit sadness. These musical features can trigger various emotions based on how our bodies react. 

The Cognitive Appraisal Theory 

PennState (n.d). says that in the Cognitive Appraisal Theory, emotions trigger appraisal that suggest cognitive evaluations follow the emotional experience. In the abovementioned parts of the limbic system lies the hippocampus, which takes on the role of memory. Delving deeper to this means that a particular music can evoke memories, personal association, or reminiscing on a remarkable life event. This in turn triggers a profound emotional response. 

Music Therapy 

The Cleveland Clinic (2023) states that music therapy is a practice used by qualified professionals in which it utilizes music to promote the emotional and psychological benefits of music. Through making sessions productive by having goals in mind,

therapeutic music relaxes any tense emotions in times of need. Trained music therapists use music to address various emotional, cognitive, and social needs. It is said to reduce anxiety and depression, improve emotional expression, and enhance cognitive functioning in individuals with mental health disorders. Beyond therapeutic settings, the capacity of music expands on the notion of influencing emotions and cognitive functions as it can facilitate communication for those struggling with expression. It can enforce emotional intelligence, empathy, and understanding 

IV. The Impact of Music on Brain’s Emotional Thinking 

The impact of music on the brain’s emotional thinking extends beyond the individual to encompass social interaction and collective emotional experiences. It can enhance emotional awareness by engaging with music to facilitate emotional insights and help individuals navigate intricate emotions. In a therapeutic context, music serves as a conduit for emotional introspection and healing. For many, music can be used as a coping strategy to manage emotions as it can provide comfort during times of distress, offering a sense of solace and empathy. 

Understanding the profound impact of music on emotional thinking underscores its significance in promoting mental health and emotional well-being in individuals and communities alike. The exploration of music's influence on our emotions is a testament on the profound impact to one’s well-being, capable of transcending barriers and resonating with the deepest aspects of the human experience.

References 

Cleveland Clinic. (2023, July 18). Music Therapy. Cleveland Clinic. 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8817-music-therapy 

Cleveland Clinic. (2024, April 6). What is the limbic system? Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/limbic-system 

Fadok, J.P. PhD. (2023, November 1). The Brain-Body Connection in Emotions. Psychology Today. 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cant-stress-this-enough/202311/the-brain-bod y-connection-in-emotions#:~:text=Theories%20of%20Emotion,our%20brain%20detectin g%20these%20changes. 

Fink, J. L.W. (n.d.). Why — and How — Music Moves Us. Pfizer. 

https://www.pfizer.com/news/articles/why_and_how_music_moves_us#:~:text=Music%20 and%20Mood,that%20generate%20and%20control%20 

emotions.&text=The%20limbic%20system%2C%20which%20is,when%20our%20ears%20p erceive%20music. 

Hoffer, M. MM MT-BC, Avirett, J. MM MT-BC, Bocharski, K. Music Therapy Intern, Da Costa, J. Music Therapy Intern. (2022, December 2). How Music Affects Your Mind, Mood and Body. Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare. 

https://www.tmh.org/healthy-living/blogs/healthy-living/how-music-affects-your-mind mood-and-body#:~:text=Active%20music%2Dmaking%20positively%20affects,sleep%20p atterns%2C%20anxiety%20and%20pain. 

Solomon, R. C. (2024, May 16). emotion. Encyclopedia Britannica. 

https://www.britannica.com/science/emotion

Vallejo, M. LSCW. (2023, September 23). What Part of The Brain Controls Emotions? Mental Health Center Kids. 

https://mentalhealthcenterkids.com/blogs/articles/what-part-of-the-brain-controls-emot ions#:~:text=Emotions%20originate%20from%20the%20limbic,work%20together%20to% 20control%20emotions. 

(n.d.). MUSIC. Dictionary.com. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/music