Front Psychol August 2013 PMID 23964257

The psychological functions of music listening.

Thomas Schäfer, Peter Sedlmeier, Christine Städtler, David Huron

Mentions

71
Peak: 7 in Feb 2019
across 3 sources since Aug 2017

Extended reach

268,199
potential audience

Total likes

24

Video views

299

Mentions per month

Aug 2017 – Dec 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter43 posts
  • Facebook24 posts
  • YouTube4 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The overall tone reflects strong agreement and keen interest, with many discussions citing specific functions like mood regulation and social bonding, exemplified by phrases like 'music as a powerful unifier' and 'a tool for self-awareness.' The tone and choice of words reveal an appreciation for music's profound psychological roles and its relevance in personal and social contexts, highlighting the research's impact on understanding human behavior.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions align positively with the article's focus on the emotional and social functions of music, showing support and recognition of its importance.

InterestHigh interest

The frequent references and enthusiasm around the topic indicate a high level of curiosity and engagement with the research findings.

EngagementHigh engagement

People actively share additional insights, cite studies, and express personal reflections, reflecting deep involvement with the subject.

ImpactModerate impact

The emphasis on music’s role in emotional regulation and social cohesion suggests that these discussions recognize its significant psychological influence.

Abstract in brief

  • The text explores why people listen to music, highlighting that different theories and methods have led to a varied understanding of musical functions.
  • It identifies three main dimensions of music listening: regulating arousal and mood, achieving self-awareness, and expressing social relatedness, with the first two being most important.
  • The findings suggest that music's primary functions are linked to emotional regulation and self-awareness rather than social bonding, which has implications for psychology and music research.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
kennytheworm
@kennytheworm · X

The psychological functions of music listening, ⁦@SickMolly⁩ This is incredibly long winded, but… I have also pondered his question. https://t.co/COLSWjrCLZ

Feb 17, 2022 · 2 likes · 294 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. #psychology https://t.co/hKQbUTowrt

Jan 27, 2019 · 1 like · 11,284 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. psychology https://t.co/wX6mQLOa0c

Jun 9, 2019 · 1 like · 1 share · 11,284 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. psychology https://t.co/OFvuwiccjc

Feb 3, 2019 · 1 like · 11,284 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. psychology https://t.co/OgKL9kHPmz

Mar 31, 2019 · 1 like · 1 share · 11,284 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. psychology https://t.co/0JwD9qEEKx

May 19, 2019 · 1 like · 11,284 followers View post →

All mentions

Christopher
@gobstoppaz · X

@dlbryantart @LupeFiasco The psychological functions of music listening - PMC https://t.co/rSYZXH5gxK

Aug 1, 2025 · 26 followers View post →
Rinvue
@rinvue · X

@YoussefM1057 @OignonChevalier @channasparkle Des études, comme celle de Schäfer et al. (2013) dans Psychology of Music, explorent justement la relation entre musique et dépendance psychologique. https://t.co/TO2yENlIEF Qu'est-ce qui en ressort ? La musique active bien circuits du plaisir, similaires à ceux stimulés par

Jul 11, 2025 · 55 followers View post →
NAMI Arkansas
@NAMIArkansas · X

"Researchers think one of the most important functions of music is to create a feeling of cohesion or social connectedness. Music remains a powerful way of uniting people." Learn more about how music can impact you: https://t.co/TfuQugv8UV https://t.co/Cdp2KtWBMt

Mar 1, 2025 · 695 followers View post →
The KPU Lifespan Cognition Lab
@Lifespancog_lab · X

FUN FACT FRIDAY! Music can fulfill a variety of purposes for us, such as aiding with self-awareness, mood regulation, and mental stimulation. See the article by Schäfer et al. (2013)! https://t.co/mS97dFor6Z #lifespancognitionlab #kpupsych #funfact #cognition #psychology #music https://t.co/qgX92NsWac

Mar 3, 2023 · 1 like · 80 followers View post →
The KPU Lifespan Cognition Lab
@Lifespancog_lab · X

FUN FACT FRIDAY! Music can promote self-awareness! The ability to convey and alter feelings alongside helping listeners process thoughts gives music this power. See the article by Schäfer et al. (2013)! https://t.co/mS97dFor6Z #kpupsych #funfact #cognition #psychology #music https://t.co/9pEYBIikcM

Feb 10, 2023 · 80 followers View post →
All Files&News
@AllFilesNews1 · X

Frontiers | The psychological functions of music listening | Psychology https://t.co/VoK0tmEmNb

Sep 5, 2022 · 116 followers View post →
kennytheworm
@kennytheworm · X

The psychological functions of music listening, ⁦@SickMolly⁩ This is incredibly long winded, but… I have also pondered his question. https://t.co/COLSWjrCLZ

Feb 17, 2022 · 2 likes · 294 followers View post →
JiaheRichardZhu
@Richard76517776 · X

Music listening is one of the most enigmatic of human behaviors. Andriy Myachykov, 2013, The psychological functions of music listening, accessed on 5 January 5, 2022,<https://t.co/XnNHL39fcR>

Jan 5, 2022 View post →
Radio ADITYA 87.6 FM Pekanbaru
@aditya876fm · X

[Manfaat Mendengarkan Musik bagi Kesehatan] Sebuah studi berjudul “The psychological functions of music listening” mengatakan bahwa salah satu fungsi musik yang paling penting adalah untuk menciptakan keterhubungan sosial. https://t.co/oRkHtzYSm2

Jul 26, 2021 · 3,423 followers View post →
Gökhan Şahin
@sahingokhan · X

Araştırmacılar, kişilerin müziği, duygudurum düzenlemek, öz farkındalığa ulaşmak ve bir sosyal ilişki ifadesi olarak dinlediklerini göstermişler ama gece 12'den sonra ne olduğu konusuna hiç bakmamışlar. Hakem olsam direk reddederdim. https://t.co/0zYWMFs2fX

Jun 22, 2021 · 602 followers View post →
Jesús Méndez
@jesusmendezzz · X

▶️ Sobre evolución, música y esta como una "tecnología transformadora de la mente" https://t.co/OQppQoqMaY ▶️ Sobre las razones por las que escuchamos música hoy día: https://t.co/4qpfN6q262

Oct 9, 2020 · 2,873 followers View post →
Ken
@Keneno602 · X

音楽の心理的役割 ①arousal and mood regulation ②self-awareness ③social relatedness 作詞作曲をする人からすると自分の気持ちを表現したり、社会を象る道具でもある。あと音楽は国や文化によっても役割はだいぶ変わるよね、 https://t.co/uxKrTnEyZ9

Apr 14, 2020 · 41 followers View post →
Richard J Varey
@RVarey · X

The psychological functions of music listening https://t.co/WUWXxD8WtD

Feb 20, 2020 · 15 followers View post →
Craig Michael
@craigmichaeljr · X

The psychological functions of music listening https://t.co/aCvoOvYMPq via @instapaper

Sep 20, 2019 · 95 followers View post →
Giselle Woodley
@dr__gis · X

The psychological functions of music listening https://t.co/iMdDatOR6t #journal #music #peerreview

Aug 21, 2019 · 1,208 followers View post →
Dr Carmel Rodgers Northern Ireland Prestige Awards
@rodgers_carmel · X

RT @psych101: Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. psychology https://t.…

Jun 24, 2019 · 1 share · 2,004 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. psychology https://t.co/WWN0HCLqtx

Jun 23, 2019 · 1 share · 11,284 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. psychology https://t.co/ZQIv6mFmlS

Jun 16, 2019 · 11,284 followers View post →
IDEA AMELIORATOR;INNOVATOR; #InPlainSight INVENTOR
@Amethyst7purple · X

RT @psych101: Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. psychology https://t.…

Jun 12, 2019 · 1 share · 3,206 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. psychology https://t.co/wX6mQLOa0c

Jun 9, 2019 · 1 like · 1 share · 11,284 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. psychology https://t.co/bYCWVMbsAi

Jun 2, 2019 · 11,284 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. psychology https://t.co/dSIFCeagjq

May 26, 2019 · 11,284 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. psychology https://t.co/0JwD9qEEKx

May 19, 2019 · 1 like · 11,284 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. #psychology https://t.co/aMT1sHXial

May 12, 2019 · 11,284 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. psychology https://t.co/1UyGCr4pXb

May 5, 2019 · 11,284 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. #psychology https://t.co/jxlQ8VERP4

Apr 14, 2019 · 11,284 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. #psychology https://t.co/AZI6eDOH9p

Apr 7, 2019 · 11,284 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. psychology https://t.co/OgKL9kHPmz

Mar 31, 2019 · 1 like · 1 share · 11,284 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. psychology https://t.co/uR7kLa5KGY

Mar 24, 2019 · 11,284 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. #psychology https://t.co/MwPWdfPxx8

Mar 17, 2019 · 11,284 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. #psychology https://t.co/co4hIOPkbO

Mar 10, 2019 · 11,284 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. psychology https://t.co/kjFHw5LhVJ

Mar 3, 2019 · 11,284 followers View post →
Wiegold
@vievararosel · X

RT @psych101: Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. #psychology https://t…

Feb 24, 2019 · 1 share · 1,278 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. #psychology https://t.co/zhUiUyafz6

Feb 24, 2019 · 1 share · 11,284 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. psychology https://t.co/2alLQlPCD0

Feb 17, 2019 · 11,284 followers View post →
Wiegold
@vievararosel · X

RT @psych101: Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. #psychology https://t…

Feb 10, 2019 · 1 share · 1,278 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. psychology https://t.co/OFvuwiccjc

Feb 3, 2019 · 1 like · 11,284 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. #psychology https://t.co/hKQbUTowrt

Jan 27, 2019 · 1 like · 11,284 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. psychology https://t.co/Hg0OlOHf4I

Jan 20, 2019 · 11,284 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. psychology https://t.co/NIFon3QR85

Jan 13, 2019 · 1 like · 11,284 followers View post →
Wiegold
@vievararosel · X

RT @psych101: Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. #psychology https://t…

Jan 7, 2019 · 1 share · 1,278 followers View post →
David Webb
@psych101 · X

Visit --> https://t.co/ooz4ZKEhFI to read a fascinating research article on why people listen to music. #psychology https://t.co/dASi39RyOY

Jan 6, 2019 · 1 share · 11,284 followers View post →
BigDru
@BigDru · X

The psychological functions of music listening https://t.co/nbFMVyNhvv

Jan 3, 2019 · 747 followers View post →
Music is life for me, my purpose on earth – Efya https://3news.com ...
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https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg. 2013.00511/full #lifespancognitionlab #kpupsych #funfact #cognition #psychology #music.

Dec 12, 2025 View →
"Music is my life, it helped me discover my purpose ...
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Dec 10, 2025 View →
and subconsciously, we run to music when we're feeling down
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2013, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00511 Young, Rob. “Music By Nature.” Sound Matters, Sound Matters, 1 Feb. 2019, journal.beoplay. com/journal ...

Oct 31, 2025 View →
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Oct 15, 2025 View →
Head back, eyes closed, booted feet on outstretched legs, and using ...
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2013, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00511 Young, Rob. “Music By Nature.” Sound Matters, Sound Matters, 1 Feb. 2019, journal.beoplay. com/journal ...

Oct 7, 2024 View →
Work hard until you feel this proud
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Jul 11, 2024 View →
Share this post with everyone you know. Awareness is key.
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Where words fail, music speaks.
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2013, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00511 Young, Rob. “Music By Nature.” Sound Matters, Sound Matters, 1 Feb. 2019, journal.beoplay. com/journal ...

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Hey Richard Shaw " MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC Put another nickel in ...
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2013, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00511 Young, Rob. “Music By Nature.” Sound Matters, Sound Matters, 1 Feb. 2019, journal.beoplay. com/journal ...

Oct 23, 2022 View →
Thanks to my parents for given birth to Me! Meaningful Music is our ...
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Power is gained by sharing knowledge Not by hiding it ❤️
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Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. February 8th, 2022 -- Music is a tool, a ...
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Music facts in psychology
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Jun 17, 2021 View →
There's something about music that goes beyond our species ...
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Memories triggered by music from childhood
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2013, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00511 Young, Rob. “Music By Nature.” Sound Matters, Sound Matters, 1 Feb. 2019, journal.beoplay. com/journal ...

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2013, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00511 Young, Rob. “Music By Nature.” Sound Matters, Sound Matters, 1 Feb. 2019, journal.beoplay. com/journal ...

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Music evokes complex emotional reactions instantly
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2013, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00511 Young, Rob. “Music By Nature.” Sound Matters, Sound Matters, 1 Feb. 2019, journal.beoplay. com/journal ...

Feb 6, 2019 View →
Oh look, you're all doing something academic and meaningful (or ...
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Music can do so much ❤️✌️
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North West University South Africa article on music pleasure
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Sep 12, 2018 View →
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2013, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00511 Young, Rob. “Music By Nature.” Sound Matters, Sound Matters, 1 Feb. 2019, journal.beoplay. com/journal ...

Jul 31, 2018 View →
The power of music in my life
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Dec 9, 2017 View →
MIRTH OF MUSIC ............................................................
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2013, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00511 Young, Rob. “Music By Nature.” Sound Matters, Sound Matters, 1 Feb. 2019, journal.beoplay. com/journal ...

Aug 31, 2017 View →