In a study conducted by the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, participants of the study were tested on how different types of music affect the overall mood of a person.

Rock music seemed to increase sadness, tension, and hostility. It also resulted in reductions of caring, relaxation, mental stability, and the ability to work hard.

“I tend not to listen to really heavy rock music sometimes because it stresses me out. It can be really intense, but I also understand why certain people like it,” sophomore Anais Cabello said.

When listening to designed music, music made to have specific effects on the listener, the people felt increases in caring, relaxation, mental stability, and the ability to work hard. They lacked any hostile or bad moods.

“Whenever I’m stressed out, I like listening to soft music with raindrops in the background. It’s made specifically to be relaxing, and I think it really works for me,” junior Maya Sheth said.

New Age and classical music results varied, but overall people portrayed a positive, relaxing mood.

“I like listening to classical music while I work because it helps me concentrate,” senior Sneha Rajagopal said.

In all types of music, shifts of mood were very prominent. The use of designer music may be useful in treatment facilities for mental problems or negative feelings.

To learn more about how music affects the brain, click here.