This article examines the connection between music and mental health, highlighting that music lovers, including musicians, may be more prone to emotional challenges like depression and anxiety. Research suggests that genetic factors may play a role in both musical involvement and mental health risks. The article also explores how music preferences reflect deeper emotional and cognitive traits, emphasizing the complex relationship between music, emotions, and mental well-being.
In this era of globalization, despite the unprecedented speed and breadth of information dissemination, language barriers remain a significant challenge in mutual understanding and communication. People from different countries and regions, speaking different languages, often find it difficult to directly exchange thoughts and emotions. However, there is one force that can transcend these invisible boundaries: "music."
As German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said: "Without music, life would be a mistake."
However, despite music’s magical charm, groups of music lovers, such as professional musicians, hobbyists, and instrumentalists like pianists and violinists, seem to be more prone to mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. There was even a viral phenomenon online called "nighttime web depression" or "Wang Yi Yun"—certain melodies and lyrics seem to stir feelings of sadness, making us reflect deeply, and even touching the softest parts of our hearts.
But is this merely a coincidence, or is there a deeper connection?
To explore the answer, a study delved into the relationship between musical involvement and mental health. The study not only revealed that music enthusiasts face a higher risk of mental health problems but also explored the potential causes behind this phenomenon—shared genetic influences (known as genetic pleiotropy) or gene-environment interactions. The results indicated that individuals with higher polygenic scores (indicating higher risk for depression and bipolar disorder) were more likely to engage in musical activities, practice music more frequently, and achieve higher artistic accomplishments.
To explore the genetic relationship between music involvement and mental health, researchers chose a unique sample—twins. The advantage of twin studies is that twins share both the same genetic and environmental backgrounds, allowing researchers to more accurately analyze the impact of genetic factors.
This study covered 5,648 Swedish twins, gathering detailed information on their musical participation (such as whether they play an instrument, practice time, and musical achievements) and mental health status (including self-reported mental health problems and formal psychiatric diagnoses from national patient registries).
Are music lovers more prone to emotional distress?
Preliminary analysis, excluding genetic factors, showed that those actively involved in music activities had higher rates of depression symptoms and experiences similar to mental illness. However, this association was not significant in clinical diagnoses. In other words, while "musicians" may be more prone to emotional distress, this does not significantly increase the likelihood of being formally diagnosed with depression or anxiety.
Moreover, researchers found similar associations between artistic achievement and mental health problems. Those who achieved high artistic success (in music, dance, writing, etc.) had more self-reported mental health issues and were more likely to be diagnosed with mental illnesses. In contrast, individuals with achievements in science or regular exercise exhibited better mental health and fewer health issues. This suggests that the relationship between musical involvement and mental health may not be simple and could be influenced by other factors.
Figure 1. Hazard ratios (HR) for the effects of music participation, music practice, music achievement, arts and science achievement, sports participation, and sports practice on registered mental health diagnoses in survival analysis
Genetic risk plays a significant role
Next, researchers delved deeper into the role of genetic factors in the relationship between musical involvement and mental health. They discovered that those genetically predisposed to depression or bipolar disorder were more likely to engage in musical activities and spend more time practicing music. This result suggests that the connection between music involvement and mental health might be partly due to the interaction of genetic factors.
Interestingly, this connection remained even after excluding those who were officially diagnosed with mental health disorders. In other words, even if an individual did not show any mental health problems, if their genes indicated a higher risk of depression or bipolar disorder, they were still more likely to "play music." This suggests that the relationship between musical involvement and mental health may not depend entirely on whether an individual actually experiences mental health issues.
Additionally, researchers found that those genetically more sensitive to music (for example, individuals who are naturally more responsive to rhythm and melody) were also at a higher risk for depression. This result was independent of whether they actively participated in music activities or how much music they engaged with. In other words, even if someone never touched an instrument, if their genes showed a high sensitivity to music, they could still be more susceptible to depression. This finding further supports the importance of genetic factors in the connection between musical involvement and mental health.
Figure 2. Odds ratios (OR) or standardized regression coefficients (β) for the effects of polygenic scores (PGS) on music participation, music practice, music achievement, arts and science achievement, sports participation, and sports practice
Gene-environment interactions
Finally, researchers explored the impact of gene-environment interactions on mental health. They attempted to determine whether the effects of musical involvement on mental health differed depending on an individual’s genetic predisposition. In other words, for those genetically predisposed to depression, could music bring them more psychological comfort?
The results were unexpected: gene-environment interactions did not significantly affect mental health. Regardless of an individual’s genetic risk, the effects of musical involvement on mental health were consistent. This implies that the influence of music involvement on mental health may be influenced by other unidentified factors, rather than solely by genetic susceptibility.
Figure 3. Hazard ratios (HR) for the effects of general musicality polygenic scores on registered mental health diagnoses, and standardized regression coefficients (β) and p-values for the effects on self-reported depression and psychotic-like experiences
In conclusion, this study reveals that the link between music involvement and mental health is partly driven by shared genetic factors, rather than a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The complex relationship between musical involvement and mental health likely involves a combination of multiple factors, including but not limited to genetic background, personal experiences, and their interactions.
However, this is just one facet of understanding the relationship between music and mental health. Furthermore, music seems to reflect some deeper emotional and cognitive differences. For instance, some people prefer calm and soothing music, while others are drawn to vigorous and high-energy melodies. Have you ever wondered why the same music can evoke completely different feelings in different people?
A study revealed that these differences in music preferences are not just about personal taste; they actually reflect our differing ways of understanding and processing emotions.
David M. Greenberg and his team explored this question in two studies, uncovering why people develop preferences for different types of music. They found that these preferences were closely tied to two core abilities: empathy (the ability to understand others’ emotions) and systemizing (the ability to analyze and understand complex systems). Differences in these abilities can explain why some people prefer gentle, warm music, while others are more inclined toward intense, high-energy music. These differences could even be summarized as different "cognitive brain types."
Study 1: The Relationship Between Empathy and Music Preference
In Study 1, the researchers invited over 2,000 participants, divided into four groups, to listen to various types of music and report their preferences for each. Each participant also completed a questionnaire to assess their empathy level (also known as emotional intelligence or EQ). The key question was whether there were differences in music preferences between those with high and low empathy.
The results showed a significant correlation between empathy levels and music preferences. Those with higher empathy (referred to as "empaths") were more likely to enjoy softer, warmer, and emotionally deep music, such as R&B/soul, adult contemporary, and soft rock. This type of music typically makes people feel comfortable and relaxed. On the other hand, those with lower empathy (referred to as "non-empaths") preferred more intense, energetic, and high-energy music, such as punk, heavy metal, and hard rock, which often bring excitement and vitality.
This difference was not only observed in different music types but also within specific genres. For example, among rock music fans, empaths tended to prefer gentler rock, while non-empaths favored more intense rock. Similarly, in jazz music, empaths gravitated toward smooth, warm jazz, while non-empaths preferred more complex, high-energy jazz.
The study also found that women generally scored higher on empathy than men, but this did not affect the relationship between empathy and music preferences. Even when controlling for gender, empaths still preferred softer music, while non-empaths favored more intense music. The research further considered the "Big Five" personality traits, and the correlation between empathy and music preference remained significant, independent of personality traits.
Figure 4. Relationship between empathy quotient and music preference
Study 2: The Impact of Systemizing and Cognitive Brain Types on Music Preference
To explore how systemizing ability and cognitive "brain types" influence music preference, the research team conducted another study. Systemizing ability refers to the capacity to analyze and understand complex systems. The study recruited 353 participants, who completed both empathy and systemizing ability tests (EQ and SQ-R) and were classified into different cognitive "brain types":
● E-type (Empathic): High empathy, low systemizing ability.
● S-type (Systemizing): High systemizing ability, low empathy.
● B-type (Balanced): Balanced levels of both empathy and systemizing ability.
These participants then listened to various music styles and reported their preferences. The study found that those with high systemizing ability (S-type) preferred more intense, high-energy music, such as punk, heavy metal, and hard rock. In contrast, those with high empathy (E-type) were more inclined to enjoy softer, warmer, and emotionally deep music, such as R&B/soul, adult contemporary, and soft rock. This finding aligns with Study 1’s results.
Additionally, the study revealed preference differences between E-type and S-type individuals in specific music attributes. E-types preferred low-arousal (gentle, warm) and emotionally deep (sad, poetic) music, typically containing strings and sounding very soft. S-types, on the other hand, favored high-arousal (intense, tense, stimulating) and positive emotions (uplifting, lively) music, often containing electric guitars, brass instruments, and fast, loud rhythms.
In conclusion, this study revealed that music preference is not just about personal taste; it is closely related to our cognitive styles—empathy and systemizing ability. Empaths tend to prefer softer, warmer, and emotionally deep music, while systemizers prefer more intense, high-energy music. These differences can even be summarized as distinct "cognitive brain types."
Figure 5. Mean preferences for music dimensions by cognitive “brain type”
In summary, these two studies not only showcase the complex relationship between music and mental health but also delve into the psychological basis for music preferences. I believe that music lovers possess a unique language—a way of perceiving life and communicating emotions. Through this magical language, we can transcend time and borders, finding comfort in resonance and strength in melody.
Finally, we hope every music lover can continue to explore and enjoy their favorite songs, discovering the therapeutic power of music, and continuing to resonate with each unique and beautiful note.