Music Lyrics as a Tool for Emotional Processing During Crises, New Research Finds

A recent study conducted by researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem highlights the significant role of song lyrics in helping individuals worldwide cope with emotional distress, grief, and feelings of isolation during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, spearheaded by Professor Renana Peres, Adi Levy from the Business School, and Professor Roni Granot from the Department of Musicology, emphasizes that lyrics serve as a vital emotional anchor, allowing listeners to articulate and process complex feelings that are often hard to express.

The team analyzed over 2,800 songs categorized as 'coping songs' that people from 11 different countries chose during the initial lockdown period. Their findings indicated that the themes within lyrics—such as loss, life and death, belonging, and the soul—align closely with the emotional needs of the listeners. For example, songs discussing themes of loss provided distraction for those seeking refuge from their crises, while those evoking a sense of belonging helped alleviate loneliness.

Interestingly, the study found that the musical features like tempo or harmony did not show consistent links to emotional states. Instead, it is the lyrical content that holds significant psychological weight in emotional regulation. This suggests that listeners use lyrics as a means to connect with their inner experiences, providing comfort and understanding.

The researchers believe that these insights could enhance therapeutic practices, improve personalized music streaming algorithms, and support public mental health initiatives. They also see potential in utilizing lyrics more intentionally during memorial services or emotional healing processes.

Professor Peres emphasizes that this is the first large-scale empirical study to directly connect lyrical themes with coping strategies, underscoring the powerful role of lyrics in emotional expression. Recognizing the psychological impact of words embedded in music can help in developing better mental health support systems, especially during periods of collective trauma.

The full study, published in Frontiers in Psychology, underscores the importance of lyrical content in emotional well-being and offers new avenues to incorporate music into mental health treatment and societal resilience efforts.