Many metalheads feel an intense sense of brotherhood among fellow fans, which can provide great source of support. A recent study suggests that listening to heavy metal music helps mitigate anger when faced with stressful or upsetting events, according to their researchers.
Research findings tend to be correlational rather than causal, so it is critical that we gain an understanding of how genre preferences influence emotion regulation strategies with consideration given to gender and personality characteristics.
1. It’s good for your brain
Music has long been used as a way for humans to regulate emotions, communicate ideas and spark creativity. Though some genres of music may be linked with aggression, depression and lack of empathy, research shows otherwise: listening to music actually increases brain activity when we enjoy it! Music helps us learn while at the same time alleviating negative feelings – one study even found metal music helped individuals respond quicker after experiencing trauma!
Although correlational evidence suggests heavy metal music has been linked with aggression, delinquency and disregard for social norms (including sexism) in adolescents, causal inferences remain difficult due to preferences not being controlled for. Regardless, these associations have led to concerns regarding its use among youth; some mental health and correctional institutions restrict this form of music use among this demographic.
Metallica and Black Sabbath provide many metalheads with an outlet from everyday pressures, expressing anger and finding strength through them. Furthermore, studies have found that students who regularly listen to metal perform better academically due to how it enhances memory retention and sharpens minds.
One of the greatest things about metal music is the sense of community it fosters. Being a metalhead can be an excellent way to meet other like-minded outcasts, providing vital support for mental wellbeing. Next time you feel isolated or alone, headbang to some loud metal tracks – you might just be amazed at how quickly your mood and emotions improve!
2. It’s good for your heart
Heavy metal music may have a reputation for inciting anger and hostility, yet it actually offers many health benefits to listeners. From concerts to solo headbanging sessions in your room, the music helps regulate negative emotions like frustration and depression that could otherwise lead to health complications; by listening to metal songs frequently and enjoying them you may reap even greater benefits than expected.
Although metal has often been linked with violent crimes, the root cause may lie outside its music itself – rather its fans. According to one recent study, metalheads tend to be significantly happier and better-adjusted than non-metalheads due to the sense of community among metal fans that is so beneficial to mental health and wellbeing.
As for the physical health benefits, Vera Clinic in Istanbul conducted a recent study which has reported that blasting metal can actually lower both your blood pressure and heart rate, making you feel less stressed. On the other hand, classical music only increased blood pressure by 11% and 1980s pop increased it by only 4 percent of participants.
The same study also explored how genres impacted heart rate variability, a physiological indicator that can indicate stress or arrhythmias that could threaten life, as measured by heart rate variability. Results revealed that heavy metal reduced heart rate variability across all participants while techno and ’70s rock increased it most, with metal listeners taking precautionary steps if driving during these times of heart rate increase. Accordingly, researchers advised metal listeners take steps when driving while their heartbeat is rapid.
3. It’s good for your immune system
Metal music has often been maligned in the media and by some psychologists and therapists who speak out against it, with many psychologists and therapists criticizing its fans and genre. Metal has often been accused of being Satanic or sinister and used as an excuse for violent crimes; yet much research on heavy metal and mental health shows positive outcomes: metal has been proven to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as helping fans connect to like-minded communities by attending live metal shows or talking with friends about it or joining Facebook groups such as Metal Health Moshpit; all three activities help those involved to maintain positive mental wellbeing!
Metal can help lower stress levels by decreasing cortisol in the body. Furthermore, it can stimulate cognitive function and extend attention spans. Finally, metal may boost immunity levels through an increase in SlgA antibodies; these protect against infections as well as IBS symptoms.
Some studies suggest that listening to metal can lead to aggression, though the evidence for this link is often limited. Furthermore, many of these studies lump metal with other genres (e.g. punk) under a broad “rock” umbrella category; this hides differences among them. Other research demonstrates that aggressive themes found in metal music tend to reflect an individual’s desire for power and control rather than lack of impulse control or disregard of social norms.
Studies show that those who listen to metal tend to possess higher cognitive functions related to logic and scientific thinking, likely as a result of its lyrics, which encompass historical events, mythological belief systems and classic literature. Furthermore, being a fan may lead to greater openness to experience as well as need for uniqueness.
4. It’s good for your emotions
Heavy metal music has long been linked to feelings of anger and hostility. While studies have identified correlations between heavy metal genres and aggressive behaviour, however, and aggressive acts, this doesn’t prove causality – rather the correlations may simply reflect generalised stereotyping. Furthermore, various studies have found that fans of heavy metal music tend to be happier and better adjusted during middle age than non-listeners.
Heavy Metal music has long been associated with rebellion against mainstream culture and an admiration for individualism and uniqueness. Unfortunately, some fans can fall prey to alcohol and drug use, low self-esteem issues, feelings of alienation and depression and problems within family relationships – none of these issues being caused by listening to heavy metal itself but more likely related to lack of social support and positive role models.
Reggae music has long been associated with violent lyrics, yet research has demonstrated that listening to this genre does not increase aggression. A study at Macquarie University revealed that when anger was instilled into participants and then played them music containing aggressive themes, their levels of anger did not increase further compared to when neutral or soothing music had been played first.
Another study demonstrated that listening to metal music raised levels of SlgA antibodies that protect against infections in the mouth and gut, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Food Sensitivities or Inflammation. Furthermore, metal music listening also reduced stress, anxiety and depression symptoms; scientists believe these results are attributable to both its energetic nature as well as adolescence effects on brain functioning.
5. It’s good for your mental health
Heavy metal music may have negative connotations for mental health, yet studies have demonstrated its positive benefits for mental wellbeing. Studies have revealed that heavy metal fans tend to be more critical thinkers than non-fan counterparts due to its lyrics and countercultural past – metalheads are well known as being highly critical of society and its institutions as well as frequently being vocal opponents against discrimination and harassment at gigs and online communities alike.
Even though many metal songs contain violent themes and images that might suggest increased aggression or antisocial behavior, research has demonstrated that listening to metal music doesn’t lead to increased aggression or antisocial behavior in listeners. When participants were made angry then listening to metal music they did not show an increase in anger but instead experienced more positive emotions as opposed to an increase in anger.
However, correlational design limits researchers’ ability to establish cause and effect. Studies relying on correlational designs tend to concentrate on externalizing or internalising problem behaviors in heavy metal music listeners – one study revealed that male listeners of music with violent lyrics displayed more aggressive behaviors than those who did not listen (Rosenbaum & Prinsky 1991).
Further, some of the most contentious findings have come from stereotypes. For instance, it was once believed that metal music was linked with reckless behaviors such as speeding, drink driving, unsafe sex and drug use; but more recent research has demonstrated this was not necessarily causal and instead the behavior of listeners may more likely be determined by personality traits such as Openness to Experience, lower self-esteem and an affinity for uniqueness than these associations were causal.