Researchers have discovered that those who enjoy metal music tend to display positive behavioral outcomes, including lower suicide rates and reduced emotional problems.
Non-metal listeners were seen to exhibit more problematic behaviors. Unfortunately, such perceptions can influence social attitudes, policy decisions and therapeutic recommendations.
1. It Can Help You Deal With Stress
Heavy metal music may have an unexpectedly positive impact on mental health. Listening can help you feel calmer, happier and more active; help cope with anger and stress; as well as protect you against depression – according to one study students who listened to heavy metal were less depressed than those who didn’t listen at all – these same students also had lower rates of work absenteeism and were less likely to seek psychological therapy due to being better resilient against the stresses associated with school.
Heavy metal music is a genre of rock music characterized by amplified distortion and effects such as reverb. Additionally, complex chord progressions and distorted vocals characterize this style of music, often associated with violence, drug use, and aggressive themes. While lyrics may sometimes feature aggressive language that could potentially offend some listeners, the lyrics don’t always need to be so confrontational; in fact, some heavy metal tunes provide emotional catharsis that allows listeners to release emotions through catharsis or can act as an effective mood regulation device.
Recent research demonstrated that metal music could reduce heart rates of 89 percent of participants, as well as blood pressure and stress levels overall. Researchers discovered that listening to heavy metal music lowered stress levels as much as sitting quietly would do, thus further supporting its efficacy as an antidepressant medication.
Another study conducted at the University of Queensland in Australia discovered that metal music helped relieve symptoms of depression for those taking antidepressants, and reduce negative emotions like anger and sadness. Patients in this research group who listened to metal music experienced decreased depression symptoms whereas those listening to classical music saw no change whatsoever in their symptoms.
Heavy metal fans require further investigation on the role of music in mood regulation; therefore, therapists should identify these fans and understand both their adaptive and maladaptive traits in order to provide guidance towards making healthy music choices.
2. It Can Help You Bond With Others
Heavy metal music should not be associated with depression or suicide; rather, it can help people feel connected to a community and promote social health. Listening to your favorite genre of metal may even help regulate emotions and prevent anger or depression from taking hold. However, it is always advisable for anyone experiencing mental health problems or trauma to consult a professional before engaging in any form of music listening.
People who listen to heavy metal music frequently claim it has saved their lives and provided them with an overall sense of wellbeing. Research indicates this may be because metal helps process emotions such as anger. Studies also demonstrate how listening to heavy metal reduces anxiety levels and blood pressure as well as improving focus – this explains why many students turn to heavy metal when feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
One study concluded that metal music was most effective at relieving stress and improving concentration in the workplace, while another demonstrated it can lower aggressive behavior and combat aggressive tendencies – all qualities ideal for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression or internalising disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
At first glance, metal music may seem dangerous due to its often dark lyrics and themes exploring death and violence; however, these misperceptions paint an inaccurate portrait of this genre of music. In reality, however, metal fans view their genre with great appreciation as something which brings many benefits into their lives.
Metal music can also serve as an invaluable way of connecting with like-minded individuals and forging new friendships. Metal fans share an unrivalled camaraderie, giving a powerful sense of being Part of Something Bigger. This can be particularly therapeutic for individuals feeling disconnected from family or friends or struggling with depression and anxiety.
3. It Can Help You Reduce Cortisol Levels
Heavy metal music is an aggressive, fast-paced genre of music which can help lower cortisol levels – the hormone responsible for initiating stress reactions – by making you focus your attention away from negative emotions, such as high blood pressure and depression. Listening to heavy metal can lower cortisol levels by keeping you engaged with something other than yourself for an hour at a time; its fast beat keeps your attention focused away from negativity while you listen.
Policy makers, mental health professionals, and researchers have long expressed concern over the potential influence of heavy metal music on mental health and problem behaviours. Correlations between music listening and problem behaviors have inspired various policy responses; other mental health and correctional institutions have restricted access to this genre (Hines & Brown, 2016). Research into music-based emotion regulation strategies is clearly warranted, taking into account individual differences in trait characteristics and listening behaviors. Such research will ensure that any decisions regarding musical engagement (whether discouraging or encouraging it) made clinically are evidence-based.
Studies conducted with participants who were intentionally exposed to anger or stress found that when exposed to either classical music selected by an experimenter or self-selected ‘calming’ music, their levels of anger and physiological arousal decreased significantly compared to control groups who did not listen to any music at all. Labbe et al. found that listening to self-selected calming music reduced listeners’ levels of anger while heavy metal did not.
Being a metalhead can also provide socially validating activities for many, providing them with an identity within an expansive group of like-minded individuals. Going to concerts and making friends among fellow fans are just two examples of ways being a metalhead can bolster feelings of belonging; this is especially vital for those at increased risk for mood disorders as the need for social acceptance can worsen symptoms of depression.
4. It Can Help You Feel Accepted
Heavy metal music has long been linked to externalizing behaviors like aggression and delinquency. One study indicated that adolescents who identified as fans of this genre were more likely to engage in risky activities like speeding, drink driving and casual sex than non-fans; in addition, heavy metal fans often had lower self-esteem levels and an urge for uniqueness than their non-metal peers.
Many may view heavy metal music as dangerous, yet it can actually provide relief for feelings of anger and depression. People may find solace in channeling negative feelings into songs they love; this can be an immensely powerful way of managing distressful emotions. There are even many therapists who use heavy metal music in their practice in order to help patients relax more and reduce effects of stress on the body.
Although metal music may seem therapeutic, there is no concrete scientific proof. Still, it’s important to be mindful of any potential detrimental effects this genre of music could have on mental health and to seek professional assistance should necessary.
Heavy metal music’s immense appeal should come as no surprise when considering that its lyrics often reflect feelings of alienation, rejection and social distancing. Heavy metal has also been linked with rebellion against mainstream culture as a form of escape; and is known for using sexualized and aggressive lyrics and themes.
A study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience discovered that metal music can actually make one feel calmer instead of angry. Participants described situations that might provoke anger before listening to their favorite metal song for 10 minutes – after this time had elapsed, researchers measured participants’ brain activity and discovered it helped regulate sadness while increasing positive feelings.
Metal music may appear dangerous to some listeners, yet many studies show its many psychological benefits for mental wellbeing and community inclusion. No matter your musical taste or preference, metal can provide great benefits that help enhance moods and overall mental wellbeing – no matter if it is your taste or not! No need to avoid this genre because its benefits will come out in time! Plus it provides great ways of connecting with like-minded individuals while being accepted within society!