Heavy metal music is often associated with negative stereotypes like aggression, violence and misogyny; however, research demonstrates that its genre may actually have some beneficial effects on mental health.
Studies have demonstrated that listening to metal music helps increase focus and intelligence, among several other benefits that may improve mental wellbeing. Being a metalhead may also benefit your mental wellbeing in many other ways.
1. It Increases Focus
Metal music’s quick tempo and intricate rhythms engage the brain in ways that increase alertness and cognitive function, stimulating your focus while increasing alertness. This effect comes about because this genre typically does not contain lyrics; listeners can focus on listening to complex instruments and listening to its overall soundscape – something Animals As Leaders song “CAFO” by Animals As Leaders is an ideal example of this kind of music improving focus and mental alertness thanks to its intense orchestration and rapid tempo.
Heavy metal music may raise some potential concerns regarding aggression; however, most studies involving this genre of music have produced positive outcomes. A main worry with metal listening may be increasing an individual’s likelihood to adopt maladaptive emotion regulation strategies like aggressive anger management; however this depends on individual differences such as personality traits and context of emotional regulation (Loxton et al. 2016).
Studies examining the impact of music on spatial rotation ability showed that participants who didn’t enjoy metal music performed better in this task, suggesting music preferences can affect memory performance. Another study demonstrated how heavy metal can enhance recalling information from lists.
Another study conducted a comprehensive examination of metal music’s influence on logical reasoning. Results revealed that fans of this genre tend to show greater levels of logical thought – suggesting it may help create more scientific thinking patterns.
Studies have revealed that heavy metal music can help elevate mood and increase feelings of happiness for non-fans of this genre, possibly due to listening experiences which help relieve negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
Overall, further investigation of the relationship between genre-specific music and mood and individual differences like gender and personality remains necessary (Miranda & Claes 2009). For instance, research into how moderating influences such as personality traits or behavioral characteristics influence mood regulation strategies through music can have both adaptive and maladaptive results is also crucial to understand its effects on wellbeing.
2. It Reduces Stress
Studies have repeatedly demonstrated the positive effect of metal music listening on stress reduction, specifically because it helps you feel calmer and relieves tension in the body. Furthermore, metal music helps you manage emotions better so as to avoid acting on impulse – all essential qualities when faced with stressful situations. Some find they can approach difficult life events differently when listening to metal music as aggression reduction has also been noted as one cause of stress in modern society.
Correlational studies cannot establish causation. Furthermore, it is essential to distinguish between anger and aggression: anger being an emotion while aggression being an action taken against another that is hostile or violent. Many negative outcomes associated with heavy metal music have been traced to negative lyrical themes associated with externalising behaviors such as aggression, delinquency, disrespect for societal norms and women, depression (Hines & Brown 2016).
Such findings have caused certain social, correctional and mental health professionals to limit access to heavy metal music among their patients. One study showed that 83% of representatives from mental health facilities recommended hospitalisation of an imaginary male for listening to heavy metal music while having an unconventional appearance; even though he informed them he did not use drugs or alcohol and wasn’t aggressive or suicidal (Rosenbergbaum & Prinsky 1991).
Recent research suggests that personality traits may help mediate these relationships, such as sensation seeking. Sensation seeking has been found to be associated with heavier metal music preference and problem behaviors such as delinquency, substance abuse and recklessness; male fans in particular show higher levels of recklessness than non-fans with speeding incidents, drink driving incidents and casual sex events while female fans increase risk for vandalism and shoplifting (Miranda & Claes 2009).
Studies have suggested that listening to music you enjoy can actually enhance cognitive skills such as spatial rotation more quickly than listening to something you dislike, since your motivation to understand what you are hearing makes it easier for the brain to process and retain information.
3. It Boosts Immune System
Heavy metal music often features lyrics with harsh, aggressive or stressful messages that may appear aggressive, threatening or stressful; others explore unpleasant aspects of human nature such as death. Because of these darker themes, metal was once associated with being evil and even considered harmful; but this perception no longer holds up; numerous studies have found that metalheads tend to be better adjusted than non-headbangers.
Metal music may help reduce stress levels while increasing cognitive functions such as logic and scientific thinking. Furthermore, the music can make audiences feel accepted into communities; perhaps that explains why so many metal fans enjoy attending concerts together and forging communities of mutual interests.
Metal music appears to help ease symptoms of depression. Research studies have demonstrated this by showing those who prefer metal tend to have lower levels of depression compared to those who don’t prefer the genre. Furthermore, listening to metal helps regulate emotions and manage anger more quickly – studies even found those who listen to metal music calm down faster after being provoked than those who don’t listen.
One study looked into the correlation between metal and anxiety, but its findings were inconclusive. Participants in this experiment were exposed to different stimuli before listening to either classical music, heavy metal music, or simply sitting still for five minutes while their heart rate and respiration was measured; results revealed those listening to metal experienced less anxiety than those listening to classical or sitting still for five minutes.
Metal music can be loud and energetic, which can increase concentration. Furthermore, it may help a person cope with negative emotions such as anger or sadness while simultaneously supporting immune functions based on logic and science. If you’re feeling down, grab some headphones and rock out to your favorite metal song! Just don’t forget the proper mosh pit etiquette!
4. It Makes You More Enthusiastic
Psychologists and therapists have traditionally opposed heavy metal music. Psychologists and therapists often link it with aggression, delinquency, disrespect for social norms and women as well as externalizing behaviors like fighting. Correlational studies suggest listeners of this style tend to engage in more externalizing behavior compared with non-listeners – though causal inferences remain difficult as there’s no way of distinguishing between listeners of heavy metal music and non-listeners (Brummert-Lennings & Warburton 2011).
Research is increasingly backing the notion that metal music may provide psychological advantages. Some studies have discovered that its loud guitars and drums help students stay awake while studying, as well as lower blood pressure levels and decrease anxiety levels.
Metal songs’ empowering lyrics may provide therapeutic benefit for those struggling with depression and other mental health conditions, providing an outlet for feelings and giving fans the courage to express themselves freely. Furthermore, their unapologetic nature encourages fans to process emotions or intrusive thoughts which otherwise prove difficult to express.
Becoming a fan of metal music can create a strong sense of community among its followers, be it at concerts or social media. Some even feel connected to a larger community through metal. Some believe metal provides them with greater self-respect and an urge to be unique.
Notably, metal music’s benefits extend far beyond general benefits; their positive influence can be even stronger for regular listeners. Therefore, if metal music is something you enjoy listening to regularly and especially if you find yourself struggling with anxiety or depression it could help provide emotional processing and community support during difficult times. Furthermore, listening to tunes from this genre could increase enthusiasm which will then boost performance levels in any sport or other area in your life.