Existence: Heavy metal music featuring aggressive themes has long been linked to increased aggression, antisocial behavior and disregard for societal norms; substance abuse; and suicidal ideation among both community and psychiatric populations. Unfortunately, evidence points only towards correlational links; no causal inferences can be drawn at present.
negative stereotypes regarding metal fans have been shown to influence diagnostic decisions in clinical settings, leading to more adverse diagnoses than expected. This narrative review brings together research to address such concerns and inform clinical practice.
Psychological Effects
Many people associate metal music with aggressiveness and violence; there have been studies that suggest listening to this genre could instigate aggression in listeners. It is essential that one understands the full scope of these studies, as music affects us in different ways.
Music can often serve to relax and relieve stress; however, some individuals at risk of depression may turn to metal music in an unhealthy manner and listen to it too often, isolating themselves from social interactions – which could ultimately damage their mental health and lead to suicidal tendencies among youth and those at high risk of suicide. This trend is especially prevalent among younger individuals and those more at risk than ever of suicide.
Even with metal music’s violent lyrics, there has been no evidence that listening to this genre leads to aggression or violence in non-aggressive individuals who are well adjusted. Metal may even help those at risk of suicidal thoughts and self-harm regulate their emotions and cope with problems better.
Studies have also demonstrated how metal music can increase people’s ability to concentrate and focus on tasks, possibly because the music helps distract the mind and creates an overall sense of euphoria. Other research indicates listening to metal can reduce stress levels and encourage creativity.
Another draw of metal music is its community and camaraderie-fostering qualities. While some might view metal fans as harsh or even cruel, studies have demonstrated a strong sense of belonging within this genre of music – this may be due to them acting as singers, guitarists or bassists and having an increased connection with it than non-fans do.
Metal fans love expressing their devotion through singing, dancing and moshing – this high state of emotion can leave them feeling as though nothing else matters! But this shared experience is vitally important in terms of mental health recovery; metal fans should use their passion as an outlet.
Aggression
Lyrically, certain heavy metal genres depict acts of aggression and violence, prompting moral panic among community groups, parents and politicians. Some mental health professionals have even restricted access to such music from their clients as an indirect risk factor for antisocial behaviour.
Studies have shown that listening to musical genres featuring aggressive themes leads to higher levels of anger and aggressive cognitions, yet listening does not automatically lead to aggression in behavior. Some research indicates that such music increases people’s willingness to engage in violent and hostile actions but these effects may be mitigated by other factors like trait hostility.
There is evidence to support that listening to music with rap and heavy metal lyrics may increase the risk of sexually aggressive and misogynistic behaviour, possibly because these genres are commonly associated with masculine culture or contain lyrics that express anger and frustration. Other studies have also revealed how negative stereotypes may have an influence over perceptions of any genre and lead to higher ratings of anger after exposure to certain music genres.
Overall, available research shows that while engaging in music with aggressive themes can have some adverse consequences for its consumers, most are still able to manage these emotions and behaviors effectively. This finding is supported by models such as Self Determination Theory and Mood Management Theory which hold that individuals actively choose media they consume to fulfill their psychological needs and motivations.
Metal Music Studies is an interdisciplinary journal published by the International Society for Metal Music Studies (ISMMS), dedicated to research and theory related to metal music as a broad subject area that spans various parent disciplines. Indexed with Scopus.
Social Effects
Heavy metal music often has negative connotations and researchers have linked it with devil worship, drug use and suicide. Be it through heavy metal culture videos, bands or merchandise sales; metal music has left its mark on some people. But even though there have been negative social outcomes associated with its fans’ appreciation of metal, studies have also demonstrated its positive effects.
One study demonstrated that metalheads have a strong sense of community and inclusivity, which makes music an avenue to empower themselves while giving a sense of identity. Furthermore, another research project revealed that these fans remain with their favorite musicians throughout their entire careers – something many other types of fans don’t do as effectively.
Studies have shown that metal music has a proven stress-reducer for its fans. It helps relax individuals, with many fans even considering their experience therapeutic. Furthermore, when someone experiences trauma in childhood or adolescence, extreme metal’s themes can often help provide comforting relief and cope with such experiences effectively – this phenomenon especially holds true.
Metal music helps users regulate their emotions, engage their sensory environment and overcome suicidal thoughts. Furthermore, its seductive imagery and violent nature gives people who may otherwise feel alienated a sense of belonging in an otherwise alienating world.
Metal music has long been used as an effective way of managing stressors, including mood improvements and immune system enhancement. Recently, researchers are even exploring a therapy model known as Heavy Metal Therapy; although this doesn’t adhere strictly to conventional definitions but more so integrates some ideas from metal music with existing therapies.
Heavy metal music carries with it many psychological and sociocultural ramifications that can impact how we approach science, art, technology and politics. Heavy metal music may foster different perspectives while raising awareness for causes we should address in the future like our environment.
Suicide
No matter the stereotypes associated with teenage headbangers venting their rebellious impulses through loud, morbid music, researchers have found little evidence that heavy metal itself leads to suicide. Yet its themes often depict violence, aggression and misogyny which has raised concern that listening to heavy metal may increase risk of suicide for individuals suffering mental health conditions or at risk for developing them (C. Baker & Brown 2016). Correlational links between suicide and metal music has had an influence on policy decisions; many mental health and correctional institutions restrict access for certain groups (Hines & McFerran 2014).
One study demonstrated that teenage fans reported having a stronger sense of belonging in their music-based culture than non-fans. Furthermore, liking heavy metal music and personality traits was linked; greater overall liking was related with less conformity to mainstream culture, lower levels of self-esteem and religiosity, and an increased need for uniqueness – suggesting its musical style and content may play a more influential role than its lyrical themes in terms of drawing people in.
Research conducted directly has linked heavy metal music with negative behaviors such as impulsiveness and disregard for social norms. A study of inpatient psychiatric patients shows that those who prefer heavy metal were more likely to engage in reckless behaviors, use drugs often and neglect family relationships than those who preferred lighter music (Weidinger & Demi, 1991).
Studies conducted through indirect measures have also indicated that heavy metal music can increase anger and aggressive cognitions. It should be remembered, however, that anger and aggression are different phenomena and require specific triggers; thus making it hard to ascertain if adolescents who listen to metal music alone are at higher risk of engaging in violent behaviors than nonlisteners; additionally the repetitive beats of heavy metal can have a soothing effect and not increase arousal levels.