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By Rick Nauert PhD Senior News Editor
Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on May 16, 2013

 

Although the notion of listening to music to improve mood may not come as a surprise, researchers at the University of Missouri found that an individual can indeed successfully try to be happier, especially when cheery music aids the process.

 

Experts say the study highlights that people can actively improve their mood if the process is gone about in the correct manner.

 

“Our work provides support for what many people already do – listen to music to improve their moods,” said lead author Yuna Ferguson, Ph.D.

 

“Although pursuing personal happiness may be thought of as a self-centered venture, research suggests that happiness relates to a higher probability of socially beneficial behavior, better physical health, higher income and greater relationship satisfaction.”

 

In two studies by Ferguson, participants successfully improved their moods in the short term and boosted their overall happiness over a two-week period.

 

During the first study, participants improved their mood after being instructed to attempt to do so, but only if they listened to the upbeat classical music of Copland, as opposed to the more somber Stravinsky.

 

Read in Full:

http://psychcentral.com/news/2013/05/16/upbeat-music-helps-improve-mood/54898.html