Musical Influence on 1 Musical Influences on Romantic Relationships Brianna Dance April 30, 2013 JAC 420-01

Musical Influences on 2 This study was conducted to examine the musical influence on romantic relationships. Romantic relationships constitute an important part of peoples lives. Formation and maintenance of romantic relationships are central to the lives of emerging adults. College environments provide a context where the important developmental task of this age could be explored (Demir, 2007). Survey Monkey was the instrument used to formulate the research questions and collect the data. The data suggest that 65% of women, when in conflict with a significant other, listen to music to help cope with their feelings. Studies have shown that music elicits strong emotion more consistently and frequently than other forms of art (Frey, 1985, Williams & Morris, 1996). Coping is a psychological construct that has been widely studied to explore individuals efforts to deal with life stressors and daily events (Smenner, 2003). It is important to understand the relationships of music listening preferences and functions with general coping strategies because music may serve important psychological and biopsychosocial roles in helping college students cope with life stressors. Mulligan (2009) report: If psychologists, music therapists, and other professionals have a clearer understanding of the roles and functions of music and music preferences in college students lives, they will be able to use this knowledge to better serve their college student clients, especially regard to their coping efforts or strategies (p. 4) Listening to music was on the list of activities for women to do to cope with their feelings when in conflict (Gray, 2008). This study found that 65% of women, when in conflict with a significant other, listen to music to help cope with their feelings. Music has strong ties with emotion and can be a very effective therapeutic tool (Williams & Morris, 1996). Studies have shown that music elicits strong emotion more consistently and frequently than other forms of art (Frey, 1985).

Musical Influence on 3 References Demir, M. (2007). Sweetheart, you really make me happy: Romantic relationship quality and personality as predictors of happiness among emerging adults. Journal of Happiness Studies, 9(2), 257-277. Frey, W.H. (1985). Crying: The mystery of tears. Minneapolis: Winston Press Gray, J. (2008). Why mars and venus collide: Improving relationships by understanding how men and women cope differently with stress. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishing. Mulligan, P.T. (2009). The relationship of music preference and music function with coping in university students. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. Smenner, A.D. (2003). The relationship between coping styles and subjective well-being. Dissertation Abstracts International: Section b: The sciences and engineering, 64(2-B), 975. Williams, D.G. & Morris, G.H. (1996). Crying, weeping or tearfulness in British and Israeli adults. British Journal of Psychology, 87, 479-506. (1999). Music influences on romantic relationship. Retrieved April 29, 2013, from http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NFSGZ8R