Walk to the Beat: How Your Playlist Can Shape Your Emotional Balance
Man Hei LAW – mhlawaa@connect.ust.hk
Computer Science and Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, -, -, Hong Kong
Andrew HORNER
Computer Science and Engineering
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Hong Kong
Popular version of 1aCA2 – Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Emotion Equalization App During Daily Walking Activities
Presented at the 187th ASA Meeting
Read the abstract at https://eppro01.ativ.me/web/index.php?page=Inthtml&project=ASAFALL24&id=3771973
–The research described in this Acoustics Lay Language Paper may not have yet been peer reviewed–
During our daily tasks, we spend a lot of time getting things done. When walking, some people may find it boring and feel like time drags on. On the other hand, some see it as a chance to think and plan ahead. Our researchers believe that we can use this short period of time to help people rebalance their emotions. This way, individuals can feel refreshed and energized as they walk to their next destination.
Our idea is to provide each participant with a specific music playlist to listen to while walking. The playlists consisted of Uplifting, Relaxing, Angry, and Sad music, each lasting for 15 minutes. While our listeners were walking, they were using our Emotion Equalization App (Figures 1a to 1d) for accessing the playlist and collect all users’ data.
Figures 1a to 1d: The interface of the Emotion Equalization App
Figures 1a to 1d: The interface of the Emotion Equalization AppThe key data we focused on was assessing the changes in emotions. To understand the listeners’ emotions, we used the Self-Assessment Manikin scale (SAM), a visual tool that helps depict emotions based on internal energy levels and mood positivity (refer to Figure 2). After the tests, we analyzed at how their emotions changed before and after listening to the music.
Figure 2: The Self-Assessment Manikin scale, showing energy levels at the top and mood positivity at the bottom [1]
Figure 2: The Self-Assessment Manikin scale, showing energy levels at the top and mood positivity at the bottom [1]The study found that the type of music influenced how far participants walked. Those listening to Uplifting music walked the farthest, followed by Angry, Relaxing, and Sad music. It was as expected that the music’s energy could affect the participants’ physical energy.
So, if music can affect physical energy, can it also have a positive effect on emotions? Can negative music help in mood regulation? An unexpected finding was that Angry music was found to be the most effective therapeutic music for walking. Surprisingly, listening to Angry music while walking not only elevated internal energy levels but also promoted positive feelings. On the other hand, Uplifting and Sad music only elicited positive emotions in listeners. However, Relaxing music during walking did not contribute to increased internal energy levels or positive feelings. This result breaks the impression on the therapeutic use of music while engaging in walking activities. Angry music has a negative vibe, but our study proved it to be beneficial in helping individuals relieve stress while walking, ultimately enhancing internal energy and mood.
If you’re having a tough day, consider listening to an Angry music playlist while taking a walk. It can help in balancing your emotions and uplifting your mood for your next activity.
[1] A. Mehrabian and J. A. Russell, An approach to environmental psychology. in An approach to environmental psychology. Cambridge, MA, US: The MIT Press, 1974, pp. xii, 266.