Controlled Induction of Negative and Positive Emotions by Means of Group Singing

Abstract

Studies have shown that singing can induce positive emotions. On the other hand, the controlled induction of negative emotions has been demonstrated only during listening to music. The present work investigates whether preselected songs could be used to induce specifically positive and specifically negative emotions during singing in groups. In an experimental study design with controlled randomization, the emotions of participants before and after singing preselected songs was recorded by means of a battery of questionnaires (visual analog scale of current mood, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule). Emotions after singing negative songs fell significantly on the visual analog scale from M 1⁄4 6.23 to M 1⁄4 5.21. Emotions while singing the positive songs increased from M 1⁄4 6.57 to M 1⁄4 7.84 (p < .05). This indicates that positive and negative emotions can be induced by means of appropriate song material. Keywords singing, emotion, music