The Influence of Music on Prosocial Behavior

Music is a universal part of human experience and has the power to affect individuals’ emotions, thoughts, and behavior. Recent studies indicate that music may also be able to promote prosocial behavior—those aimed at benefiting others, such as helping and cooperating. Specifically, music may alter emotional states, which in turn affects prosocial tendencies and behavior. While research on factors influencing prosocial behavior has extensively explored factors like empathy, moods, and situational factors, music’s impact has been underexamined. The current paper aims to aims to review six influential papers in the literature that have explored music’s effect on prosocial behavior. Studies show that uplifting or soothing music can increase helping behaviors, while annoying or disliked music may hinder them. Additionally, songs with prosocial lyrics can enhance empathy and foster cooperative behavior. Nonetheless, the relationship between music and prosocial actions is complex, with some studies reporting inconsistent or contradictory findings. Future research should examine how different types of music and emotions interact to influence prosocial behavior, accounting for contexts, cultural variations, and individual differences.