Analysis of brain activity related to emotion evoked by auditory stimuli

Music, as a non-verbal communication method, has gained attention for its ability to convey emotions and psychological states across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Composed of elements such as melody, harmony, and rhythm, music has been shown to elicit specific emotional responses. Major keys typically induce positive emotions, such as joy and relaxation, while minor keys are associated with negative emotions like sadness or anxiety. Additionally, the tempo of music influences emotional states, with faster tempos leading to arousal states such as excitement and slower tempos promoting calmness. Given its non-verbal, intuitive nature, music holds promise as a tool for emotional communication. To develop a communication support system based on musical expression, it is crucial to understand how various musical components affect emotional states and how these changes are reflected in brain activity. This study investigates how auditory stimuli, derived from combinations of fundamental musical elements, affect psychological states and the corresponding neural responses. Using near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), cerebral blood flow changes were measured while participants listened to different musical stimuli. Furthermore, psychological states were assessed through a questionnaire based on basic human emotions. The results of this study contribute to understanding the relationship between brain activity and emotional states, providing insights for the design of music-based communication support systems.