Music From Your Childhood and Emotional Regulation

Prior research has shown that music can evoke numerous psychological and physiological outcomes in individuals (Croom, A. M., 2015). Research has been done on the power of nostalgic music and happiness; however, there is little research on whether listening to music from childhood can increase happiness levels. The purpose of this study is to examine how music, specifically from your childhood, influences emotional regulation and well-being in college-aged students. This is a within-subjects study in which participants are exposed to a song from their childhood, and their levels of happiness, nostalgia, confidence, and coping mechanisms are assessed pre- and post-exposure to this stimulus. The researcher's hypothesis is motivated by Seligman’s (2012) PERMA theory (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning), which states that music from childhood can influence levels of well-being in an individual. The researcher expects that listening to music from childhood activates positive emotions and engagement with the song, which creates a temporary boost in mood. The findings of this study will enhance our understanding of how music can be a therapeutic tool in emotional regulation in individuals and help to advance our research on how music impacts our experiences. The implications of this study will enhance the need for more music interventions in the school and work setting for individuals across the lifespan and free access to more reliable music streaming services. The study will also demonstrate how mental health tools, such as listening to music from childhood, serve as easily accessible resources for the wider population.