Sonic Psychology
the Impact of Sound Frequencies
on Human Emotions &Well-being
Introduction:
There are sounds in our life that are so powerful and effective that they may make people feel pleased, scared, at ease, or even bring tears to their eyes. Sometimes a piece of music fills the room with melancholy, and other times it enlivens it. People become calmer and more at ease when they hear birds singing or rain falling. This is all due to the intriguing relationship between sounds and sentiments, which in turn leads to emotions.
It was also common for silent films to incorporate background music as it might be difficult to engage viewers for more than a few minutes. Even with a beautiful voice, a singer needs to speak in order for the music to affect them.
Over time, scientists have come to the conclusion that noises have an impact on our brains in addition to merely tickling our ears. There, certain linked sentiments and emotions are produced by a natural system. Various sounds elicit different emotions in us, such as happiness, calmness, excitement, or sadness. The procedure is nothing short of miraculous.
This article will examine the method by which sound's pitch and quality may elicit various types of emotions in the same situation and surroundings. Undoubtedly, learning the relationship between hearing and emotion would be fascinating.
Sound Waves & emotional Responses:
Sound waves are similar to the ripples that occur when a little stone is thrown into a peaceful pond of water. Sounds such as music, falling leaves, or birdsong pass through the atmosphere in a similar form and reach our ears. These waves are converted into messages by our ears, which act as effective messengers, sending the signals to the brain.
The brain, one of the most vital organs in the body, works much like a computer with a powerful processor. It links a person to the outside world and analyses messages in a matter of seconds. How the brain gathers and organizes all of the data sent by the nose, ears, eyes, and other body parts and then provides instructions for a subsequent response is a major mystery. The way the brain functions will be covered in a later post, however.
The brain's role extends beyond signal conversion and world understanding; it also aids in the development of emotions and sentiments. It then focuses more on how we respond to novel emotions and experiences.
Through extensive research, scientists have shown that sound intensity, kind, and pitch all affect our emotions and produce a range of various kinds of experiences. Numerous studies have shown that hearing a rapid sound energizes a person, whereas hearing a quiet voice relaxes them. In a similar vein, sound pitch is important. While a slow, low whistle conveys a melancholy atmosphere, a loud whistle warns listeners. It seems that distinct codes, known as frequencies, correspond to various sound intensities. The brain responds differently when it receives information and when it reads it. When it comes to music, rhythm also sends certain impulses to the brain that lead to the formation of subsequent moods and emotions.
Scientists have discovered through persistent effort and study that sound and music are similar to a silent language that communicates with the brain to quickly alter emotions without the need for words. According to this study, our emotions and the noises we hear are tightly related. What elicits certain feelings in us is the brain's response to various noises. Thus, be aware that your brain is working hard to create the same feelings you experience whenever you hear the wind blowing or listen to your favorite music. The brain's rapid quickness and responsiveness are not only difficult, but also almost magical and often unfathomable.
Frequencies & Tones Impact:
We encounter a variety of culinary tastes in our everyday lives. They alter the flavor of food in diverse ways. Certain tastes taste so good that they make us want to eat more, yet in other cases, it becomes hard to swallow even a few bites. Sounds are in a similar situation. Varying effects are produced by sounds at different volumes.
Happy tones are produced by high pitch tones. Heart rate quickens and the magic begins. It seems as if the birds are singing in the lovely weather. Our bodies get a covert message, causing us to feel energized and inclined to dance. Low tones, on the other hand, suggest either stormy weather or a dismal, pitch-black night. A horror movie's atmosphere completely shifts based just on the sound design. It is really the result of a hidden code being delivered to the brain rather than just toning. Body language and emotions may fluctuate quickly. Similar to how different tastes in food elicit different feelings, so too can frequencies and tones have a profound impact on our emotional and physical states.
Research Studies:
Researchers have put a lot of effort into understanding how sound intensity affects our emotional ups and downs. The research that follows will aid in our comprehension of the notion that sound waves have a substantial influence on human emotions and bodily reactions. It also becomes evident how different emotional states may be evoked by high and low sounds, impacting mood, arousal, and general wellbeing.
A) In 2017, the Journal of Experimental Psychology published a paper titled "Effects of Sound Frequencies on Emotional State.”. During this investigation, attempts were made to investigate the impact of frequencies on emotions. Emotions were attentively observed as participants were exposed to a range of frequencies, from extremely high to dim. The results demonstrated that whereas lower frequencies tended to evoke feelings of stress and anxiety, higher frequencies generated more positive emotions, such as enjoyment and enthusiasm.
Photo by Mikhail Nilov: https://www.pexels.com/photo/wood-person-people-woman-7574270/
b) "How Musical Pitch Affects Emotional Perception"
2015's Frontiers in Psychology forum examined the impact of musical pitch on emotional perceptions. This research investigated the effects of musical pitch variations on emotional reactions. According to the findings, low-pitched tones were connected to emotions like melancholy and a sense of gravity, whereas high-pitched tones were related to feelings of euphoria and elevated arousal.
c)2019 saw the publication of "Psychophysiological Responses to Low- and High-Frequency Sounds" in the International Journal of Psychophysiology.
This study looked at the psychophysiological reactions to both high- and low-frequency noises. The research discovered that whereas low-frequency sounds promoted physiological arousal and a more relaxed state, high-frequency sounds tended to enhance physiological arousal in individuals based on physiological responses measured by skin conductance and heart rate variability.
d) "Emotional Reaction to High- and Low-Pitched Sounds: Neural Correlates"
Forum: Neuroimage in 2018.
This research investigated the brain correlates of emotional reactions to high- and low-pitched noises using neuroimaging methods. The findings showed that whereas low-pitched noises were connected to brain areas linked to negative emotions, danger perception, and increased vigilance, high-pitched sounds were linked to reward processing and happy emotions.
Emotional Triggers:
Scientists have long been interested in learning how various sounds and musical compositions affect people in the same surroundings. People are seen inhaling deeply and cozily on one rhythm and tapping their foot in time with the music on another. The sound of raindrops falling and the ticking of the clock in a quiet place combine to produce a particular rhythm that many people find soothing.
In one way or another, these sounds produce rhythms. They are so strong and own their own charm that they make us feel, think, and remember certain occasions.
Researchers have studied the emotional effects of musical rhythms and patterns extensively. Thus far, research has shown that these rhythms alter our emotions by communicating with our brains in a coded language. Sometimes the shift happens so quickly that we are not even aware of the procedure. Imagine a frightening scene at a movie theatre, where a family is being severely beaten by a group of armed individuals. Suddenly, the hero's entrance causes the music's beat to shift. The music electrifies the crowd, as shown by the expressions on their faces.
The following are a few of the many research that have been done in this area. Y
a)" "The 2009 Forum: Journal of Music Therapy article "The Effects of Music Tempo on Arousal Levels and Mood"
Participants' physiological reactions were assessed when they were exposed to various rhythms. It was determined that quicker beats and melodies raised arousal and gave the body more energy. Conversely, individuals' bodies were relaxed by low tones.
b) "Parkinson's disease patients' gait training with rhythmic auditory stimulation
Forum: The 2011 issue of Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy
The effect of rhythmic auditory stimulation on Parkinson's disease patients' gait training was the main focus of this investigation. The Parkinson's disease patients' walking patterns improved when they were exposed to rhythmic auditory signals during gait workouts, the researchers found. Their stride was greatly impacted by the rhythmic signals, which resulted in more deliberate and steady walking.
c) "Rhythmic Breathing's Effect on Stress Reduction"
In 2015, the International Journal of Stress Management.
In this research, the impact of breathing rhythmically on stress reduction was investigated. The study's conclusions showed that doing rhythmic breathing exercises, which call for regular patterns and tempo, significantly lowered stress levels. By synchronizing breathing with a repeating rhythm, breathing patterns assist people achieve a calmer state by lowering tension and promoting relaxation.
Natural sounds:
Numerous studies have shown that the sounds of nature have the ability to alter people's emotions and provide a certain kind of mental peace. The sounds of nature, such as falling leaves, rain, happy birds tweeting, the crash of waves against the coast, and the sound of falling water, magically alter our emotions.
Many people visit beaches specifically for their physical and emotional well-being. The waves' unusual tone causes emotions to shift before the body relaxes.
The sound of birds singing in the morning is extremely enchanting. Their upbeat music may increase our sense of optimism and happiness. They seem to be putting positive energy into the atmosphere. That's why hearing birdsong when you wake up is so rejuvenating.
Researchers have also shown that recordings of ambient noises cause an incomparable shift in feelings. It's a naturally occurring song that has a different affect each time it's heard.
Media & emotions:
We tend to focus on the people while recalling movies, but we often overlook the significance of sound effects.
The rise and fall of sound in video games and films is nothing short of a marvel. It guarantees ongoing engagement and modifies our emotions with each scene shift.
Sound effects are a crucial component of any digital game or film. Before choosing a particular sound, a great deal of study and homework is done. Without appropriate sound or music, a terrifying movie would not have the desired effect. A filmmaker would never consider using melancholic music during a suspenseful sequence.
In digital video games, sounds function as a kind of emotional guidance for us. With every new difficulty, sound evolves. The sound alerts our brain to impending thrills, excitement, or uncomfortable situations. The scientific investigations are the driving force behind all of this.
Movie sounds are similar to a silent director who is always observing the emotions of the audience. The soundtrack of a movie affects viewers' emotions even before the visuals hit the screen.
Conclusion:
The hidden language that the human brain speaks has been revealed to us thanks to scientific research. We now know that the brain, emotions, and hearing are all connected.
Comprehending the connection between music and emotions is crucial, since improved sound effects may now be added to digital games and movies to promote people's health and happiness.
Today's therapists can operate on more contemporary lines and are in much better positions. Attractive noises may serve to enhance the environment in homes and workplaces. Movie scripts and video game stories have the potential to be more poignant.
