The Positive Effect of Rock Music & How It Affects Teenagers

Humans have been listening to music for thousands of years, and develop preferences for types of music because of their generational, cultural, religious and political outlooks. People listen to music as a means to ease anxiety and improve moods. Rock music has a popular following because it helps some people cope with problems and identify with their peers.

Motivation

Teens often find it difficult to communicate with parents and older people because of ideological differences. This often makes teens with problems shy away from seeking help from parents or guardians. Many rock musicians sing about real issues that teens are going through. According to the Teen Ink website, teens find hope and encouragement when they listen to music talking about problems they are going through 2. Identification with lyrics in rock songs also can help teens to become more tolerant and open-minded.

Mood Regulation

The hormonal rush associated with adolescence makes teens, especially females, prone to mood swings and depression. Positive rock music provides depressed teens with a means to forget their problems and engage in healthy activities such as dancing. A study published for the 9th International Conference on Music Perception and Cognition reports that mood regulation is one of the most important reasons why people listen to their favorite music 1. The study also reports that female teens are more likely to use music in improving their mood and dealing with interpersonal conflicts 1.

Stimulation

The strong and fast beats of rock music energize teens and make them livelier. This aspect enhances the learning environment when integrated selectively. According to John Hopkins University School of Education, rock music is useful in welcoming students, setting a learning rhythm and creating musical awareness. Rock music also increases learners’ attention during sound breaks. In physical activities, rock music is useful in setting the tempo during workouts and other intense exercises.

Identification

Identifying with members of a particular group involves having similar preference of music, language and dressing. Listening to rock music helps adolescents gain access to peer groups whose members prefer the same kind of music. This has a positive effect on the social and emotional development of teens. According to an article in the Marxist journal "Theoretical Review," punk rock music provided young people with a convenient way of expressing themselves in ways acceptable among counterparts in the 20th century.