The Biology of Sadness

When individuals face loss, their bodies initiate a “consoling reaction,” releasing hormones like oxytocin and prolactin, which help mitigate anxiety. This physiological response can provide comfort during grief, as evidenced by the presence of these hormones in tears—suggesting that a “good cry” can be therapeutic.

A recent study conducted by David Huron, a music cognition expert at Ohio State University, posits that listening to sad music may trigger prolactin release, producing a soothing psychological effect. However, substantial evidence to back Huron's theory remains elusive. For instance, a 2019 study found that sad music did not elevate prolactin levels in participants.

Empathy, Nostalgia, and Emotional Exploration

In his work Poetics, Aristotle suggested that tragedy elicits “terror and pity,” facilitating emotional catharsis for the audience. Shahram Heshmat, a professor at the University of Illinois, notes that sad music can evoke emotions indirectly, allowing listeners to confront their negative feelings in a secure environment. Similarly, Simon McCarthy-Jones from Trinity College refers to sad music as an “emotional gym,” enabling individuals to explore their responses to sorrow. A 2013 study revealed that listeners do not necessarily feel sad while engaging with melancholic melodies; instead, they resonate with the emotions expressed by the composer.

As American author James Baldwin articulated, the struggles that torment us can connect us deeply with others. Recent research led by Dr. Joshua Knobe at Yale University suggests that sad songs can alleviate feelings of loneliness, particularly for those facing hardships, by providing emotional solace. Dr. Tuomas Eerola, a music cognition professor at Durham University, discovered that empathetic individuals are more likely to be affected by sad music. His research indicated that those with higher emotional insight experience greater pleasure from melancholy tunes, as empathy fosters a sense of belonging and peace.

Interestingly, only a minority of listeners report feeling sad while enjoying gloomy music. Many instead experience nostalgia or “sweet sorrow,” wherein melancholic melodies prompt reflections on cherished memories or loved ones, offering comfort and connection. This may elucidate why individuals are drawn to the “bittersweet sadness” that sad music evokes.

Aesthetic Appreciation of Sadness

Dr. Knobe's research revealed that people often attribute greater artistic value to emotionally charged yet technically flawed songs than to those that are merely polished. Throughout Western history, sadness has been associated with artistic excellence. During the Renaissance, for instance, the concept of the “melancholic genius” emerged. Dr. Eerola emphasizes that understanding this historical link is crucial for comprehending the paradox of “pleasurable sadness.”

Furthermore, a study by scientists from the Free University of Berlin categorized listeners' emotional responses to sad music as “sublime.” Adrian North, who heads the School of Psychology and Speech Pathology at Curtin University, contends that melancholic melodies evoke feelings of awe and transcendence. The reflective nature of sad music often suggests that the composer is attempting to convey profound insights about art, life, and the human condition, which may explain why many find joy in listening to such tunes.

Despite the increasing body of research on the beauty of sad music, the “paradox of pleasurable sadness” remains unresolved. Future studies may further illuminate the allure of melancholic melodies, yet it can also be argued that the essence of music lies in its capacity to connect individuals to their innermost selves, fostering a transcendent experience that defies simple explanation.

As philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer once said, “The true work of art leads us from that which exists only once to that which exists perpetually and time and again in innumerable manifestations.”

Section 1.1: The Psychological Impact of Sad Music