Music listening according to the iso principle modulates affective state

Abstract

Music listening can modulate affective states. Individuals can choose music that is congruent or incongruent with their current affective state. Music therapy intervention manuals suggest that individuals who suffer from mental disorders should listen to music according to the iso principle. This involves listening to music that initially matches the current affective state, and then gradually shifting to listening to music that represents a desired state. In the current study, 59 healthy participants underwent a sadness induction by being shown a movie clip designed to induce sadness. They were subsequently divided into two experimental groups: the iso group and the compensatory group. The iso group listened to a sad song first, followed by a happy song. The compensatory group listened to two happy songs. All participants rated their current affective state prior to and after the sadness induction, and after listening to each of the songs. In addition, trait affect and personality were assessed. The results indicated that the movie clip induced sadness in both experimental groups. After listening to the two songs, the iso group reported significantly lower negative affect than the compensatory group. Final affective state was related to trait affect and personality. We conclude that listening to music according to the iso principle is effective in modulating affective state. Individuals who listen to music according to the iso principle should experience changes of affect in line with the music’s affective shift.