Can Music Help Us Feel Less Alone? Here’s What Research Says
Dr. Concetta Tomaino Explores Music's Power to Combat Loneliness and Foster Connection
Can music help us feel less alone? Our Executive Director, Dr. Concetta Tomaino, recently discussed with developers of the music app, Spiritune. The interview delves into the powerful ways music can help combat the global loneliness crisis, providing both scientific and anecdotal evidence of music’s unique ability to foster connection and community.
Key Findings:
- Oxytocin Release: Music has been shown to increase levels of oxytocin, the “love hormone,” fostering trust, generosity, and reducing stress and anxiety.
- Enhanced Empathy: Studies demonstrate that music can significantly improve empathy, allowing us to relate to others' emotions.
- Experiencing Awe: Music often elicits awe, expanding our perspective and promoting generosity and humility.
- Synchronization: Shared musical experiences synchronize heart rates and movements, enhancing feelings of connection even among strangers.
Curious about why music bonds us so deeply? Dr. Tomaino explains how music's ability to evoke powerful emotions, such as joy or melancholy, can create profound empathetic connections. Learn how these emotional experiences through music can help address the global loneliness crisis and bring people closer together.
In light of the ongoing loneliness epidemic, exacerbated by COVID-19, Dr. Tomaino advocates for the use of “music prescriptions” as a preventative mental health measure. She encourages everyone to engage with their local musical communities or simply enjoy their favorite tunes to combat feelings of isolation.
For those seeking a guided musical journey towards connection, the Spiritune app offers compositions designed with neuroscience and music therapy principles. Download Spiritune on the App Store or Google Play to explore how music can enhance your sense of community and well-being.
Read the full interview on Spiritune's website.
