Atkinson, Priscilla J

English

Georgia State University

Feeling Stressed? Play a Tune: The Controversial Benefits of Music 
By Priscilla Atkinson 
Undergraduate Research Conference 
February 1, 2013 
The use of music to bring physical and psychological healing is controversial.  In this paper, I present 
research that explains the relationship between various types of ailments and music. In particular, 
supporting evidence from current professionals in both the psychological and medical fields explains the 
contrasts and similarities between the types of music therapy treatments.  Music is analyzed as an 
expressive medium for those physically incapable of communicating verbally, while also serving as a 
cathartic medium that forces patients suffering from mental trauma to open up. In addition, it helps 
progress the process of recovery from substance abuse.  I also emphasize that musical therapy’s 
benefits are not just for those who suffer from mental illness. Music can be emotionally and physically 
appreciated by any individual—from the hospital patient who finds it soothing while undergoing surgery 
to the teenager who plays it while driving their car.  This research also incorporates the original theories 
of Leonard James Corning, credited as the pioneer of music therapy, whose experiments later became 
the foundation for other scientists. His findings confirmed the correlation between emotions and our 
physiological response to music as a stimulus. I conclude my research by arguing that music exists to 
benefit us. 
 
 
 
 


Stressed? Play a Tune: The Controversial Benefits of Music

ScholarWorks @ Georgia State University

Feeling Stressed? Play a Tune: The Controversial Benefits of Music By Priscilla Atkinson Undergraduate Research Conference February 1, 2013 The use of music to bring physical and psychological healing is controversial.  In this paper, I present research that explains the relationship between various types of ailments and music. In particular, supporting evidence from current professionals in both the psychological and medical fields explains the contrasts and similarities between the types of music therapy treatments.  Music is analyzed as an expressive medium for those physically incapable of communicating verbally, while also serving as a cathartic medium that forces patients suffering from mental trauma to open up. In addition, it helps progress the process of recovery from substance abuse.  I also emphasize that musical therapy’s benefits are not just for those who suffer from mental illness. Music can be emotionally and physically appreciated by any individual—from the hospital patient who finds it soothing while undergoing surgery to the teenager who plays it while driving their car.  This research also incorporates the original theories of Leonard James Corning, credited as the pioneer of music therapy, whose experiments later became the foundation for other scientists. His findings confirmed the correlation between emotions and our physiological response to music as a stimulus. I conclude my research by arguing that music exists to benefit us.     

https://scholarworks.gsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1143&amp;context=gsurc

Stressed? Play a Tune: The Controversial Benefits of Music

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