4. Emotional Apathy versus plain Sadness
Sad music elicits feelings such as nostalgia, marvel, and tranquility and not so much plain sadness. One study identified nostalgia specifically as the number one emotional response to sad music
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5. Safe Emotion Exploration & Mood Regulation
Sad music gives us permission to sit with a difficult emotion in a controlled circumstance. Thinking of it as a form of emotion exposure therapy allows us to feel pain, weep, contemplate, and heal .
6. Empathy & "Imaginary Companionship"
Individuals high in empathy report experiencing more pleasure in sad music. They believe they feel a compassionate connection to either the song or the performer. It is as if an acquaintance is singing to another friend, “I get it”
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. Sad music appears to act as a validating imaginary friend when feeling lonely.