The Impact of Background Music on Adult Listeners: A Meta-Analysis
Authors
- Juliane Kämpfe
- Peter Sedlmeier
- Frank Renkewitz
Published
- First published online: November 8, 2010
- Journal: Psychology of Music
- Volume 39, Issue 4
Abstract
- Background music effects vary widely across different behavioral and psychological outcomes.
- Overall, background music shows a null effect when averaged, but specific effects are evident when examined individually.
- Background music can be disruptive to reading processes.
- Small detrimental effects on memory noted.
- Positive impacts on emotional reactions and sports performance.
- The tempo of background music influences activity tempo.
- Calls for improved methodology in studies and more specific theories on background music effects.
Key Findings
- Disruption and Memory: Background music can disturb reading and slightly impair memory.
- Emotional and Performance Benefits: Positive emotional impacts; enhances sports performance.
- Tempo Influence: The tempo of music affects the tempo of activities performed during exposure to music.
- Methodological Quality: Emphasizes need for high-quality studies and specific theoretical development on music impacts.
Recommendations
- Development of more specific theories concerning the impact of background music.
- Improvement in methodological quality of studies to enhance understanding.
References
The meta-analysis includes studies such as:
- Effects of music on advertising, shopping behavior, exercise, and more.
- Varied influences of background music across different contexts and populations.
Authors' Affiliations
- Juliane Kämpfe: Chemnitz University of Technology, Germany
- Peter Sedlmeier: Chemnitz University of Technology, Germany
- Frank Renkewitz: University of Erfurt, Germany
Contact
Keywords
- Background music
- Effects of music
- Healthy adults
- Meta-analysis
- Methodological problems
Metrics
- Cited by numerous articles and has a high altmetric score indicating significant impact in the field.