Studies // Cited work

Toward a better understanding and conceptualization of affect self-regulation through music: A critical, integrative literature review

Baltazar, M., & Saarikallio, S. (2016). Toward a better understanding and conceptualization of affect self-regulation through music: A critical, integrative literature review.

Level D Systematic review doi:10.1177/0305735616663313

What this study supports

Supports the claim that research on affect regulation through music is conceptually inconsistent and can be organised into goals, strategies, tactics and mechanisms. A conceptual review, not a synthesis of controlled effects.

Who was studied
34 publications from 1994 to 2014 selected by systematic database search.
Design
Systematic review
Level of evidence
Cross-sectional, observational, qualitative work and narrative reviews.

Claims that rest on it

Each claim states what the site asserts, at what strength, and with what caveat.

EmpiricalLevel DConfidence MODERATE

Discharge, releasing anger or sadness through music that matches or expresses it, is described as one of several distinct music-based regulation strategies, alongside diversion, solace and working through feelings.

Scope
Strategy descriptions from qualitative research and an integrative review of 34 publications.
Caveat
The original taxonomy comes from eight adolescents, and the literature uses its terms inconsistently.

Last reviewed · Review due · music-discharge-strategy

EmpiricalLevel DConfidence MODERATE

There is insufficient evidence on whether everyday, self-directed music listening regulates emotion effectively, because most research on it is qualitative or correlational and its concepts are used inconsistently.

Scope
Self-directed music use in daily life, as distinct from structured music interventions.
Caveat
Experience-sampling and experimental studies not cited here may narrow this gap; the claim will be revisited at review.

Last reviewed · Review due · music-self-regulation-effectiveness-untested