How Sad Music Can Diminish Pain

Listening to sad music reduces pain. In an experiment, 63 participants had a specific area on their hand heated to induce a sensation similar to touching a hot cup of coffee. During this time, individuals listened to their favorite tracks or random relaxing music. The results showed that participants perceived the pain as less intense when listening to songs they chose compared to other sounds or silence. The most effective were sad songs that gave them goosebumps.