An Analysis of Music Listening Behavior as it Relates to Addiction.
Mosk, Mitchell S.
2014
- Abstract: The current body of work on music and music listening’s effects on brain and behavior suggests that a subset of the population is susceptible to a music listening addiction. This paper provides a framework for music listening addiction (MLA) as a neurological, physiological, and behavioral affliction similar to recognized substance and behavioral addiction disorders. A comparative analysis ... read moreof the neurochemistries of addiction and music listening indicates areas of overlap. These shared neurochemical activations should theoretically manifest themselves in similar behavioral symptoms. However, a standardized method of quantifying MLA behavioral symptoms does not yet exist. The Music Listening Addiction Symptoms Test (MLAST), a questionnaire utilizing a self-report method of testing, was distributed amongst a sample population. The MLAST found evidence for the presence of MLA within the population, but it proved to be a poor means of analyzing the effects of MLA. Nevertheless, MLA seems to pose little danger to the individual while music is accessible. Alternative studies of music listening are proposed, and the implications of MLA for the individual and for society are discussed. With few inherently harmful effects, MLA may be viewed as a positive addiction. However, while it is not indicative of risky behavior in most situations, MLA can be significantly harmful and destructive and must be taken seriously. Further neurological and behavioral research is necessary for the continued development of the MLA framework.read less
- ID:
- sb397m352
- Component ID:
- tufts:sd.0000078
- To Cite:
- TARC Citation Guide EndNote
