According to psychology, we metalheads “think more logically and in more complex terms than those who don’t listen to heavy metal.” This statement comes from Dr. Nicole Andreoli, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist who has recently provided some interesting insight into metal and those who listen to the genre.
At one point, Dr. Andreoli came across a TikTok video from user ktpineapple__ (real name Katie) where she talked about how walking into a Wal-Mart causes her stress, but listening to heavy metal relaxes her. Upon seeing this video, Dr. Andreoli felt compelled to express why Katie’s comments make total sense.
Among the several points she shares in her video, Dr. Andreoli speaks about how listening to metal has been found to reduce “cortisol levels,” which in turn helps to “lessen” stress.
Regarding Katie’s video and her psychological insight pertaining to metal’s positive impact on listeners, Dr. Andreoli shares the following (as transcribed by Metal Hammer):
“I want to explain [why] this makes total sense. Listening to any type of music can be therapeutic and can allow for an emotional release. Heavy metal is no exception.
“Heavy metal has been found to lessen negative emotions by reducing cortisol levels, which helps to lessen stress. Research has found that people who listen to heavy metal tend to think more logically and in more complex terms than those who don’t listen to heavy metal. Heavy metal has been found to help the most with focus.”
Dr. Andreoli then concludes with the following:
“Now, lyrics in heavy metal do tend to focus on rage. But there is no research linking listening to heavy metal with a desensitization to violence. … Listening to heavy metal has been found to be a positive way to process anger safely.”
What do you make of this insight provided by Dr. Andreoli? Do you agree with what she’s shared?
Study Finds Heavy Metal Lowers Blood Pressure and Decreases Stress
@ktpineapple__ Psychologists of tiktok dont come at me #metal #metalcore #metaltiktok #elderemo ♬ original sound – KatieLeigh37
@drnicole_ny #stitch with @KatieLeigh37 whats your favorite music genre?#music #musictherapy #psychology #mentalhealthtokhelps #psych #nyctherapist #mentalhealth #mentalhealthtips ♬ original sound – drnicole_ny