"Hey Jude, don't make it bad, take a sad song, and make it better" : the use of music through personal difficulties

Abstract

Music is perceived by many as being useful when it comes to coping with personal difficulties. This study's aim was to explore people's uses of music and to gain a deeper insight on why they find it to be of help. In order to achieve this, six semi-structured interviews were conducted on people who have used music through personal difficulties. The data was analysed using Thematic Analysis. Findings suggest that people listen to music in order to achieve numerous goals which include controlling thoughts, enhancing mood, controlling the environment, amongst others. The individuals who use music to achieve these goals usually engage in several behavioural tendencies as well as experience internal processes or beliefs that contribute to achieving these goals. Last but not least, the participants perceive music as being helpful in a number of domains which will be discussed in greater detail throughout this research study.