Does Listening to Sad Songs Actually Make Us Feel Better

Let’s picture this: It has been a rough day. You are feeling down and instead of reaching for something that lifts your mood instantly, you find yourself playing a sad song. Counterintuitive, right? Why would you choose to immerse yourself in sadness when you are already feeling low? Well, this is where science surprises you! According to a detailed study conducted by researchers Liila Taruffi and Stefan Koelsch from the Free University of Berlin, it was found out that listening to sad music has the power to boost your mood- and not worsen it. Welcome to the world of music therapy, where sad songs provide you the much-needed comfort, catharsis, and sometimes, even a bit of joy.  

So, what’s going on when you hit the “play” button?  

The Psychology Behind Sad Songs 

Taruffi and Koelsch’s study called participants to recall the emotions they usually experience when listening to sad music. Such feelings could be nostalgia, sadness, wonder, and even power. Interestingly, the topmost emotion reported by people was not sadness- it was nostalgia.  

This was followed by feelings of peacefulness and tenderness, painting a much more complex picture that goes beyond simply sorrow and despair. It turns out, the feelings triggered by sad songs often fall under the “sublime” category- emotions that may feel heavy but are always tinged with beauty.  

Sad Songs as Emotional Rewards 

The study also found out that people tend to turn to sad music to experience specific emotional rewards. Think of it this way: a sad song acts like your friend who gets you- someone who has been exactly where you are. When you listen to these songs, it lets you connect with your emotions without feeling vulnerable or judged. Instead of increasing your sadness, it gives you a release. It feels like letting out a big sigh.  

In fact, research also suggests that sad songs promote skills like empathy, imagination, and emotional regulation. So, when you feel low, listening to something that matches your mood helps you better process your feelings in a healthy way, giving you a small but meaningful boost. For many people, this effect is like a form of music therapy, offering you an accessible way of experiencing relief and emotional regulation outside the boundaries of formal counselling sessions.  

The Power of Nostalgia 

Why do sad songs bring up such deep feelings? Nostalgia is surely one reason. Think back to your college days- remember playing Hello by Adele on repeat after a tough breakup? Years later, that song might still trigger those memories, only now it may bring a smile on your face instead of tears. This is because music is very closely linked to our memories and emotions. As soon as you hear those familiar notes, you feel like travelling back in time.  

Sad Songs: Not Just a Psychological Thing—There’s Biology, Too 

As interesting as it may sound, sad music does not just play on our psychology; it impacts us biologically as well. When you listen to sad music, your brain begins to release a hormone called prolactin, which has a soothing effect on you. It feels like your brain is trying to comfort you through a kind of ‘emotional shield’. So, even though the song may be sad, the resulting effect is undoubtedly a calming effect.  

The Shared Connection in Sadness 

Another big reason for turning to sad music is to develop a sense of connection. When you are down, it is easy to feel like no one understands what you have been going through. A sad song instantly changes this. It’s a reminder to yourself that others feel the same thing that you have been feeling.  

Finding Beauty in Sadness 

Sad music also tends to have high aesthetic value. There’s something about a slow, soulful tune that captures the rawness of emotions in a beautiful, relatable way. Researchers Annemieke J.M. Van den Tol and Jane Edwards have found out that the more beautiful a song is, the easier it is to focus on it- and to feel the release that comes with confronting our emotions.  

Sad Music in Therapy and Counseling 

It’s no wonder, then, that mental health professionals are reading about sad music in music therapy and incorporating it as a supportive tool in counselling sessions. Sad music helps listeners connect with deeper emotions and process complex feelings, therapists tend to use it to help their patients explore difficult memories and deal with stress.

Next Time You’re Down, Try a Sad Song 

When life gets tough, sometimes we all need to have a good cry or a nostalgic throwback. It’s a healthy way to process emotions without brushing them aside. Son, the next time you are feeling down, do not be afraid to queue up for that sad song playlist. It might just be the boost your heart needs, even if it’s in the form of a tear or two.