Head-banging tunes can have same effect as a warm hug

Extreme music - such as heavy metal - can positively influence those experiencing anger, a study by The University of Queensland has revealed. In contrast to previous studies linking loud and chaotic music to aggression and delinquency, research by UQ's School of Psychology honours student Leah Sharman and Dr Genevieve Dingle showed listeners mostly became inspired and calmed. "We found the music regulated sadness and enhanced positive emotions," Ms Sharman said. "When experiencing anger, extreme music fans liked to listen to music that could match their anger. "The music helped them explore the full gamut of emotion they felt, but also left them feeling more active and inspired. "Results showed levels of hostility, irritability and stress decreased after music was introduced, and the most significant change reported was the level of inspiration they felt." The study was published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience and involved 39 regular listeners of extreme music, aged 18-34 years. Participants were monitored during a baseline period, after a 16-minute "anger induction".