There’s scientific evidence to support what a lot of us have thought: Listening to music, particularly songs with a heavy bass line, may make a person feel more powerful.
Scientists at Northwestern University first conducted a pre-test, in which they asked participants to listen to 30-second clips of 31 different songs from various genres. The researchers then rated the most and least powerful songs, based on how powerful the participants said the songs made them feel.
Next, the researchers observed how the highest and lowest power songs influenced the participants’ psychological and behavioral sense of power by having them carry out certain tasks. The participants were also asked about the feelings they experienced while carrying out the tasks.
The results of the study, published in the journal Social Psychological & Personality Science, revealed that when the participants listened to the songs rated most powerful, they felt the highest sense of power. Songs rated as most powerful included “We Will Rock You” by Queen and “Get Ready For This” by 2 Unlimited, while those found to be least empowering included “Because We Can” by Fatboy Slim and “Who Let the Dogs Out?” by Baha Men.
The study suggests that listening to a favorite song may help people feel empowered and more confident before going into an intimidating situation.
Source: health central