Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

The role of rhythm and mode in emotional responses to hymn tunes

Hughes , A. G. and Lowis, M. J. (2007) The role of rhythm and mode in emotional responses to hymn tunes. The Mankind Quarterly. 42(4), pp. 441-454. 0025-2344.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: Music has been described as the language of feelings, and it is found in virtually every culture and historical period. It has also often been cited as a trigger for powerful emotional or numinous experiences, including those occurring in a religious setting. This study investigated the differential emotional-spiritual impact of hymns in major and minor modes, and triple and quadruple time, during regular Anglican church services. Significantly higher scores were obtained for hymns in triple time than in quadruple, but there was only a non-significant trend for the superiority of minor over major modes. There were no significant gender differences in scores. Specific aspects of music are difficult to partial out from the holistic composition. Rhythm has been cited as a particularly important element in excitement generation and tune recognition, but research reports are sparse. The fact that triple rhythm frees the listener from the regular beats associated with biorhythms may be a relevant factor in its emotional impact.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Elderly; Life satisfaction; Religion; Spirituality; Residential care; Coping
Subjects: M Music and Books on Music > ML Literature on music > ML3800 Philosophical and societal aspects of music > ML3830 Psychology
M Music and Books on Music > ML Literature on music > ML3800 Philosophical and societal aspects of music > ML3920 Therapeutic use of music
Creators: Hughes , Adrian G and Lowis, Michael J
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society
Date: 1 July 2007
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 441-454
Journal or Publication Title: The Mankind Quarterly
Volume: 42
Number: 4
Language: English
ISSN: 0025-2344
Status: Published / Disseminated
Refereed: Yes
Related URLs:
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/34

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