Young Adults, Music and Psychological Well-Being: Exploring the Prospects

Abstract

All humans across all cultures are exposed to music and potentially possess the innate ability to understand and respond to music. In this modern era, music is so pervasive it is unavoidable. The music of India is one of the oldest unbroken musical traditions in the world. Irish poet William Butler Yeats (1856-1939) a 1923 Nobel Laureate in Literature has aptly described Indian music "not an art but life itself." According to Indian philosophy, the ultimate goal of human existence is moksha, liberation of the Aatman (Soul) from the life-cycle or spiritual enlightenment; and Nadopasana (worship of sound) is taught as an important means for reaching this goal. The highest musical experience is ananda (the divine bliss). This devotional approach to music is a significant feature of Indian culture. Music is inextricably interwoven not only with ritualistic and devotional side of religious lives but also with day-to-day life experiences. Music accompanies a person from birth until death. Viewed against this background, this review paper necessitates appreciation and reflection on our everyday music engagements, which can lead us to a peaceful and meaningful life journey amidst today's stressors all around. Music is, even considering personality and health status, although less strongly, still significantly correlated with well-being. This paper discusses the research being done in the area of music psychology particularly dealing with the above-mentioned variables of interest and builds up the rationale for this study.