“When It Hits, You Feel No Pain:” Finding “The Good Things” in Music: Trauma, Identity, and Collective Healing

Abstract

Music is a universal aspect of human culture, and yet one could argue that we still do not fully understand its potential, its ubiquitous nature, or its power. Music has been shown to help us relax, evoke many different emotions and help regulate our mood. It has assumed an integral role in our cultural and social development, weaving its way into the fabric of our identities and societies. Studies have shown that music can help heal trauma in clinical settings. It’s also been observed in many cultures that people tend to gravitate towards music after painful experiences. This paper attempts to explain how music is incorporated into successful forms of clinical and natural therapy by examining its evolution and functions. To conclude, it will attempt to assert what the field of music psychology stands to gain by considering the questions of culture and collective healing, in addressing them through interdisciplinary perspectives.