Theories of Emotion in Music

Theories of emotion in music explore how music triggers feelings. The **listening theory** suggests music causes emotions by mimicking real-life situations. The **cognitive appraisal theory** proposes emotions result from how we interpret music’s meaning. The **conditioning theory** indicates past experiences shape emotional responses to music. The **arousal and mood regulation theory** argues music influences arousal levels and mood, helping us process feelings. These theories explain that music can evoke emotions through mental interpretation, physiological responses, or a combination of both, highlighting music’s powerful connection to human emotional experience.