The Role of Music in Coping with Chronic Diseases: Analyzing the 130 Lyrics Phenomenon
Living with a chronic disease can be difficult, both physically and emotionally. While medication and therapy can help manage the physical aspects, the emotional toll can be harder to navigate. That’s where music comes in. Over the years, music has been said to have therapeutic effects on individuals – prominently seen in the 130 lyrics phenomenon.
What is the 130 Lyrics Phenomenon?
In 2016, a Scottish research team discovered that listening to your favorite music can reduce chronic pain by up to 21%, and the effect of music on treating depression is almost equal to that of behavioral therapies. But, having a favorite piece may not be enough – according to the 130 lyrics phenomenon. This phenomenon, as its name suggests, recommends listening to a piece of music that you are fond of, a minimum of 130 times over a considerable period.
Why does it work?
While the research behind it is still in its infancy, various theories have tried to explain this phenomenon. Firstly, is the role of dopamine – the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. According to Dr. Daniel Levitin, a neuroscientist and author, music exposure can help boost the production of dopamine and thus stimulate positive emotions. Secondly, music can help distract the brain from chronic pain. According to a study in the Pain Management Nursing journal, patients who listened to music while changing the dressings of their wounds experienced less pain.
What are the other benefits?
Aside from reducing chronic pain, music has also been seen to have several other benefits on individuals coping with chronic diseases. A systematic review conducted in 2020 found that musical interventions have evidence of effectiveness on anxiety, depression, fatigue, and quality of life in those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Similarly, music therapy was found to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms among cancer patients, according to a 2021 study published in the Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment Journal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, music can be a powerful tool for those trying to cope with chronic diseases. While we may not have a full understanding of the underlying mechanism, the fact remains that listening to music has been shown to improve an individual’s mood, reduce pain and anxiety, and provide an overall sense of well-being. As such, it should come as no surprise that care providers are increasingly turning to music therapy to alleviate symptoms of chronic diseases.
