Despite popular belief, music doesn’t always enhance creativity. In fact, it can produce the opposite effect.

Researchers from Lancaster University found people who listened to music experienced a dip in creativity. This study presented participants with verbal tasks in either a quiet environment or one in which they listened to instrumental or lyrical music.

They discovered that creativity was impaired when participants listened to either kind of music compared with completing the tasks in a quiet environment.

The researchers say while music can benefit us in other ways, this study shows that it can negatively impact our creative abilities.

Source:

Lancaster University (2019, February 27). How Listening to Music ‘Significantly Impairs’ Creativity. NeuroscienceNews. Retrieved February 27, 2019 from http://neurosciencenews.com/music-creativity-10831/

 

Let’s keep in touch! Sign up to receive our newsletter:

Taylor Bennett

Taylor Bennett

Taylor Bennett is the Content Development Manager at Thriveworks. She devotes herself to distributing important information about mental health and wellbeing, writing mental health news and self-improvement tips daily. Taylor received her bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism, with minors in professional writing and leadership from Virginia Tech. She is a co-author of Leaving Depression Behind: An Interactive, Choose Your Path Book and has published content on Thought Catalog, Odyssey, and The Traveling Parent.

Check out “Leaving Depression Behind: An Interactive, Choose Your Path Book” written by AJ Centore and Taylor Bennett."

Start a Relationship with An Exceptional Counselor

  • Skilled and caring professional counselors
  • Accepting all major and most insurances
  • High-touch customer service & premium benefits
  • Same- or next-day appointments
  • Ultra-flexible 23.5hr cancellations