Link between heavy metal music, suicidal tendencies
October 25th, 2011 - 12:54 pm ICT by IANSSydney, Oct 25 (IANS) Youths repeatedly listening to heavy metal music might be suffering from suicidal tendencies, new research says.
Youths at risk of depression are likely to seek respite in heavy metal music in a bid to isolate themselves or escape from reality.
“Examples of this are when someone listens to the same song or album of heavy metal music over and over again and doesn’t listen to anything else,” said Katrina McFerran, senior lecturer in music therapy at the University of Melbourne, who conducted the study.
“If this behaviour continues for over a period of time then it might indicate that this young person is suffering from depression or anxiety, and at worst, might suggest suicidal tendencies,” said McFerran.
“But young people at risk of depression are more likely to be listening to music, particularly heavy metal music, in a negative way,” McFerran added, according to a Melbourne statement.
“The mp3 revolution means that young people are accessing music more than ever before and it’s not uncommon for some to listen to music for seven or eight hours a day,” McFerran said.
By conducting in-depth interviews with 50 young people aged between 13 and 18, along with a national survey of 1,000 young people, McFerran is looking to develop an early intervention model that can be integrated into schools to impact positively before behavioral problems occur.
Parents should be aware of their children’s music listening habits, pick up on early warning signs and take early action, McFerran said.
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