Music, emotions, and the climate crisis
Table of contents
Project description
The climate crisis evokes a wide range of emotional responses, among others eco‑anxiety, grief, guilt, and a sense of overwhelm. These reactions are increasingly understood as appropriate and meaningful, reflecting genuine concern for environmental change. Yet they can also be challenging to navigate and may influence both well‑being and sustained engagement with climate issues.
This research examines how music shapes these emotional experiences. Rather than viewing music simply as a tool for distraction or mood repair, we investigate how people use music to process and integrate their climate‑related emotions. We are particularly interested in whether certain musical preferences or listening practices help individuals stay connected to their feelings without becoming emotionally exhausted.
Key questions include:
- How do people use music when experiencing eco‑anxiety, eco‑grief, or eco‑guilt?
- Can music support constructive engagement with climate emotions rather than suppressing them?
- Are particular types of music associated with stronger pro‑environmental attitudes or behaviors?
- How might music help sustain psychological well‑being while encouraging meaningful environmental action?
The broader aim of this work is to understand whether music can serve as a resource—one that helps individuals acknowledge and work with their climate emotions, maintain resilience, and remain engaged with environmental challenges in a sustainable and psychologically healthy way.
If you are interested in this research or would like to collaborate, you are welcome to reach out to Dr. Friederike Köhler (friederike.f.kohler@jyu.fi).
