Investigating the Influence of Melancholic Music Consumption on Mood Regulation in Young Adults with Depressive Tendencies

This review analysis investigates the extent to which melancholic music consumption influences mood regulation in young adults with depressive tendencies, employing Mood Congruency Theory (MCT) as a theoretical framework.

By synthesizing secondary experimental data, the essay examines how individual differences—specifically rumination and neuroticism—determine whether music serves an adaptive or maladaptive function. Findings indicate that while music can prolong sadness, its effects are highly conditional and often reinforce negative states in high ruminators.

The submission excels in critical evaluation, providing nuanced discussions on research limitations, including self-report bias, internal validity, and the cultural generalisability of existing psychological literature.