Juslin & Västfjäll

Definition

Juslin & Västfjäll refer to researchers who explored the emotional responses elicited by music, particularly through their development of a theoretical framework explaining how music can evoke feelings in listeners. Their work integrates various psychological theories and proposes that musical emotion is a complex interplay of cognitive, physiological, and contextual factors that shape an individual's emotional experience with music.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Juslin & Västfjäll developed the 'Geneva Emotional Music Scale' (GEMS) to categorize and assess the emotional responses listeners experience when engaging with music.
2. They identified several mechanisms through which music induces emotions, including brainstem reflexes, evaluative conditioning, and musical expectancy.
3. Their research highlights the importance of context and individual differences in shaping how people respond emotionally to music.
4. The work of Juslin & Västfjäll emphasizes that musical emotions can be both automatic and controlled, depending on the listener's engagement with the music.
5. They argue that the perception of emotion in music is not solely dependent on the musical elements but also influenced by personal experiences and cultural backgrounds.

Review Questions

• How do Juslin & Västfjäll's findings on emotional responses to music enhance our understanding of the relationship between music and emotion?
  • Juslin & Västfjäll's findings significantly deepen our understanding of how music evokes emotions by proposing multiple mechanisms that contribute to this process. They emphasize that emotional responses to music are not just a result of the music itself but also influenced by contextual factors and individual listener characteristics. This multifaceted approach helps explain why different listeners may have varied emotional experiences with the same piece of music.
• Discuss the significance of the Geneva Emotional Music Scale (GEMS) developed by Juslin & Västfjäll in studying musical emotions.
  • The Geneva Emotional Music Scale (GEMS) is significant because it provides a structured way to categorize and analyze the wide range of emotions elicited by music. This scale allows researchers to quantify emotional experiences and compare responses across different musical pieces and contexts. By establishing a common framework for studying musical emotions, GEMS facilitates more systematic research into how various musical elements impact emotional perception.
• Evaluate how Juslin & Västfjäll's theoretical framework can be applied to understand individual differences in emotional responses to music across cultures.
  • Juslin & Västfjäll's theoretical framework is valuable for evaluating individual differences in emotional responses to music, especially across cultures. Their emphasis on personal experience and cultural context allows researchers to examine how diverse backgrounds shape listeners' interpretations and emotional reactions. By applying their insights to cross-cultural studies, we can gain a better understanding of how cultural norms and personal histories influence the way people emotionally connect with music, leading to a richer appreciation of global musical practices.

Related terms

Aesthetic Experience:

Aesthetic experience involves the appreciation of beauty or artistic quality, often elicited by engaging with music, art, or literature.

Emotional Contagion:

Emotional contagion is the phenomenon where one person's emotions or behaviors are influenced by the emotions or behaviors of others, often seen in musical interactions.

Appraisal Theory: Appraisal theory suggests that individuals evaluate and interpret stimuli based on their personal significance, impacting their emotional responses.