Emotional use of music by African American adolescents

Abstract

The music industry and the media have painted a biased, monolithic, negative picture of African American adolescents, their music choices, and emotional uses of music. To further investigate this media bias and understand this relationship, African American adolescents (n = 176) were surveyed as to their emotions associated with music and their mood management uses of music, especially their favorite types of music—rap, R&B/soul, and jazz. Positive emotions, rather than negative emotions, were associated with overall music preference. Rap evoked emotions of happiness and excitement. It was used to "get pumped up." R&B/soul was most related to grief, anger, and pride. Jazz evoked similar emotions with the addition of pride, hope, and confidence. Jazz was also used to strengthen moods and was related to age. A model of music use for mood management is suggested. Key terms: African Americansmusicemotionsadolescentsrapjazz