Psychology of Music

Scope & Guideline

Elevating the Dialogue on Music's Role in Cognitive and Social Realms

Introduction

Welcome to the Psychology of Music information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Psychology of Music, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0305-7356
PublisherSAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1973 to 2024
AbbreviationPSYCHOL MUSIC / Psychol. Music
Frequency6 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2455 TELLER RD, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91320

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Psychology of Music' aims to explore the multifaceted relationships between music and psychological processes. It publishes research that investigates how music influences and reflects human behavior, emotional states, cognitive processes, and social interactions. The journal encompasses a range of methodologies and perspectives from psychology, music education, music therapy, and performance science.
  1. Music and Emotion:
    Research focusing on how music elicits and regulates emotions, exploring the psychological mechanisms behind emotional responses to music.
  2. Music and Identity:
    Studies examining how musical engagement contributes to identity formation and maintenance, particularly in different cultural and social contexts.
  3. Music in Education:
    Investigations into the pedagogical practices and psychological impacts of music education, including student motivation, learning strategies, and emotional well-being.
  4. Music Therapy and Health:
    Research on the therapeutic applications of music, including its effects on mental health, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.
  5. Cognitive and Perceptual Processes in Music:
    Exploration of how individuals perceive, interpret, and cognitively process music, including studies on musical memory, attention, and expertise.
  6. Social and Cultural Dimensions of Music:
    Studies examining the role of music in social interactions and cultural practices, including music's influence on group identity and social cohesion.
The journal has shown a dynamic evolution in its focus areas, with several emerging themes gaining traction. These trends reflect contemporary societal issues and advancements in research methodologies.
  1. Music and Mental Health:
    An increasing number of studies explore the therapeutic benefits of music on mental health, particularly in the context of stress, anxiety, and depression, highlighting music's role in emotional regulation.
  2. Digital Music Engagement:
    Research on how digital platforms and social media impact music consumption and engagement is on the rise, reflecting changes in how individuals interact with music in a digital age.
  3. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    There is a growing trend toward interdisciplinary research that combines music psychology with fields such as neuroscience, education, and social sciences, enhancing the understanding of music's multifaceted impacts.
  4. Cultural and Social Empowerment through Music:
    Studies focusing on the role of music in cultural identity, social movements, and empowerment, particularly among marginalized groups, are increasingly prevalent.
  5. Music and Youth Development:
    Emerging research is focusing on the impact of music on youth development, particularly concerning social skills, emotional intelligence, and community engagement.

Declining or Waning

While 'Psychology of Music' continues to address a broad array of topics, certain themes appear to be diminishing in prominence within recent publications. These waning scopes may indicate shifts in research interests within the field.
  1. Traditional Music Education Methods:
    Research focusing solely on traditional pedagogical approaches to music education is becoming less prevalent, as there is a shift towards more innovative and interdisciplinary methods.
  2. Music and Gender Stereotypes:
    While previously a significant area of study, investigations specifically centered on gender stereotypes in music are appearing less frequently, possibly due to a broader focus on intersectionality.
  3. Classical Music Focus:
    There is a noticeable decline in studies exclusively examining classical music, as interest shifts towards popular and contemporary music forms and their psychological implications.
  4. Music Performance Anxiety in Isolation:
    Research concentrating solely on music performance anxiety without considering related factors such as social support and coping strategies is becoming less common, reflecting a more integrated approach to understanding this phenomenon.

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