Your Musical Self

Using music to learn, heal, and live

Personality
6 Ways Music Can Be Damaging

Kimberly Sena Moore Ph.D. on September 30, 2020

There's little doubt of music's benefits, but can there be negative effects as well? A new model helps us make sense of music-induced harm.

There's little doubt of music's benefits, but can there be negative effects as well? A new model helps us make sense of music-induced harm.

Neuroscience
Is Hearing the Last to Go?

Kimberly Sena Moore Ph.D. on August 26, 2020

Hospice professionals and recipients of hospice services say hearing is that last to go. But is that true? New evidence indicates yes.

Hospice professionals and recipients of hospice services say hearing is that last to go. But is that true? New evidence indicates yes.

Bias
Wait...Music Can Be Racist?

Kimberly Sena Moore Ph.D. on July 22, 2020

Can music help us live as a society that embraces diverse persons, cultures, and lifestyles? Here are some thoughts to get started.

Can music help us live as a society that embraces diverse persons, cultures, and lifestyles? Here are some thoughts to get started.

Depression
What Makes Sad Music… Sad?

Kimberly Sena Moore Ph.D. on September 22, 2017

How does music make us feel? Research helps explain how the structure of music itself can be arranged to express emotions.

How does music make us feel? Research helps explain how the structure of music itself can be arranged to express emotions.

Motivation
Music to Motivate Exercise

Kimberly Sena Moore Ph.D. on July 28, 2017

Does music listening actually improve exercise? Research helps explain the role of music for entrainment, mood, and overall motivation to participate (and adhere) to exercise.

Does music listening actually improve exercise? Research helps explain the role of music for entrainment, mood, and overall motivation to participate (and adhere) to exercise.

Play
The Subtle Impact of “Pomp and Circumstance”

Kimberly Sena Moore Ph.D. on May 12, 2017

You can’t attend graduation without hearing Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance” trio. Here’s four reasons why this tune remains a significant part of the commencement experience.

You can’t attend graduation without hearing Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance” trio. Here’s four reasons why this tune remains a significant part of the commencement experience.

Identity
Patriotic Music and Cultural Identity

Kimberly Sena Moore Ph.D. on June 30, 2016

How is it that music can be such a strong carrier of cultural identity? Examining music’s function in our lives may provide a clue.

How is it that music can be such a strong carrier of cultural identity? Examining music’s function in our lives may provide a clue.

Back
Back
Find a Therapist
Back
Get Help
Back
Magazine
March 2026 magazine cover
March 2026
The Friend Effect

Having friends protects you in multiple ways, from slowing cellular aging to deterring bullies to bolstering your self-esteem.

Subscribe Issue Archive
Back
Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

Self Assessments
Quizzes