Psychologists Explain Why We Love Breakup Songs
Psychologists and cognitive scientists confirm that listening to songs about relationships gone wrong can benefit the heartbroken.
“When people have a romantic breakup, they feel very alone in their experience,” said David Sbarra, who is a professor of psychology at the University of Arizona. Dr. Sbarra studies marital separation and divorce, as well as their affects on health. “They feel very isolated and think that the unique individual circumstances that characterized their breakup are particularly terrible.”
After examining Olivia Rodrigo song lyrics, he concluded, “Songs play a powerful role in normalizing our experience, in making us feel that we are not this weird, unusual, distorted kind of person.” & this catharsis extends to the likes of Adele, Taylor Swift, and more - sad songs can truly help people distance themselves from the emotional pain over time.
For more insights from Dr. Sbarra and other professionals:
Updated: 05/16/24