Young Metallers More Prone To Depression?
New research says teen metallers listen to music \'in a negative way\'
NME reports that the research, which was conducted by University of Melbourne researcher Dr Katrina McFerran, says that young people who gravitate toward heavy metal music repetitively are more likely to end up depressed.
McFerran used in depth interviews with 50 young people aged between 13 and 18, along with a national survey of 1000 young people, to compile her results.
She said of the research:
"Most young people listen to a range of music in positive ways; to block out crowds, to lift their mood or to give them energy when exercising, but young people at risk of depression are more likely to be listening to music, particularly heavy metal music, in a negative way."
She continued: "When someone listens to the same song or album of heavy metal music over and over again, they do so to isolate themselves or escape from reality. If this behavior continues over a period of time then it might indicate that this young person is suffering from depression or anxiety, and at worst, might suggest suicidal tendencies.
She added: "If parents are worried, they should ask their children questions like - how does that music make you feel? If children say the music reflects or mirrors the way they feel then ask more about what the music is saying. If listening doesn’t make them feel good about themselves, this should ring alarm bells."