why do we get chills during certain songs when we are anxious?

The Deep Dive

The fascinating phenomenon of getting 'chills' or 'frisson' from music, particularly when heightened by anxiety, is rooted in complex neurobiological processes. When we listen to music we find emotionally moving, our brains activate the mesolimbic pathway, a core component of the reward system. This pathway involves the nucleus accumbens, a key pleasure center, which releases dopamine in anticipation of and during peak emotional moments in a song. This dopamine release is similar to what occurs with other pleasurable activities like eating or sex. Concurrently, the brain also releases endogenous opioids, natural pain-relieving and mood-boosting chemicals, contributing to the profound sense of well-being or catharsis. The physiological manifestation of chills – piloerection (goosebumps), a shiver down the spine, and sometimes a tingling sensation – is an ancient, vestigial response linked to our mammalian ancestors. In colder climates or during perceived threats, raising hair would trap warm air or make an animal appear larger. While music presents no physical threat, its emotional intensity, particularly during moments of anticipation and resolution, can hijack these primal circuits. When a person is already experiencing anxiety, their autonomic nervous system is often on high alert, making them more physiologically primed to react strongly to emotional stimuli, amplifying the frisson experience.

Why It Matters

Understanding why we get chills from music, especially when anxious, offers profound insights into the human brain's emotional processing and the power of sound. This knowledge is crucial for music therapists who leverage music's ability to regulate mood and provide emotional release for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma. It also sheds light on the evolutionary significance of music, suggesting it taps into fundamental survival mechanisms related to reward and threat. For composers and performers, knowing how musical structures evoke such strong physiological responses allows for the deliberate crafting of emotionally impactful pieces. Ultimately, it underscores music's unique capacity to connect with our deepest emotional and physiological states, making it a universal and indispensable part of the human experience.

Common Misconceptions

A common misconception is that musical chills only occur with sad or melancholic music. While such music can certainly evoke frisson, the phenomenon is not limited to any single emotion or genre. Chills can be triggered by moments of triumph, beauty, awe, or even intense rhythmic patterns, as long as the music creates a strong emotional connection and builds anticipation. Another myth is that chills are purely a psychological reaction with no physical basis. In reality, frisson is a measurable physiological response involving changes in heart rate, skin conductance, and brain activity, specifically dopamine release in the reward system. It's a complex interplay between our emotional brain and our autonomic nervous system, not merely a subjective 'feeling.'

Fun Facts

• Approximately two-thirds of the population experiences musical frisson regularly.
• People who are more open to new experiences and have a greater capacity for emotional immersion are more likely to experience musical chills.