Aesthetic Responses and Earliest Memories: The Differences Between Music and Literature

Abstract

Aesthetic responses to music involve intense emotions that may be mitigated by musical training. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether early or intense music memory and accessibility differed from literature memories and whether such reactions were differentiated by music training in college students (n = 90). Results showed no statistically significant differences among early or intense music and literature comparisons for analyses of music training or intensity ratings. Subjects used significantly more words to refer to music than to literature memories. Negative anecdotes were more likely for intense, rather than for early, memories. Literary memories were tied to specific books and authors, and music memories were triggered more often by the emotional context than by a specific composition.

Notes

Note. ∗significant difference from same variable in intense literature category. ∧significant difference from same variable in early literature category. ^#significant interaction for nonmusic majors on this variable.