And The Quest Goes On: Still Looking For Mediation Music

From Stephanie West Allen’s blog on Neuroscience and conflict resolution.

I am going to figure out how to use music in mediation. (Past posts on music and conflict resolution.) Why am I tenaciously hunting down the right music to use with people in disputes?

Take a look at this documentary "The Musical Brain." You will see how music affects us and our brains in so many dynamic and often moving ways. (And you will get to learn what music does to Sting's brain.)

For those of you interested in this topic, here's some research somewhat related to my quest. (All are PDF.)

"The Influence of Group Singing on Trust and Cooperation" (Listening to music increased trust and cooperation.)

"Music Hath Charms . . . And Can Influence Helpfulness" (US students agreed to take over another person’s work more readily, if they listened to “soothing” music.)

"The Effects of Music on Helping Behavior: A Field Study" (Users of a US university gym agreed to distribute leaflets for a sporting charity more readily if they listened to uplifting music during work-out.)

"Synchrony and Cooperation" (Suggests that "cultural practices involving synchrony (e.g., music, dance, and marching)" increases the willingness to cooperate in social dilemma games.)

                       

Stephanie West Allen

Stephanie West Allen, JD, practiced law in California for several years, held offices in local bar associations, and wrote chapters for California Continuing Education of the Bar. While in CA, Stephanie completed several five-day mediation training programs with the Center for Mediation in Law, as well as a two-year intensive… MORE >