Knowledge Bank

Listening to music can influence brain regions that both perform executive functions and maintain overall well-being. When it comes to listening to music on a daily basis, it can be categorized into three main groups, including cognitive/ intellectual, emotional, and background listening. Interestingly, higher resting high frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) is associated with better executive brain function and thus, both cognitive and emotional regulation, in addition to well-being. While previous studies have examined the impact of music on resting HF-HRV, no study has examined the association between one’s resting HF-HRV and their music listening tendencies. Therefore, the current study examined this direct correlation. In a sample of 79 undergraduate participants, resting HF-HRV was collected during a 5-minute resting baseline period. Participants then completed a questionnaire that examined one’s varying music listening preferences in the three previously mentioned categories. Results showed that a greater tendency to listen to music was significantly associated with higher resting HF-HRV (r = .264, p = .019), especially in a cognitive way (r = .274, p = .015). These correlations remained significant while controlling for age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index, and respiration (cognitive: r = .290, p = .014; total: r = .240, p = .042). Overall, my results suggest that resting HF-HRV can predict the general tendency to listen to music, especially in a cognitive manner.