Many people avoid songs that evoke painful memories, but scientists suggest that actively engaging with such music might help rehabilitate it. New research indicates that re-listening to these songs in happier contexts could potentially rewire the brain's associations.
Bonnie, 46, from Canberra, Australia, still avoids the Verve's 'Bitter Sweet Symphony' because it reminds her of being evicted as a teenager. Similarly, Matt, 52, an engineer in northern England, skips Neil Diamond songs after a former partner's affair was revealed. Both say they change the radio or leave places where these songs play.
According to Ilja Salakka, a doctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki, emotions link music and memories. 'Emotions play a key role in long-lasting memories generally, and since music can evoke strong emotions, it is likely that music can enhance the memory related to an event,' he said. Dr Stephanie Leal of UCLA added that the type of emotional response can dictate what is remembered.
While avoidance is common, experts suggest that repeated exposure in positive settings could help. 'The way to try is repeating it with new events that do make you happy and to hope that it overpowers and kind of reconnects your brain and rewires it to this new association,' said Leal. Prof Renee Timmers of the University of Sheffield emphasised that new associations must involve strong emotions and ideally occur in a social context.
